Insights & Innovators Podcast from MRII

The Evolution of Market Research to Today with Dr. Marcus Cunha, University of Georgia

In this episode of the MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast, host Jon Last, President at Sports and Leisure Research Group, speaks with Dr. Marcus Cunha Jr., Director of the University of Georgia's Masters of Marketing Research Program. They discuss the transformative changes in the market research industry over the past few decades, including the democratization of research tools, the shift from statistical analysis to business insights, and the evolving skill sets required for success. They also explore the impact of AI on the industry and the importance of linking research to ROI to avoid becoming a cost center. Marcus emphasizes the need for practical, hands-on education and the future role of AI as a productivity tool rather than a replacement for human insight.
 
00:00 Introduction to MRII's Insights and Innovators Podcast
00:37 Guest Introduction: Dr. Marcus Cunha Jr.
01:25 Evolution of Market Research
05:40 Skills for Today's Successful Researcher
08:47 Transformations in Training and Education
14:39 Future of Market Research and AI
18:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

From Capital Raising to Integration: A Deep Dive into M&A with Jeff Krentz

Join us for an enlightening episode of MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast, featuring a conversation with Jeff Krentz, a seasoned expert in mergers and acquisitions within the market research industry. Hosted by Katie Gross, the discussion delves into the nuances of raising capital, the importance of product-market fit, and strategic decisions companies must make between organic growth and acquisitions.
Krentz shares valuable insights on the essential factors that drive successful investments, how to attract the right investors, and the dynamic balance required during company growth and integration. Learn about the transformative impact of the acquisition of TNS by Kantar, and the critical elements that contribute to successful mergers.
Whether you're involved in leadership, analysis, or just entering the industry, this episode provides key takeaways on facing mergers with optimism and adaptability, ensuring you seize opportunities presented by industry changes. Dive into the future of market research and what trends lie ahead.

From Market Researcher to Investment Banker with Sima Vasa, Managing Director at Oberon Securities

The market research industry is far from homogenous. There are many different business models within it. Sima Vasa, Managing Director at Oberon Securities began as a market research analyst and became an investment banker. That switch means she looks at business models, leadership, and the fundamentals of market research firms through a new lens. Learn how to think like an investment banker. 

The Entrepreneurship Journey in Market Research with Vivek Bhaskaran, Founder & CEO QuestionPro

How do we get customers? How do we lean into our strengths? These are some of the questions that Vivek Bhaskaran, Founder & CEO QuestionPro talks about in his journey to building his own company and business. Is building great software and launching globally still possible versus in a specific market? Learn lessons in entrepreneurship in the market research industry. 

What Does Leadership Look Like Today and Tomorrow with Crispin Beale, Insight250

How can we celebrate the innovators and leaders in Market Research? Crispin Beale, CEO of Insight250 and Group President of Behaviorally, has created the main platform for identifying these leaders. Jon Last, President at Sports and Leisure Research Group, talks with Crispin to understand how Insight250 works and how important it is for driving innovation and leadership in the industry. 

Research at the Strategy Table with Brett Townsend, Quester

Is Research on the Brink? That’s the title of the new book from Brett Townsend, SVP of Strategy at Quester. Jon Last, President at Sports and Leisure Research Group, talks with Brett about how the industry has changed or needs to change from its academic roots to a discipline that drives business impact. 

Transforming Market Research in Big Companies with Stephan Gans, Pepsico

Is there a consumer insights revolution, and will that change how multinational corporations do research? Stephan Gans, SVP, Chief Consumer Insights and Analytics Officer at Pepsico, wrote the book, The Consumer Insights Revolution. Stan Sthanunathan, CEO i-Genie.AI talks with Stephan about future-proofing your business through the control of data and tools. 

Five Lessons from a Market Research Entrepreneur with Dan Coates, YPulse

A veteran entrepreneur of five startups, Dan Coates, CEO of YPulse, shares the rollercoaster ride of starting research businesses. Join Katie Gross, Chief Customer Officer at Suzy as she talks with Dan about the skills needed to start and run a business. Dan shares about adapting to cultural and market changes, including the shortening attention span for young people, the sweet spot of his current business, YPulse.