Insights & Innovators Podcast from MRII
Data and insights have become the required superpowers of growth companies. No matter what peak or trough the economy is in, business leaders need actionable insights to grow markets, engage customers, and make smart strategic decisions. And research professionals need skills and insights to grow their strategic seat at the table. MRII’s Insights & Innovators talks to today’s top experts and innovators to chart a path for the role, the research methods of tomorrow, and the growing importance of the researcher to business success.
Episodes
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
What the C-Suite Values in Insights with Wella’s Chris Chesebro
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Discover how insights and analytics shape decision-making at the C-suite level in this episode of MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast. Katie Gross, president of Suzy, hosts Chris Chesebro, Global Chief Digital Officer at Wella Company. They explore how data-driven strategies impact big-picture brand strategy and day-to-day operations in a fast-changing digital world. Learn about Wella's digital pillars, the balance between data and human intuition, and how insights can significantly influence business growth and consumer engagement. This episode is a must-listen for market research professionals aiming to make a strategic impact.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:34 Meet the Host and Guest
01:37 Role of Insights in Decision Making
01:59 Three Pillars of Digital at Wella
03:01 Data-Driven Decision Making
06:41 Real-World Examples of Insights Impact
11:25 Qualities of a Good Insights Professional
14:46 Delivering Insights Effectively
17:15 Conversational AI and Its Impact
20:24 Future of Insights and AI
23:33 Advice for Insights Professionals
25:41 Conclusion and Farewell
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
How are industry icons like Tod Johnson and Karyn Schoenbart paving the way for the next generation of research tech? As Co-Founders of Duo Partners Consulting, they share their perspectives on innovation in the research space, the challenges of data quality and fraud, and the exciting developments they foresee. Discover the types of disruptive data companies they are investing in and the qualities they look for in successful ventures. Dive into their views on AI's role and the future trends set to shape market research. Join our host, Katie Gross, President of Suzy, as she unravels these critical insights.
00:00 Introduction to MRII's Insights and Innovators Podcast
00:36 Meet the Guests: Tod Johnson and Karyn Schoenbart
01:36 Duo Partners: Investing in Disruptive Tech
03:07 Evaluating and Supporting New Ventures
06:52 Examples of Disruptive Companies
12:48 Data Quality and Fraud in Market Research
18:15 Future Trends in Market Research and Data Analytics
21:47 Advice for Newcomers in the Industry
23:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Explore the transformation of market research techniques and the role of AI in the latest episode of MRII’s Insights and Innovators podcast. Join Jon Last, President of Sports and Leisure Research Group, as he talks with Bryan Orme, CEO of Sawtooth Software. Bryan shares his journey in data collection and analytics, the technological evolution in market research, and essential skills for future researchers. From the days of phone surveys to today's AI-enhanced methodologies, don't miss this engaging discussion on how technology is shaping the future of our industry.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:26 Meet Brian Orme: A Pioneer in Data Collection and Analytics
01:53 Brian Orme's Journey to Sawtooth Software
04:51 Evolution of Data Collection Methods
09:28 The Impact of AI on Market Research
13:02 Skills for Future Insights Professionals
16:50 Leadership and Work Culture in Modern Organizations
20:38 Conclusion and Farewell
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Discover the steadfast skills and perspectives that make an insights professional truly effective with Ravi Parmaswar, President at Kastu Analytics, and host Jon Last, President at Sports and Leisure Research Group. In this episode, Ravi reflects on his varied career at global Fortune 100 organizations and shares key highlights, including the importance of taking career risks and fostering future-proofing strategies. Ravi delves into leadership evolution and offers advice for next-generation leaders, emphasizing continuous learning, taking risks, and cultivating people. They also explore global business dynamics and the future of the research profession in a data-driven world.
00:00 Introduction to Ravi Parmaswar
00:57 Key Skills for Insights Professionals
03:28 Career Highlights and 2 Percent Moments
05:13 Leadership and Continuous Learning
06:54 Future of Research and Insights
10:09 Cross-Cultural Interactions and Advice
12:57 Reflections and Advice to Younger Self
15:51 Looking Ahead: The Future of the Industry
18:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
Is there a disconnect between research suppliers and clients in today's market research landscape? In this episode of MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast, Jon Last, President of Sports and Leisure Research Group, interviews Steve Quirk, President of Quirk’s Media. They discuss the challenges brands face with the proliferation of research platforms, the importance of articulating a clear value proposition, and the impact of private equity on the industry. Learn about the skills future market researchers will need and the potential for AI and other technologies to reshape the field. Click subscribe to never miss an episode and visit us at mrii.org for more market research insights.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:26 Meet the Guest: Steve Quirk
01:36 The Disconnect Between Buyers and Sellers of Insights
04:58 Challenges in the Market Research Industry
06:16 Impact of Private Equity on Market Research
09:00 The Role of ResTech and AI in Market Research
16:44 The Future of Market Research Skills
18:59 Predictions for the Next Decade in Market Research
22:55 Conclusion and Farewell
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Can synthetic audiences reshape market research? Find out as Katie Gross, President of Suzy, speaks with Patrick Comer, Group CEO at Cint & Founder at Lucid. They discuss the innovative shifts in the industry, including the rise of AI, the importance of data quality, and the future of synthetic data. Comer shares how companies can stay ahead with AI advancements, the significance of trust and transparency in data handling, and his predictions for research technology in 2025. Tune in for practical insights and strategies from leading professionals in the field.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:35 Meet the Guest: Patrick Comer
01:26 The Evolution of Market Research
03:14 Defining ResTech
05:43 Data Quality in 2025
08:08 Privacy and Data Clean Rooms
10:06 Synthetic Audiences and AI Moderators
17:33 Quick Fire Round
20:21 Conclusion and Call to Action
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Building a Disruptive Brand in an Established Industry with Matt Britton at Suzy
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Discover the secrets behind building a disruptive brand with Matt Britton, Founder & CEO of Suzy, on the latest episode of the Insights and Innovators podcast. Hosted by Katie Gross, President of Suzy, this episode delves into Matt's journey from the early days of the internet to the current landscape shaped by AI. Hear practical insights on how to help brands adapt to constant change, the philosophy of consumer-first strategy, and the unique challenges of the B2B market. Learn why doing the work and understanding your consumer is crucial, and get a fresh perspective on how AI is changing the dynamics of the industry.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:34 Meet the Guest: Matt Britton
01:01 Lessons from a Serial Brand Builder
03:14 The Birth of Mr. Youth
04:52 Navigating the Digital Marketing Landscape
07:28 The Genesis of Suzy
11:07 Building a Disruptive Brand
15:03 The Role of AI in Market Research
17:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
The Progress Curve: Are Your Skills Keeping Pace? with Michelle Froah, ETS
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Discover powerful insights on navigating a rapidly changing world in the latest episode of the Insights and Innovators podcast. Join host Stan Sthanunathan, CEO of i-Genie.AI, as he interviews Michelle Froah, Global Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer at ETS. In this episode, Michelle discusses the importance of skills development, credentialing, and adapting to turbocharge your career. Explore the findings from the ETS Human Progress Report, understand the rise of AI literacy, and gain practical advice for young professionals to stay relevant and excel in their fields.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:27 Meet the Host and Today's Topic
00:57 Guest Introduction: Michelle Froah
01:37 Michelle's Career Journey: From Engineering to Marketing
08:38 Insights from the ETS Human Progress Report
14:09 The Importance of Durable Skills
19:53 Future Nav: Measuring and Mapping Skills
22:09 AI Literacy and Its Impact on the Workforce
26:00 Tips for Accelerating Skill Development
30:13 Challenges for Insights Professionals
37:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Insights & Innovators
What are the top skills, behaviors, and strategies for tomorrow’s market research professional? What research innovations do business leaders wish they had? How does the research professional earn and keep a seat at the strategy table? The Insights & Innovators podcast from Market Research Institute International dives into these topics and more. Listen and subscribe today. New episodes!






