• 51 - Bridging the Impact Gap with the Agency-Brand Partnership with Nick Graham
    Jan 8 2026

    When insights partnerships fall short, what can be done? Join Nick Graham, Founder of Vertemis and former global insights leader at Mondelez and PepsiCo, as he discusses the challenges and solutions in the world of market research and insights partnerships. In this episode of MRII’s Insights and Innovators podcast, Nick reveals where the disconnect happens between agencies and clients, shares real-life examples, and offers a strategic approach to evolving the industry. Learn what both sides need to do differently to drive impactful business growth and how to better leverage technology in research.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:54 Meet Nick Graham: Insights Leader

    01:29 Challenges in Insights Partnerships

    02:11 Nick's Perspective on Insights Impact

    05:29 Real-Life Examples of Insights Failures

    09:48 Redesigning Brand-Agency Relationships

    14:57 Client-Side Responsibilities

    19:39 From Insights to Strategy

    26:07 Advice for Future Insights Leaders

    31:40 Conclusion and Farewell




    Insights & Innovators Podcast from MRII | Hosted by The Greenbook Podcast Network


    Explore more episodes and resources → https://www.greenbook.org/podcast-network

    Learn more about MRII → https://mrii.org/

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    34 Min.
  • AI-Powered Teams: The Future of Organizational Strategy in Insights with Simon Glass
    Dec 18 2025

    Success hinges on finding the right balance between humans and AI. In this episode of MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast, host Z Johnson is joined by Simon Glass, CEO of Discuss. Together, they delve into the impact of AI on the workplace, examining how it redefines roles, the importance of critical thinking, and effective change management strategies. With AI automating various tasks, discover how organizational dynamics and leadership must evolve to prepare and empower employees in this new hybrid environment.

    00:00 Introduction: Balancing Human and AI in the Workplace

    00:39 Podcast Introduction and Guest Introduction

    01:40 Transforming Teams with AI: A Leader's Perspective

    03:33 AI's Impact on Job Roles and Skills

    05:49 Critical Thinking: The Key to Thriving with AI

    09:19 Change Management in the Age of AI

    13:21 Balancing AI and Human Roles

    19:05 Advice for Leaders and Employees on AI Integration

    21:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    Insights & Innovators Podcast from MRII | Hosted by The Greenbook Podcast Network


    Explore more episodes and resources → https://www.greenbook.org/podcast-network

    Learn more about MRII → https://mrii.org/

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    24 Min.
  • How Research Leaders Start Over with Stan Sthanunathan
    Dec 11 2025

    “AI helps you understand what keeps people awake at night without human bias.” In this episode of MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast, host Niels Schillewaert, Head of Research at Conveo.ai, speaks with Stan Sthanunathan, CEO of i-Genie.AI. Stan shares his journey from corporate roles at Unilever and Coca-Cola to co-founding his AI-driven insights company. The discussion covers reinventing oneself, the evolving role of AI in the insights industry, and valuable advice for early to mid-career professionals and leaders on leveraging AI while maintaining human-centricity. Tune in for a candid conversation on the future of insights and leadership.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

    00:47 Meet Stan Sthanunathan: A Career Overview

    02:06 The Pivot to Entrepreneurship

    03:34 Challenges of Starting a New Company

    05:33 The Role of AI in Insights

    10:27 AI's Impact and Limitations

    21:45 Skills for Thriving in the AI Era

    25:28 Advice for Leaders on AI Integration

    28:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    Insights & Innovators Podcast from MRII | Hosted by The Greenbook Podcast Network


    Explore more episodes and resources → https://www.greenbook.org/podcast-network

    Learn more about MRII → https://mrii.org/

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    31 Min.
  • From Turbulence to Trust: Managing Resistance in Insights Projects with Brianna Sylver
    Dec 4 2025

    “Stop trying to pretend that everything is smooth.”

    In this episode of Insights and Innovators, host Jon Last sits down with Brianna Sylver, President of Sylver Consulting and author of 'Leading Through Free Fall'. They discuss how researchers and innovators can navigate project turbulence, reframe resistance, and create safe landings for their ideas. Brianna delves into understanding emotional intelligence, creating actionable insights, and maintaining stakeholder engagement from concept to implementation.

    Tune in as they explore practical tools and strategies to manage change and drive innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of market research.

    00:00 Introduction to Resistance in Projects

    00:18 Welcome to Insights and Innovators Podcast

    00:32 Interview with Brianna Sylver

    01:07 Understanding Turbulence and Resistance

    02:18 The Grief Curve and Project Resistance

    03:54 Framework for Innovation: Suiting Up, Free Fall, and Safe Landing

    04:11 Suiting Up: Preparing for Project Success

    07:24 Navigating Resistance: Embracing Free Fall

    08:39 Real-World Examples and Practical Tools

    17:59 Safe Landing: Ensuring Implementation Success

    22:59 Future of Innovation and Emotional Intelligence

    24:33 Conclusion and Free Gift for Listeners

    Insights & Innovators Podcast from MRII | Hosted by The Greenbook Podcast NetworkExplore more episodes and resources → https://www.greenbook.org/podcast-network

    Learn more about MRII → https://mrii.org/

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    28 Min.
  • How Research Drives Innovation at Robinhood with Celeste Ridlen
    Nov 20 2025

    Discover how Robinhood's research team navigates the rapidly changing financial landscape to democratize finance for all. In this episode of MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast, Katie Gross speaks with Celeste Ridlen, Head of Research at Robinhood. They discuss the crucial role of research in shaping Robinhood's product and marketing strategies, the evolving responsibilities of insights leaders, and how Robinhood leverages AI to enhance research efficacy. Learn about the unique challenges faced by a high-growth fintech company and the strategies used to stay agile and customer-focused.

    00:00 Introduction to Insights and Innovators Podcast

    00:28 Meet Celeste Ridlen: Head of Research at Robinhood

    01:08 The Role of Research in Robinhood's Mission

    03:31 Impact of Insights on Product and Marketing

    05:05 Ensuring Research is Acted Upon

    07:10 Executive Expectations and Demonstrating Value

    10:11 Staying Agile in Research Approaches

    12:20 Leveraging AI in Research

    15:53 Essential Skills for Modern Researchers

    19:12 Challenges in Data Accuracy

    20:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Insights & Innovators Podcast from MRII | Hosted by The Greenbook Podcast NetworkExplore more episodes and resources → https://www.greenbook.org/podcast-network

    Learn more about MRII → https://mrii.org/

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    23 Min.
  • Data to Drama: Telling a Great Story with J. Walker Smith (Part 2)
    Nov 13 2025

    Senior leaders don't want the data, they want the answer. In this episode of 'Insights and Innovators' hosted by Zontziry “Z” Johnson, Founder of MRXplorer, J. Walker Smith, Chief Knowledge Officer at Kantar, discusses the vital importance of presentation delivery. He shares how to effectively connect data with people, tackle common delivery mistakes, and why eye contact and hand movements matter. Smith also covers strategies for ending presentations strongly, handling Q&A sessions, and the importance of practice and preparation.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Delivery in Presentations

    00:17 Welcome to MI Eyes Podcast

    00:30 Data to Drama: Part Two with Kantar's Jay Walker Smith

    01:05 The Significance of Delivery Over Data

    03:01 Common Presentation Mistakes

    04:32 Rapid Fire Tips for Effective Presentations

    08:20 The Power of Ending Strong

    13:06 Handling Q&A Sessions

    18:39 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice

    21:28 Closing Remarks and Thank You

    22:55 Writing a Letter to the Next Generation

    27:29 Guiding Principles: Passion and Bravery

    28:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Insights & Innovators Podcast from MRII | Hosted by The Greenbook Podcast Network

    Explore more episodes and resources → https://www.greenbook.org/podcast-network

    Learn more about MRII → https://mrii.org/

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    24 Min.
  • Data to Drama: Creating a Great Story with J. Walker Smith (Part 1)
    Nov 6 2025

    Want your audience to remember your big idea? Join Zontziry 'Z' Johnson as she speaks with J. Walker Smith, Chief Knowledge Officer at Kantar, on the 'Insights and Innovators' podcast. Smith shares his expertise on the art and science of storytelling with data, including why many research presentations are forgettable and how to ensure your key point sticks. Get tips on creating impactful headlines, structuring your story, and understanding the importance of focusing on one central idea to make your presentations truly memorable.Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:35 Meet J. Walker Smith

    01:17 The Art of Storytelling with Data

    04:32 Engaging Different Audiences

    12:56 Crafting Memorable Headlines

    16:35 Structuring Your Presentation

    22:04 The Perfect One-Slide Presentation

    26:02 Conclusion and Farewell

    Insights & Innovators Podcast from MRII | Hosted by The Greenbook Podcast Network

    Explore more episodes and resources → https://www.greenbook.org/podcast-network

    Learn more about MRII → https://mrii.org/

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    30 Min.
  • The Case Against Paying Research Respondents with John Dick
    Oct 15 2025

    Discover why John Dick, Founder and CEO of CivicScience, believes that paying survey respondents introduces bias and why shorter surveys offer better data. In this episode of Insights and Innovators by MRII, host Jon Last explores CivicScience's innovative micro-survey method that scales to over a million responses daily without financial incentives. Learn about the evolution of syndicated data, the impact of AI, and the importance of storytelling in market research. This session is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of market research and insights.

    00:00 Introduction to Market Research Trends


    00:13 Welcome and Episode Overview


    00:26 Guest Introduction: John Dick of CivicScience


    00:37 The Problem with Traditional Surveys


    00:56 Civic Science's Innovative Approach


    01:39 Engaging Respondents Without Incentives


    01:59 The Importance of Short Surveys


    04:56 Scaling Data Collection


    07:24 Ensuring Data Representativeness


    10:24 Comparing Traditional and New Methods


    12:38 Challenges in Convincing Clients


    15:34 Efficiency and Profitability of New Methods


    17:35 The Role of AI in Market Research


    21:39 Skills for Success in Market Research


    25:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    28 Min.