In this episode of the Happy Market Research Podcast, Dan Fleetwood chats with Kajoli Tankha, who leads Microsoft’s consumer insights function. Kajoli shares her personal journey from agency life to leading a global team at Microsoft, discussing the challenges and rewards of guiding insights across AI, gaming, and more. They dive into how her team’s research influences product and marketing decisions, her leadership philosophy, and how she navigates the ever-evolving tech landscape with a focus on people, not just data.

Guest:

Kajoli Tankha – Head of Consumer Insights at Microsoft. She oversees research across AI, subscriptions, gaming, search, devices, and OS. Her team produces groundbreaking insights that inform product development and marketing strategies across Microsoft’s diverse portfolio.

With both client-side and agency experience, Kajoli has worked with top brands like Revlon, Lipton Teas, Pepsodent, General Motors, Gillette, Coca-Cola, and Bush’s Baked Beans, helping to shape strategies through actionable consumer insights.

Useful links:

Kajoli Tankha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kajoli-tankha/

Dan Fleetwood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfleetwood

Learn more about QuestionPro: https://www.questionpro.com

In this episode of the Happy Market Research Podcast, Dan Fleetwood talks with Brianna Sylver, author and founder of Sylver Consulting, about the power of qualitative research in shaping brand and business strategy. Brianna shares her journey from researcher to founder, how she approaches deep consumer understanding, and why strong qualitative work goes beyond surface-level insights. The conversation explores brand growth, strategic influence, and the factors that drive the build of a research-led consultancy.

Guest:

Brianna Sylver – Nationally recognized innovation strategist and the founder and president of Sylver Consulting, a global research and strategy firm that blends Market Research, UX, and Business Strategy to drive growth and transformation. She works with Fortune 500 companies and city governments to unlock alignment and lead through complexity. Brianna is also the author of Leading Through Free Fall, a practical guide for leaders navigating uncertainty and change. Her insights have been featured in Forbes, Business Week, Fast Company, PDMA, QRCA, and HSM Management.

Useful links:

Download your ebook preview here: https://marketing.questionpro.com/free-preview-leading-through-free-fall

Brianna Sylver on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/briannasylver/

Dan Fleetwood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfleetwood

Learn more about QuestionPro: https://www.questionpro.com

In this episode of the Happy Market Research Podcast, Dan Fleetwood talks with Nick King, Insight Director at AutoTrader, about what it takes to deliver impactful insights inside a large digital marketplace. Nick shares how his team partners with product, UX, and commercial teams to ensure research informs real decisions. The conversation explores insight prioritization, speed versus depth, and how to make research useful in a fast-moving, always-on business.

Guest:

Nick King – Insight Director at AutoTrader and a consumer psychologist with deep experience in digital media and marketing. He has led insight and business intelligence teams at AutoTrader since 2007 and is known for championing the use of data to inform product and business decisions. Nick is also a visiting lecturer in consumer psychology at Anglia Ruskin University and a frequent conference speaker.

Useful links:

Nick King on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-king-2125391/

Dan Fleetwood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfleetwood

Learn more about QuestionPro: https://www.questionpro.com

In this episode of the Happy Market Research Podcast, Dan Fleetwood talks with Marilisa Beatty, VP of Qualitative Research at KJT, about what it truly takes to deliver strong qualitative research. Marilisa shares her perspective on rigor, thoughtful design, and building meaningful client partnerships. The conversation explores how qualitative researchers can balance structure with flexibility, mentor teams, and ensure insights are both credible and actionable.

Guest:

Marilisa Beatty – Vice President of Qualitative Research at KJT with over 15 years of experience in global healthcare research. She has led qualitative research for pharmaceutical and biotech companies and is known for delivering rigorous, patient-centered insights through thoughtful study design and strong rapport with respondents.

Useful links:

Marilisa Beatty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilisabeatty/

Dan Fleetwood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfleetwood

Learn more about QuestionPro: https://www.questionpro.com

In this episode of the Happy Market Research Podcast, Dan Fleetwood talks with Laurie Michaels, Associate Director of Market Research at Innovation Partners, about what it really takes to make research useful inside organizations. Laurie shares her experience working closely with internal stakeholders, translating insights into action, and balancing rigor with real-world constraints. They discuss collaboration, research prioritization, and how researchers can become stronger partners to the business.

Guest:

Laurie Michaels – Associate Director, Market Research at Innovation Partners. Laurie brings deep experience in applied market research, helping organizations turn insights into practical decisions. Her work focuses on stakeholder collaboration, clear communication, and ensuring research delivers real impact.

Useful links:

Laurie Michaels on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurieannmichaels/

Dan Fleetwood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfleetwood

Learn more about QuestionPro: https://www.questionpro.com

Dan Fleetwood talks with Gary Rudman, President of GTR Consulting and widely known as the Gen Z Whisperer, about what brands and researchers often misunderstand about Gen Z. Gary shares insights from years of youth culture research, exploring what truly resonates with this generation—from authenticity and identity to the impact of social media and brand purpose. They discuss how researchers can better connect with Gen Z audiences and why listening, not labeling, is key to understanding the next wave of consumers.

Guest:

Gary Rudman – Founder and president of GTR Consulting and has spent over 20 years researching young consumers across industries like retail, fashion, CPG, tech, gaming, media, and more. He has led hundreds of focus groups and is frequently quoted on youth culture in outlets such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, and BrandWeek. Previously, he worked as a planner at Foote, Cone & Belding and J. Walter Thompson, and as director of qualitative research at Teenage Research Unlimited.

Useful links:

Gary Rudman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyrudman/

Dan Fleetwood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfleetwood

Learn more about QuestionPro: https://www.questionpro.com

Dan Fleetwood speaks with Susan Rose, Vice President of Strategic Marketing & Advisory Services at GovExec, about the intersection of data, research, and thought leadership in the public sector. Susan shares her journey from journalism to marketing, explaining how she uses research to back up compelling narratives that influence decision-makers. They explore the role of data in shaping effective communications, building thought leadership, and delivering actionable insights that drive results in the government sector.

Guest:

Susan Rose – Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Advisory Services at GovExec. With over 30 years of experience, Susan specializes in helping B2G and B2B organizations craft compelling stories and develop strategies that drive action. She leads research, moderates focus groups, and works closely with executives to shape messaging and thought leadership that resonates with decision-makers. An award-winning copywriter with expertise in both public and private sectors, Susan is passionate about marketing that delivers results and enhances the customer experience.

Useful links:

Susan Rose on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanrose001/

Dan Fleetwood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfleetwood

Learn more about QuestionPro: https://www.questionpro.com

Dan Fleetwood speaks with Giovanni Riggioni, Customer & Market Insights Manager at HP, about the evolving role of customer insights in driving product strategy. Gio shares how his team uses data to inform product decisions, enhance customer experiences, and align research with business goals at HP. They discuss the integration of behavioral data, the impact of AI in shaping insights, and how qualitative research continues to play a crucial role alongside automation. This episode highlights the growing intersection between technology and human understanding in delivering impactful market research.

Guest:

Giovanni Riggioni – Customer & Market Insights Manager at HP. He's a results-driven researcher offering over 18 years of experience providing actionable insights to a varied cross-section of clients and disciplines. He has a unique combination of methodological knowledge, research savvy, and business acumen, enabling him to effectively use research as a tool to address complex business questions.

Useful links:

Giovanni Riggioni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovanniriggioni/

Dan Fleetwood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfleetwood

Learn more about QuestionPro: https://www.questionpro.com

Dan Fleetwood speaks with Jamie Ross-Skinner, Insights and Growth Director at ROAST, about how social listening is reshaping the insights landscape. Jamie explains how combining AI with human understanding helps brands uncover real consumer sentiment beyond traditional research. They explore how to turn social data into meaningful stories, the balance between automation and empathy, and why curiosity remains essential for insight professionals in an age of AI-driven listening tools.

Guest:

Jamie Ross-Skinner – Insights & Growth Director at ROAST (part of TIPi Group). Jamie leads the central insights function across ROAST’s agencies, translating data into consumer-centric strategies that guide client decisions. Having started client-side, he moved into agency life at WCRS before joining ROAST in 2018. Since then, he’s delivered competitor and consumer research and trend analysis to brands like HCA Healthcare UK, Rightmove, Trainline, and Best at Travel. He’s also a frequent speaker and industry commentator—recently headlining “Insights Chats” on transforming insights into action.

Useful links:

Jamie Ross-Skinner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-ross-skinner/

Dan Fleetwood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfleetwood

Learn more about QuestionPro: https://www.questionpro.com

In this episode of the Happy Market Research Podcast, host Dan Fleetwood chats with Cecilia Rodriguez, research and insights leader at Discover Puerto Rico. Cecilia shares how her team leverages data to better understand travelers, builds trust in the tourism industry, and turns research into strategies that strengthen Puerto Rico’s global brand. From consumer insights to industry trends, this conversation highlights how research drives meaningful traveler experiences and supports destination growth.

Guest:

Cecilia Rodriguez –  Research and Insights Leader at Discover Puerto Rico, where she uses data to understand traveler behaviors and trends, shaping marketing strategies that enhance the island's global tourism brand. With a background in consumer insights and destination marketing, Cecilia plays a key role in turning research into actionable insights that drive Puerto Rico’s tourism growth.

Useful links:

Cecilia Rodriguez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-m-rodriguez-mba-86624a16/

Dan Fleetwood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfleetwood

Learn more about QuestionPro: https://www.questionpro.com