A boardgame I played recently resulted in some introspection on research projects and keeping our eyes on the prize while not ignoring the value of the small steps along the way.

After attending a couple of local events recently where there were more agencies than brands, I reflected on why, when *I* worked for a brand, I didn't attend research industry events. There's a call to action for agencies and brands both in this one.

First, let's talk about the changes that are available to us as insights professionals. Then, let's talk about the attitudes that exist regarding change. Last, a call for your stories about risks you've taken and the learnings along the way -- wins AND failures.

Whether an experienced market research pro or a newbie, we all are kind of stuck being order takers, not strategic partners. How can we change that? I give three suggestions for starting the journey from reactive to proactive. Follow me on Twitter (@zontziry) or on LinkedIn (Zontziry Johnson) to continue the discussion!

I've spent nearly 15 years in the world of market research, mostly doing satisfaction studies of various audiences, especially Business to Business. I'm realizing how little I actually know of the rest of the market research world. What does that mean for how we talk to each other in research?

Recorded in New England, on the Harvard Business School campus, I pontificate on the need we have to partner with education institutions better to create curricula that not only prepares the insights teams we need, but gets people excited to work in the insights roles we have!

Let's change how we talk to each other in this industry: no more "client" or "vendor," but rather market research partners. Isn't that more descriptive of how we're working together anyway?

A couple of weeks from the IIeX NA 2019 conference, here is what's stuck with me: Hannibal Brooks' talk and the new speaker track led by Annie Pettit; the overwhelming number of research companies; the spectrum of insights team size and ability; how much there is to learn from each other, no matter who you are, how long you've been in insights, or where you work.

Recording from on site in Austin, TX, it's MRXplorer at IIeX NA! Hear why I heart IIeX NA, and what I'm hoping to hear about from my friends and colleagues in this industry.

As we see evolutions in tech impacting the market research industry, why are we so slow to adopt the new tech? Are we worried about being replaced? Is that really what tech would do for the industry?