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Episode 4: Consumer Truths, Curiosity & Client-Side Realities with Traci Montgomery

How do today's insights leaders balance speed, trust, and real impact?

In this episode of Research Revealed, host Cynthia Harris sits down with Traci Montgomery, Associate Director of Consumer Insights at BISSELL, to explore the evolving role of insights from the client-side perspective. They unpack the importance of relationship-building, the art of balancing speed with quality, and why being a generalist is more valuable than ever in today’s fast-changing landscape. From personal energy management to the future of talent in insights, Traci offers a grounded, thoughtful take on how our industry can keep people—and purpose—at the center of the work.

Your peek behind the curtain of the insights industry starts here. Enjoy this episode of Research Revealed!

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Interview Cynthia Harris Interview Cynthia Harris

Episode 3: Unapologetic Insights & the Power of Black Narratives with Pepper Miller

What happens when cultural truth meets fearless advocacy?

In this powerful conversation, Cynthia Harris, sits down with long-time researcher and strategist Pepper Miller to trace her journey pioneering Black consumer insights from the early pushbacks to today’s evolving climate. They dive into history as the ultimate insight, the weaponization of “Black,” and what it means to lead with authenticity in uncomfortable times. If you care about cultural fluency, equity in marketing, and storytelling that honors lived experience, this is a must-listen.

Your peek behind the curtain of the insights industry starts here. Enjoy this episode of Research Revealed!

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Interview Cynthia Harris Interview Cynthia Harris

Episode 2: What’s Real Anymore? AI & Sample Integrity with Rick Kelly

In an era of rising automation and declining confidence in sample quality, how do we stay human-centered in research?

Cynthia Harris, sits down with Rick Kelly, Chief Strategy Officer at Fuel Cycle, for a timely conversation on fraud, authenticity, and the evolving role of AI in the insights industry. Together, they unpack the persistent trust issues plaguing sampling, challenge some of the biggest misconceptions about the industry, and explore why AI won’t replace researchers—but will transform how we work.

Rick also shares his personal journey into market research, why he’s energized by lifelong learning, and how he thinks about the future of “good data.” The episode wraps with a rapid-fire round that reveals a few unexpected truths about Rick and where the industry may be headed. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “What’s real anymore?” this one’s for you.

 

Your peek behind the curtain of the insights industry starts here. Enjoy this episode of Research Revealed!

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Interview Cynthia Harris Interview Cynthia Harris

Episode 1: Creativity, Data & Emotional Truths with Donovan Triplett

What happens when bold storytelling meets sharp strategy—and the data that connects them?

In this premiere episode, Cynthia Harris, founder of 8:28 Insights, sits down with Donovan Triplett, Strategy Director at Wieden+Kennedy, to explore the emotional nuance behind great creative work, the evolving role of data, and the power of centering marginalized voices in brand storytelling. From agency-client tensions to rethinking what makes an insight truly useful, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the real dynamics behind iconic campaigns. If you care about creativity, authenticity, and human connection in marketing, this is where it starts.

Your peek behind the curtain of the insights industry starts here. Enjoy this episode of Research Revealed!

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