Rock n' Roll Research Podcast

Brian Hughes has spent most of his career at IPG amassing expertise in media research culminating in his current position as EVP, GM Audience Intelligence & Strategy at MAGNA. In parallel, he has spent much of his spare time playing guitar, bass and drums in bands that have taken him from a gig at the iconic CBGB on the eve of 9/11 to the present day.Brian shares how he found his way into research, the time he realized that the same rules don't apply to everyone and the importance of storytelling in research. Plus, wouldn't you have wanted to be on the inaugural Megadeth MegaCruise? He actually did that! Jealous.

Ukuleles and Canadian folk music! Annie Pettit works tirelessly to make the market research industry better in so many ways but there is much more that makes her tick.In today’s episode of the Rock n’ Roll Research podcast, Annie cuts to the chase about her market research origin story, her hopes for biometrics and neuroscience, her passion for the uke and the musicians that make her happy.

Paul Smith is a sought-after business storytelling coach and bestselling author of five books, including Lead With a Story.Paul talks about his career at P&G and the journey from finance to insights; how he discovered and acted upon his passion; and what he learned from insights that helped make his business a success.He also shares insightful tips on how to recognize and elicit stories in interviews and in everyday conversation.Learn more about Paul's books and coaching at leadwithastory.com.

From his base in India, Winfred Samson went from playing keyboards at Diwali celebrations in front of thousands to building a distinguished career in the market research industry.In this episode, Winfred shares the value of his upbringing, his experience in music, and the growth of his career from a young professional to an operations leader at MarketTools / MetrixLab and founder at InsightSutras. He draws poignant connections from his experience in music to his career and what it means for the future of research.

Starting with a part-time job while at university in the UK, Charlene Adamah has built a very successful and rewarding career in the market research industry.Along the way, she realized she had another talent . . . baking. In addition to her day job, nine years ago she founded Char's Cakery, making eye-popping confections of exquisite detail for a loyal and growing customer base.If that weren't enough, in 2020 Charlene co-founded Colour of Research (CORe) in the UK, dedicated to attracting and supporting diversity within the market research industry. You can find more information here: colourofresearch.org. 

Scott Aaron has had a fascinating journey through insights. Starting on the agency side helping P&G develop Swiffer, he spent years at Luxottica, P&G Gillette and now he heads up insights at the innovative furniture company, Lovesac.What people don't know about Scott is that he has a passion for the guitar, and he even performed on two records for a band called Lazy Old Son.

A research psychologist, a jazz musician and a Zen monk walk into a bar and say, “Hi, I’m Dr. Douglas Gentile.”As one of the most oft-cited researchers in the space, Doug shares fascinating insight into the links between violent video games and child aggression. With his signature dry humor, Doug also tells the tale of how he ended up performing the bumper music for the Dee Snider radio show (accompanied by yours truly) and how the absurdity of life connects his passions and interests.

Jim Sharples really knows  the business of healthcare where he is a noted expert on strategy, trends and stakeholder insights. His clients at KS&R benefit from his deep experience as a leader and practitioner in product development and marketing.Beyond his expertise, Jim is known as an excellent storyteller. But it is no accident. Acting and the stage lit an early spark in Jim, and he has been performing in productions alongside his day job throughout his career.Jim shares why acting has been good for his professional career, what COVID-19 portends for the future of healthcare (hint: there are silver linings) and what 3 records would keep him company on a desert island.

Dane Mitchell, also known as DJ Marvel, is someone of many talents. More than that, he has always mustered the courage to confront the obstacles that stand in the way of pursuing his passions.Dane and I talk about the bumpy yet conquered road to becoming a mobile phone expert, the official DJ for a Power Rangers-themed convention called RangerStop and the investment he has made into his own mental health.Shout out to the Highland Cafe in Cincinnati where we first met - barista Jay Noel who traveled the world playing keys for Burning Spear, Caleb Hughes who edits these podcasts, not to mention the many friends who make this coffee shop special including Julian, Dale, Karin, Doc, Rob, Celeste, Sean, Matt H, Erica, Marty, Kiel, Mike S, Kelly K, Michael (Wie geht's?), Kenna, Melissa B., Tim and countless others.

Bill Trovinger has a passion for consumer insights which he has put to good use at some of the world's greatest companies - P&G, General Mills, Microsoft and now Amazon.com. He was part of the team that helped transform Old Spice from your dad's brand to your son's. He is now helping develop Amazon's private label strategy for their Amazon Fresh stores.Yet, Bill's first love was and still is the game of Wiffle Ball. He and his team have been playing for around two decades and earned four world championships along the way. Go here to find everything you ever wanted to know about the World Wiffle Ball Championship: https://worldwiffleball.org/.\m/ \m/