In an analysis of recent market research conference agendas, Nick Rich found that only 6% of sessions focus on impact and a fraction of that reaching the C-Suite. That stands in stark contrast to recommendations from the recent Client Sight report. Nick puts forward the case that, as a sector, our focus is in the wrong place - and more attention needs to be given to the relationship between insight and growth.
This conversation challenges researchers to re-think the role of research, the language that's used to describe it and the procedural aspects of the insight function that often detract from creative solutions.
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Presented by: Paul Hudson, CEO @ FlexMR
Featuring: Nick Rich, Partner @ Growth Constructors
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
In this episode of the MRX Lab podcast, Claire Rainey, Head of Insights at Virgin Media O2, shares how customer insight teams can move beyond data collection to become powerful agents of influence. Drawing on experiences from brand tracking to campaign design, Claire illustrates the importance of keeping the “customer on your shoulder” in every decision, even when insight professionals aren’t in the room.
She explains how her team balances process with influence, builds a culture of customer centricity, and develops the communication skills needed to resonate with diverse stakeholders. From surprising findings about channel preferences to shaping sensitive national campaigns, Claire highlights the long-term impact of rigorous, well-communicated insights.
This conversation challenges researchers to embrace resilience, focus on influence, and take pride in their role as catalysts of organisational change.
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Presented by: Paul Hudson, CEO @ FlexMR
Featuring: Claire Rainey, Head of Insight @ VMO2
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
What drives behaviour, and how can understanding it make research more impactful? How do we bridge the gap between what people say and what they actually do? And what practical steps can researchers take to embed behavioural insights into the heart of market research practice? Those are the questions we put to Chris Harvey, CEO of Activate Research.
With a background at the intersection of behavioural science and applied research, Chris shares how small shifts in framing, context, and design can lead to powerful improvements in data quality and decision-making. Tune into this thought-provoking episode to discover why behavioural science is more than a theoretical toolkit, it’s a lens for re-imagining how market research uncovers truth and drives change.
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Presented by: Paul Hudson, CEO @ FlexMR
Featuring: Chris Harvey, CEO of Activate Research
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
What helps market research cut through the noise to reach the ears of those who truly need to hear it? How do you build the case for the value of research? And how do you transform conversations about data quality into the language of decision makers? Those are the big questions we sit down with MRS CEO Jane Frost to discuss.
Drawing on a wide range of inspirations, including her role as a Trustee of The Lowery, Jane encourages researchers to utilise the skills that they have - including a robust knowledge of fundamentals - to showcase the value of research. Tune into this fascinating episode to hear how cleverness can become a weapon, and data a new north star.
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Presented by: Paul Hudson, CEO @ FlexMR
Featuring: Jane Frost CBE, CEO of the Market Research Society
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
When asked about the insight that surprised her most throughout her career, today's guest didn't answer with an unexpected fact about consumers - but instead an observation about how stakeholder response to insight is influenced significantly by its delivery. That's the jumping off point for a wide-ranging discussion with Rosemary Hadden, Head of Customer and Market Insight at City & Guilds.
In this episode, new MRX Lab host Paul Hudson explores what it takes to become an insight leader with Rose - including the importance of building a strong team, having a strategic outlook, and speaking the language of stakeholders. That's how we achieve cut through and get customer focus to permeate decision making.
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Presented by: Paul Hudson, CEO @ FlexMR
Featuring: Rosemary Hadden, Customer and Market Insight Manager at City & Guilds
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
Creating a culture of customer centricity needs more than great insight. It requires the wisdom to know not just what the data is telling you, but what customers are really saying. But building this type of organisational empathy is no easy task - especially in an age where technology and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly commonplace.
In this wide-ranging discussion with Shanice Mitchell, we discuss the human truths that will always apply to market research. The need to build empathy. The importance of good communication. Why customers yearn to feel listened to. And, most of all, why curiosity always wins out.
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Presented by: Mike Connor, SDR @ FlexMR
Featuring: Shanice Mitchell, Marketing Insight Manager at APMG International
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
How do successful brands ensure that customer research, insight and data is integrated into operational decision-making? That's the question that Kira Newton from British Gas helps us to answer - as she explains the role of the CX Club, strong internal branding, always-on insight and developing tools that respond to the needs of each business unit.
Over the course of this 20 minute episode, we discuss how British Gas make use of a wide variety of methods, including regular meetings, guest speakers, and an engaged community of customers to bring data to life and ensure it forms the basis for robust decision making.
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Presented by: Mike Connor, SDR @ FlexMR
Featuring: Kira Newton, Head of Customer Experience Research and Insight @ British Gas
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
It's no secret that the financial services industry is one of the most heavily regulated consumer sectors in the UK. But can regulation, or voluntary commitments, become an advantage? In this fascinating MRX Lab episode, we speak to Patrick Alcantara, Director of Compliance and Insight at Lending Standards Board about how consumer duty (and voluntary governance) represents an opportunity for forward-thinking brands.
But that's not all. Over the course of 20 minutes, we cover a wide range of topics - including routes into the industry, the skills that set researchers up for success and how customer closeness defines successful insight.
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Presented by: Mike Connor, SDR @ FlexMR
Featuring: Patrick Alcantara, Director of Compliance and Insight @ Lending Standards Board
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
How does the research sector empower female leaders? How do we address the gender pay gap? How do we account for the additional challenges that women face in their day to day roles? In this thought provoking episode of the MRX Lab, we speak with AURA Award Winner Mayra Munguia about her experience, practical advice and path navigating a complex issue.
Throughout the episode we touch on the role of motherhood and childcare, the difference that employers and managers can make through attitude or policy, plus what it takes to deliver award-winning research. All stemming from a place of genuine care, understanding and empathy.
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Presented by: Mike Connor, SDR @ FlexMR
Featuring: Mayra Munguia, Insight Manager @ BT
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
In the first episode of Season 6, we're thrilled to be joined by Andy Morrison, Market Research Specialist at HSB and ADHD UK Ambassador. Since a diagnosis in 2023, Andy has worked tirelessly as an advocate for individuals with neurodigence in the workplace and to raise awareness for ADHD. In this episode, he discusses his journey pre- and post-diagnosis, plus shares valuable advice on how to manage ADHD in the workplace.
From taking a test-and-learn approach to management strategies, to being open and honest in communication with colleagues - Andy's advice highlights how researchers and employers can make the workplace an effective and productive environment for all.
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Presented by: Mike Connor, SDR @ FlexMR
Featuring: Andy Morrison, Market Reseaerch Specialist @ HSB
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
This episode is a little different, and a little bittersweet. After nearly sixty epiosdes and five seasons, MRX Lab host Chris Martin is passing the baton. In the season finale, we introduce Mike Connor - who will take over the podcast from season six onwards. We find out more about Mike and his journey into the research sector, in addition to his vision for the podcast and what to expect next.
As this chapter closes for the MRX Lab, Chris reflects on the show's history and how it has evolved. He also shares his thoughts on the opportunities and challenges facing the research sector, informed by half a decade of interviews.
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Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR
Featuring: Mike Connor, SDR @ FlexMR
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
Where exactly does the overlap between research, marketing, past, present and future lie? In this epiosde, Hannah Pira from the Memu Open Research Campus, joins us to discuss her journey from marketing entrepreneur to researcher - what she's learnt along the way, and how to foster more open collaboration.
In a wide-ranging discussion, we explore the fundamental role of marketing in management and alternative ways strategic communications can contribute to a more sustainable society. We also highlight similarities between entrepreneurs, researchers and marketers, plus the innovative approach to knowledge creation that Memu Open Campus is built on.
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Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR
Featuring: Hannah Pira, Researcher @ Memu Open Research Campus
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
In the world of healthcare data management, there's few problems more challenging to overcome than the connection of multiple systems, formats and providers. Compounding this is a strict data privacy environment, and the need for information to be readily available at the point of care. So, in this episode of the MRX Lab, we take a deep-dive into how the healthcare data environment has become so fractured, and the latest innovations in interoperability that are seeking to build a more accessible future.
From promising to give consumers more direct control over personal health data, to streamlining communications between (and within) care settings - a new standard known as FHIR aims to solve these challenges, acting as an integration engine for legacy and future systems alike. To get to grips with how it all works, and what insight pros can learn from it - we speak to Keith Schoonover, VP of Client Strategy at research agency KJT Group, and Laury Liu, Market Intelligence Manager at the software vendor Intersystems.
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Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR
Featuring: Keith Schoonover, VP of Client Strategy @ KJT Group
Featuring: Laury Liu, Market Intelligence Manager @ Intersystems
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
What does it mean to be curious about customers? In this episode of the MRX Lab, we speak to Charlotte Vicary about the impact of building a sustainable long-term culture within your business, in which teams aren't just close to customers, they're intrinsically interested in their everyday lives. Over the course of 20 minutes, we cover the tools and techniques that The Customer Closeness Company have developed to stimulate interest and drive better decisions.
We also touch on the challenges facing business today - in a world where customers have high expectations and great experiences aren't stand out memories, but the standard. We explore how a culture of curiosity can help meet those expectations and give voice to customers in a sea of competing priorities.
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Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR
Featuring: Charlotte Vicary, Founding Director @ The Customer Closeness Company
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter /
AI is pushing the boundaries of market research. From augmenting or modelling quantitative studies with synthetic data to simplifying fieldwork and conducting complex qualitative analysis - nearly every aspect of the industry has been touched by the technological revolution. But how are clientside research teams adapting to this shift? We speak to Billy Budd from Coventry Building Society to find out.
In this jam-packed episode, we discuss the various ways that clientside researchers are evaluating the plethora of AI tools on the market, what teams look for and how such tools are transforming work. We deep dive into examples from Billy's own experience, plus consider the impact on the wider business and direct stakeholders alike.
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Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR
Featuring: Billy Budd, Customer Insight Specialist @ Coventry Building Society
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
The insight industry is awash with methods and techniques for data collection and analysis. But as an organisational function, we still pay too little attention to the marketing and communication of the work that we do. Although many endeavour to become better storytellers, it's apparent that much value is still locked behind debriefs and powerpoint decks.
So how do we unlock that value? In this MRX Lab episode, we speak with Emily James, Content Manager at FlexMR, about how to communicate and market data within an organisation. How to turn the techniques we use to understand and influence consumers to internal audiences, creating engaging narratives and deliverables that are memorable and long-lasting.
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Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR
Featuring: Emily James, Content Manager @ FlexMR
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
In this episode of the MRX Lab, we speak with Iain Stanfield - Insight Lead at Specsavers on the challenges that client-side research teams face and practical ways to overcome them. In particular, we hone in on the disconnect that can arise between stakeholder needs, expectations and insight priorities. We explore the need for teams to sense and respond to business changes, plus how to develop capacity for foresight.
In addition, we discuss the parallels between insight and marketing - how the two interrelated professions can learn from each other and what it means to adopt a two speed approach. Check out the full episode to hear more.
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Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR
Featuring: Iain Stanfield, Insight Lead @ Specsavers
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
Does the insight industry need a rebrand? Do researchers need to be more confident in our role as drivers of brand growth? These are some of the thorny questions we dive into throughout this discussion with Paul Griffiths of Client Advocates, drawing on his 10+ years years of experience advising both senior client-side leaders and agencies alike.
We also explore the wide variety of commercial challenges facing the industry today: from diminishing budgets to inflated expectations, new competition and shifting priorities. Check out the full 30 minutes for all of this and more.
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Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR
Featuring: Paul Griffiths, Founder @ Client Advocates
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
The market research landscape is a challenging one to navigate - drawing professionals from social sciences, business management and academic disciplines. What that creates is an environment in which future leaders need to hone both practical research, and a complex set of interdisciplinary, skills to succeed.
In this episode, we speak to Harriet Williams, Insight Manager at FlexMR who was shortlisted for the prestigious GRIT Future List and named as Significant Insights 30 Under 30 honoree in 2024. We discuss her path to market research, advice for new researchers and the challenges that the industry has yet to overcome.
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Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR
Featuring: Harriet Williams, Insight Manager @ FlexMR
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook
As marketers, brand managers and insight professionals seek better ways to create emotional connections with audiences, video has long stood as an attractive, creative medium that commands attention. In this episode, we speak to Harry McGill, Co-Founder and Creative Director at McGill Productions, about what makes film and video such a powerful storytelling tool – and how the best in the business harness it.
We discuss what it takes to create an emotional, compelling and memorable story on screen, and what can be learnt from the process. We highlight the importance of audience understanding and the role of empathy building, as well as connecting narratives to tangible results. Listen now to find out more.
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Presented by: Chris Martin, CMO @ FlexMR
Featuring: Harry McGill, Co-Founder & Creative Director @ McGill Productions
For more info on FlexMR, visit www.flexmr.net
Or connect via LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook