In this episode of Signal & Noise, Brian Lamar sits down with Dan Foreman, one of the most influential voices in market research, to reflect on a 30-year career that has shaped the industry’s evolution from clipboards to AI. From launching global operations at FocusVision to investing in next-gen insight startups like Zappi, Dan has always been on the leading edge of innovation.
Dan shares his fascinating career path - starting as a researcher at Research International, then moving through marketing, consulting, and entrepreneurship - culminating in advisory roles across more than a dozen companies. He also dives deep into the founding of the ESOMAR Foundation, created to support researchers in crisis zones, and the impact of building community-driven change in a global industry.
The conversation explores Dan’s investment philosophy, how he evaluates new ventures using a mix of “science and X-factor,” and his latest venture into biotech and longevity through initiatives like The Infinite Games. With stories that span continents, boardrooms, and industries, this episode is a masterclass in staying curious, connected, and committed to meaningful innovation.
Key Takeaways:
Career Longevity & Reinvention - How Dan’s career evolved through constant curiosity and boundary-pushing.
ESOMAR Foundation Origins - The moving story behind founding a global nonprofit supporting researchers in need.
Entrepreneurial Insight - What Dan looks for when investing: purpose, innovation, and a positive impact on the industry.
M&A and Industry Shifts - His perspective on the Qualtrics-Press Ganey-Forsta merger and what it signals for the future.
Biotech & Longevity Crossover - How Dan’s new ventures explore the intersection of human health, data, and innovation.
🔗 Connect with Dan Foreman on LinkedIn: Dan Foreman
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