Discover
Insights from Elsewhere
Insights from Elsewhere
Author: Cynthia Portugal
Subscribed: 0Played: 0Subscribe
Share
© 2025 Insights from Elsewhere
Description
“Insights from Elsewhere,” is a podcast by Insight Platforms.
Hosted by Cynthia Portugal, it digs into the world of research and insights beyond the big markets of North America and Western Europe.
There’s a world of innovation in LatAm, Africa, Asia and elsewhere. This podcast brings it the attention it deserves.
Tune in to learn about creative ways research and insights professionals are doing research; smart approaches to technology and AI; and clever ways to influence the people back at global HQ.
11 Episodes
Reverse
In this episode of Insights from Elsewhere, we talk to Soufiane Alkhatiri, VP of the Moroccan Federation of Advertisers (GAM), about what truly shapes consumer understanding in Morocco and North Africa. Soufiane explains that the country brings a mix of tradition, modernity, regional differences, and multiple dialects making real insights dependent on people who know how to listen. In this context, experienced moderators play a crucial role in interpreting cultural and linguistic nuances — es...
In this episode, we talk to Elvys Nunes, who may be based in London, but his insights definitely come from everywhere else. As Global Head of Category Insights and Analytics at Reckitt, Elvys shares how he bridges global strategy with local reality, partnering with consultancies like BCG and local teams to keep data grounded in real consumer context. He talks about the global mindset of optimization — stretching budgets, streamlining research, and maximizing impact without losing empath...
In this episode of Insights from Elsewhere, we travel to South Africa to meet Sheila Akinnusi, the Executive Head of Group Market Research at Nedbank. Sheila has been redefining what it means to connect business decisions with deep human insight — in one of the world’s most diverse markets. Sheila shares how South Africa’s cultural richness, diversity, and expressiveness shape the insights landscape. With 12 official languages, distinct regional nuances, and vibrant traditions, understanding ...
In this double-feature episode, Cynthia Portugal talks with Agnieszka Górnicka, founder of Inquiry International in Poland, and Paul Gebara, the company’s UK and International Senior Representative with a rich global background. Together, they explore the nuances of market research across Central and Eastern Europe, unpacking the region’s distinctive challenges and the wealth of untapped opportunities in markets like Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. They highlight the region’s remarka...
In this episode of 'Insights from Elsewhere,' host Cynthia Portugal interviews Madoka Suganuma, an independent qualitative market researcher based in Japan. The conversation covers Madoka's journey across multiple cultures, her specialization in FMCG, and the nuances of Japanese consumer behavior. Madoka talks about Japan's challenges and opportunities, the impact of an aging population on consumer trends, and the importance of localization in research. Learn about the role of AI in mar...
In this episode of Insights from Elsewhere, Cynthia Portugal interviews Sami Wong, Founder and Managing Director of 3Drips Psychology, Research and Consultancy, based in Beijing, China. Sami shares her journey in market research, the importance of psychological understanding in consumer insights and the significance of emotional value in the Chinese market. She talks about the challenges and opportunities of conducting market research in China, emphasizing the complexities due to cultural and...
In this episode of 'Insights from Elsewhere,' host Cynthia Portugal talks to Constanza Cilley, Executive Director for Voices! Research & Consultancy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Constanza, with over 20 years of experience in social and market research, shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to becoming a leading figure in the market research industry in Latam. She talks about the unique challenges and opportunities in the Argentine market research landscape, including economic insta...
On this episode of the Insights From Elsewhere Podcast, we dive deep into the world of market research in Central America. Host Cynthia Portugal is joined by Stephanie Vincent, an executive vice president at Harmon Research Group and a 2025 Greenbook Future List Honoree. Stephanie, based in Costa Rica, shares her journey in insights, from her early roles at companies like BAT, Philip Morris, and Mondelez to her current work. She offers an insider's look into the unique challenges and opportun...
In this episode of Insights from Elsewhere, Cynthia Portugal talks to Sushma Panchawati, co-founder of Pre-Data AI in India, about her fascinating journey from robotics engineering to leading insights work across Asia Pacific, Brazil, and beyond. What you'll discover in this episode: Advice for future researchers: Why openness, empathy, and embracing contradictions are critical skills for anyone entering the insights world today.Finding common threads in emerging markets: Hear surprising cult...
Nyambura Mambo, Head of Market Research & Customer Insights at Safaricom, shares valuable insights from her extensive career in research and trade across African markets. With over a decade of experience, Nyambura has partnered with leading brands across diverse sectors to decode consumer behavior and uncover market trends. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, she’s recognized for her innovative research approaches and her nuanced understanding of emerging markets—critical qualities when naviga...
In the first episode of Insights From Elsewhere, Cynthia Portugal talks to Rosana Martins, the Global Foundational Consumer Strategy Lead for Emerging Markets at Kraft Heinz, based in São Paulo, Brazil. Rosana shares her accidental journey into market research, her extensive experience with major CPG companies, and the unique challenges of conducting research across diverse emerging markets like Brazil, Mexico, Poland, and Turkey. She talks about the importance of understanding local nuances,...














