Going Beyond the Brief with Cynthia Harris of 8:28 Insights

Data Gurus Podcast | Insights on Business Strategy, Mergers and Acquisitions, Market Research & Data Collection

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Cynthia Harris, Founder, Managing Director and Lead Operator of 8:28 Insights, about building a human-centered insights agency, the value of lived experience in leadership and the role AI can and can’t play in research. Cynthia shares her career path from launching products at Bath & Body Works to working at Procter & Gamble to starting her own firm — offering practical guidance for founders and vendors alike.

Key Takeaways:

(02:25) Early career roles shaped passion for consumer-business connections.
(10:16) Vendors should go beyond briefs and collaborate with clients.
(12:03) Traveling globally inspired objectivity and cultural intelligence in work.
(14:06) The pandemic catalyzed the transition from freelancing to entrepreneurship.
(16:12) Client-side experience drives more strategic, downstream thinking.
(18:10) Unique perspectives stem from lived experiences and diversity.
(22:03) AI supports creativity but cannot replicate human-centered strategies.

Resources Mentioned:

8:28 Insights Homepage

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