Insights from Elsewhere

Cynthia Portugal
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“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.

Episodes

  1. Episode 11: Soufiane Alkhatiri, VP of Moroccan Federation of Advertisers (GAM) – MOROCCO

    12/01/2025

    Episode 11: Soufiane Alkhatiri, VP of Moroccan Federation of Advertisers (GAM) – MOROCCO

    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 — especially in a country where internet access is uneven and trust is often built face-to-face. Although he works heavily with analytics, Soufiane is a strong believer in qualitative insight to uncover the “stories behind the numbers. He is optimistic about AI improving speed and efficiency. But he reminds us that AI can’t replace the human ability to understand emotions, context, and culture, specially in diverse territories. His core message is simple and powerful: In Morocco, culture isn’t an accessory — it’s the strategy. Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. They pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. The Insights from Elsewhere podcast is supported by: Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. We pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. Find out more about Glaut.

    54 min
  2. Episode 10: Elvys Nunes, Global Head of Category Insights and Analytics at Reckitt - UK/GLOBAL

    11/17/2025

    Episode 10: Elvys Nunes, Global Head of Category Insights and Analytics at Reckitt - UK/GLOBAL

    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 empathy or depth. Elvys also revealed how Reckitt is using AI to drive innovation, including the creation of custom-built AI tools that make research faster, smarter, and more contextual. He closed with five pieces of advice for people entering the field. “You can’t build a truly global strategy if you don’t understand what makes people local. Data gives you the patterns, but empathy gives you the meaning.” - Elvys Nunes. Just as the conversation wraps up, Cynthia’s cat Yakissoba decided to contribute her own meow-take on global insights. Apparently, she strongly agrees with Elvys on the importance of local nuances. Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. They pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. The Insights from Elsewhere podcast is supported by: Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. We pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. Find out more about Glaut.

    48 min
  3. Episode 9: Sheila Akinnusi, Executive Head of Group Market Research at Nedbank - SOUTH AFRICA

    10/27/2025

    Episode 9: Sheila Akinnusi, Executive Head of Group Market Research at Nedbank - SOUTH AFRICA

    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 the South African consumer requires more than data — it demands empathy, curiosity, and cultural intelligence. Despite experimenting with the lates research technologies, like AI chatbots, metaverse studies, and synthetic panels, Sheila insists that human intuition still leads the way and qualitative research remains at the heart of insight. “AI can analyse at scale, but intuition and empathy are still our superpowers.” - Sheila Akinnusi, Nedbank - South Africa. Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. They pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. The Insights from Elsewhere podcast is supported by: Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. We pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. Find out more about Glaut.

    48 min
  4. Episode 8: Agnieszka Górnicka & Paul Gebara, Inquiry International - POLAND

    10/22/2025

    Episode 8: Agnieszka Górnicka & Paul Gebara, Inquiry International - POLAND

    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 remarkable economic growth—with Poland described as a “hidden secret”—and discuss how global companies often overlook these vibrant markets at their own risk. The conversation also turns to AI in research, covering its growing integration, advantages, and limitations—while underscoring the irreplaceable role of human insight in guiding AI-driven approaches in such dynamic environments. Tune in to discover why skipping these emerging markets could be one of the biggest missed opportunities for global businesses. Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. They pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. The Insights from Elsewhere podcast is supported by: Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. We pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. Find out more about Glaut.

    46 min
  5. Episode 7: Madoka Suganuma, Independent Qualitative Researcher - JAPAN

    09/19/2025

    Episode 7: Madoka Suganuma, Independent Qualitative Researcher - JAPAN

    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 market insights and how emotional support robots are gaining traction in Japan. Madoka Suganuma emphasizes adaptability and curiosity as crucial traits for upcoming market researchers. Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. They pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. The Insights from Elsewhere podcast is supported by: Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. We pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. Find out more about Glaut.

    32 min
  6. Episode 6: Sami Wong, Founder & Managing Director at 3Drips Psychology, Research & Consulting - CHINA

    09/05/2025

    Episode 6: Sami Wong, Founder & Managing Director at 3Drips Psychology, Research & Consulting - CHINA

    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 linguistic diversity.  Additionally. Sami highlights the need for AI tools and research platforms to understand China's unique linguistic nuances. Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. They pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. The Insights from Elsewhere podcast is supported by: Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. We pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. Find out more about Glaut.

    47 min
  7. Episode 5: Constanza Cilley, Executive Director at Voices! Research & Consulting - ARGENTINA

    08/25/2025

    Episode 5: Constanza Cilley, Executive Director at Voices! Research & Consulting - ARGENTINA

    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 instability, cultural nuances, and technological reach.  The conversation emphasizes the importance of local input, the value of triangulation in research methodologies, and the promising role of AI in enhancing research processes.  Constanza also highlights the significance of community and professional associations in the market research field. Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. They pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. The Insights from Elsewhere podcast is supported by: Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. We pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. Find out more about Glaut.

    41 min
  8. Episode 4: Stephanie Vincent, Executive VP at Harmon Research - COSTA RICA

    08/06/2025

    Episode 4: Stephanie Vincent, Executive VP at Harmon Research - COSTA RICA

    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 opportunities of conducting research in the region, including the evolving role of AI and other technologies. You'll also hear powerful stories about cultural misunderstandings between international headquarters and local marketers—and how these missteps can cause companies to miss out on key opportunities. Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. They pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. The Insights from Elsewhere podcast is supported by: Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. We pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. Find out more about Glaut.

    34 min
  9. Episode 3: Sushma Panchawati, Co-Founder at Predata.ai - INDIA

    07/08/2025

    Episode 3: Sushma Panchawati, Co-Founder at Predata.ai - INDIA

    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 cultural parallels between markets like India, Kenya, and Brazil — and why these matter when building global strategies.The power of context in research: Why "GenPop" approaches fall flat in diverse countries, and how deep cultural nuances shape truly meaningful insights.AI beyond efficiency: AI as a tool to deepen understanding rather than just speed up processes — and the risks of Western bias in large language models.This conversation challenges the idea of one-size-fits-all research, highlights the dangers of a “single story” narrative, and inspires a new way to think about technology’s role in insights work.  Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. They pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. The Insights from Elsewhere podcast is supported by: Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. We pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. Find out more about Glaut.

    41 min
  10. Episode 2: Nyambura Mambo, Head of Market Research & Customer Insights at Safaricom - KENYA

    06/25/2025

    Episode 2: Nyambura Mambo, Head of Market Research & Customer Insights at Safaricom - KENYA

    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 navigating the complex, varied landscapes of the African continent. In this episode, Nyambura discusses some of the most pressing issues facing today’s market researchers: Evolving consumer behavior trends The impact of digital transformation on research methodologiesThe critical role of cultural context in generating meaningful insights across regionsShe also speaks about the challenges of conducting research across multiple African markets, and how AI is increasingly being used to generate faster, deeper insights. Nyambura emphasizes the importance of global teams truly understanding local consumer behaviors and cultural backgrounds in order to build authentic, impactful connections. Note: We experienced a technical glitch and lost her video midway through the episode—but the conversation was too insightful not to share. We kept the audio going, and trust you’ll agree it was worth it. Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. They pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. The Insights from Elsewhere podcast is supported by: Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. We pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. Find out more about Glaut.

    49 min
  11. Episode 1: Rosana Martins, Global Foundational Consumer Strategy Lead for Emerging Markets at Kraft Heinz - BRAZIL

    06/16/2025

    Episode 1: Rosana Martins, Global Foundational Consumer Strategy Lead for Emerging Markets at Kraft Heinz - BRAZIL

    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, the integration of new technologies, and the potential impact of AI on market research. Rosana emphasizes the need for customized and multilingual research tools, and her excitement about AI applications in decoding unstructured data and simulating consumer personas. Hear about Rosana's experiences with new research technologies, the significance of AI in market research, and the importance of adapting global tools to local markets. Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. They pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. The Insights from Elsewhere podcast is supported by: Glaut is the only AI-native software designed specifically for Market Research Agencies. We pioneered “AIMI” (AI-moderated interviews), a new research method. With Glaut, you can design the study, collect data, and analyze everything using the Analysis Suite. Find out more about Glaut.

    32 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

“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.

Information

  • Creator
    Cynthia Portugal
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Insights from Elsewhere
  • Show Website
    Insights from Elsewhere