We Talk About Research?! — A conversation with Jasmine Issac — E16

Bio
Jasmine Isaac is a self-proclaimed "people person" who's turned her knack for connection into a career as a UX Researcher and Product Strategist in the CPG and Healthcare worlds. She's passionate about helping others find that sweet spot where personal goals and professional expectations meet. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her on long walks with her 3-year-old Bernedoodle, Pablo, finding her zen at a Maven hot vinyasa yoga class, battling it out on the tennis court in a doubles match, or trying to be the next barefoot contessa with a recipe from the NYT Baking section!

Summary
In this conversation, Jasmine and Matthew explore the complexities of leadership, the importance of empathy in business, and the evolving nature of research in understanding consumer behavior. They reflect on past events, discuss the dichotomy of work and personal life, and emphasize the need for leaders to acknowledge the emotional landscape of their teams. The conversation also delves into the role of researchers in organizations, the balance between stakeholder and participant needs, and the art of conducting meaningful research that drives business strategy.

Takeaways
Real conversations are essential for authentic connections.
The impact of past events shapes our current perspectives.
Leaders must acknowledge the emotional landscape of their teams.
Empathy is crucial for maintaining relationships in business.
Understanding user needs is vital for effective research.
The role of researchers is to bridge the gap between consumers and organizations.
Curiosity drives better research outcomes.
Empathy leads to sustainable business practices.
Balancing stakeholder needs with participant insights is key.
Research should inform and drive product roadmaps.

Chapters
00:00 That's Cold Open
00:21 Reflections on Leadership and Team Dynamics
09:59 The Dichotomy of Business Decisions and Human Experience
34:15 The Researcher's Role in Business
49:35 Transparency and Participant Engagement
01:01:28 Understanding Stakeholder Relationships
01:05:41 7 +/- 2 Questions
01:06:17 What is something you did recently that went really well?
01:07:27 What do you wish people cared more about?
01:11:19 What's your go-to dish when you are going to share food with people that you make?
01:13:55 What is the business value of empathy?
01:15:26 Waving at flaggers, yes or no?
01:16:11 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore?
01:17:32 byeeeee

Keywords
leadership, empathy, research, consumer behavior, organizational culture, personal growth, business strategy, qualitative research, stakeholder management, emotional intelligence