Understand Your Motivational Style and How to Adapt Your Communication Approach: A Conversation with Beka Shea

In the latest episode of Conversations in Depth, host Doug Keith talks with Beka Shea, Founder & Executive Advisor of Magnetic Consulting. Beka discusses her path from Naval officer and mechanical engineer to client and business advisor, and how behavioral analytics can help both individuals and teams understand their own communication styles and be better communicators as a result.

With ambitions to be a pilot, Beka completed an undergraduate ROTC program and joined the Navy, serving as the Assistant Training Officer on an aircraft carrier, the USS George Washington. She finished an advanced degree in mechanical engineering and moved into the private sector as an engineer at NORESCO, a carrier company focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. She's since led one consulting firm and founded another, created a real estate investment business, and has become an in-demand public speaker. With her team at Magnetic, she helps growth-stage companies align their leadership teams, improve decision-making, and scale with confidence.

In this conversation, Beka will share what she's learned about key types of motivational factors that typically define team members—Sharks (autonomy), Sunshines (social) and Shepherds (knowledge)—so you can think about what motivates you and how this influences your own communication approach. Through this assessment you can learn how to adapt your communications as a consultant with both respondents and clients, while avoiding letting your best traits become your Achilles heel.

https://www.magneticconsulting.net/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bekashea/

In the latest episode of Conversations in Depth, host Mike Carlon sits down with Frank Murgalo, master of reinvention, lifelong prankster, and author of My Mid-Life Crisis at 82. With a career that defies any neat category, Murgalo's story offers a refreshing perspective for professionals looking to pivot, reimagine their path, or simply embrace what comes next.

Known for reinventing himself every 7–8 years, Murgalo has been everything from a Marine reservist to an actor, from a soup entrepreneur to a stand-up comic, from a financial advisor to an Off-Broadway producer. His journey is a study in resilience, curiosity, and finding opportunity in the unexpected.

In this conversation, Frank shares candid lessons on navigating career shifts, overcoming self-doubt, and turning so-called "failures" into springboards. For qualitative researchers contemplating their own next chapter, his approach to adaptability and creative risk-taking resonates deeply. He reminds us that the ability to evolve—whether through reinvention, humor, or sheer persistence—is often the best asset any professional can cultivate.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration on how to turn career uncertainty into possibility, and how to approach change with curiosity, courage, and a little laughter.

In the latest episode of Conversations in Depth, host Mike Carlon interviews Jack Bowen, the visionary founder of CoLoop, an AI-powered tool transforming the way qualitative marketing research is analyzed. With a career rooted in problem-solving and innovation, Bowen's journey is a testament to the impact of technology on modern research approaches.

Bowen shares the story behind CoLoop, offering insights into his motivations for addressing perceived inefficiencies in traditional qualitative analysis. From identifying key pain points to designing solutions that streamline processes and uncover richer insights, his entrepreneurial path is one of perseverance, creativity, and customer-centric evolution. He dives into how real-world feedback from research professionals shaped CoLoop into a tool that not only enhances productivity but also elevates the depth of qualitative insights.

Looking ahead, Bowen provides a compelling perspective on the future of the industry. He highlights the role of AI in fostering more dynamic and adaptive research practices, emphasizing the need for researchers to embrace technological advancements while maintaining the human element that defines qualitative work. His advice for professionals navigating this changing landscape is both practical and inspiring.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the marketing research field eager to understand how AI is reshaping the industry. Tune in to hear Bowen's fascinating journey, actionable insights, and predictions for what's next in qualitative research.

Joe Indusi, an expert in the technology behind usability research and the founder of TrueView Audio visual, joins the VIEWS Podcasts team for an insightful conversation. Joe's career trajectory is nothing short of fascinating. He got his start in the entertainment industry as a writer and filmmaker working in the highest levels of Hollywood productions with the likes of Ridley Scott and Sharon Stone. This creative foundation laid the groundwork for his eventual transition into the world of UX research.

During this conversation, Joe shares how his experience in film and television has shaped his unique approach to UX Research, offering a blend of storytelling and technical innovation. Over the past 30 years, Joe has witnessed the evolution of UX research firsthand, from its early days to its current prominence in shaping digital experiences. He discusses the major changes he's observed and provides insightful predictions about where he believes the field is headed.

Through his work at TrueView Audio Visual, Joe continues to push the boundaries of UX research, leveraging technology to deliver enhanced usability insights for clients across various industries. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, research, and storytelling.

Tune in to hear Joe's thoughts on the future of UX research, his remarkable journey from entertainment to tech, and how his work is influencing the way we interact with digital products today.

Connect with Joe at https://www.truview.tech/

Honoring the honesty of our subjects is essential in filmmaking. Capturing their emotional journey, not just their words, is what makes a story compelling. — David Kalisher

In this episode of Conversations in Depth, host Mike Carlon sits down with David Kalisher, the founder of Jolly Road Productions. David, a seasoned filmmaker, shares his journey from corporate finance to Hollywood, and eventually to becoming a respected filmmaker in the market research industry. With a background that includes creative development at MGM Studios and hosting a television show, David brings a unique perspective to storytelling through film.

Key Themes:

1. Early Beginnings in Filmmaking: David's passion for filmmaking began in high school with a music video project, which set the foundation for his future career.

2. Transition to Hollywood: After a stint in corporate finance, David moved to Hollywood, where he gained experience working on music video sets and eventually in creative development at MGM Studios.

3. Market Research Filmmaking: David's journey led him to market research, where he discovered the power of capturing honest, emotional stories from research participants, enhancing the depth and impact of qualitative research.

4. Founding Jolly Road Productions: David founded Jolly Road Productions, focusing on creating powerful, research-based films with a small footprint, ensuring minimal disruption while capturing authentic insights.

5. Advice for Moderators and Filmmakers: David emphasizes the importance of good sound quality, maintaining a small and non-intimidating production setup, and the art of letting respondents speak without interruption to capture genuine moments.

6. Separating Roles for Better Results: David advises keeping the roles of moderator and filmmaker separate to ensure the quality of both the interview and the video capture, sharing a personal anecdote about the challenges of managing both simultaneously.

For more information about David Kalisher and Jolly Road Productions, visit https://www.jollyroad.com/ or contact David directly at David@JollyRoad.com.

Join us in this insightful episode as we dive deep into the world of design with Dresden McBride, Head of Design for Small Business Lending at JPMorgan Chase. From an early fascination with advertising sparked by a second-grade toothpaste poster project to a career spanning traditional advertising agencies and digital marketing, Dresden shares her journey through the evolving landscape of design and marketing.

Key Points Discussed:

• Early Beginnings: Discover how a school project ignited Dresden's passion for design and led her to aspire towards a career in advertising, inspired by iconic roles in 'Melrose Place' and 'Boomerang'.
• Career Evolution: Learn about Dresden's transition from traditional advertising to mastering digital marketing, including a stint at Capital One, and her role in the burgeoning field of UX design.
• Research and Design: Explore the dynamic between designers and researchers in creating user-centric digital experiences, highlighting the importance of collaboration and open communication.
• Advice to Designers and Researchers: Dresden offers pearls of wisdom for budding designers and researchers, emphasizing patience, openness to opportunities, and the value of constructive partnerships.
• A Personal Touch: Enjoy light-hearted stories from Dresden's life, including humorous takes on the Tooth Fairy tradition and reflections on personal growth and career development.

Wrap-Up: Dresden leaves us with a thoughtful message to her younger self, encouraging patience and the ability to enjoy the journey without rushing through life's milestones.