Author: Shivaani Gore
We’re proud to have some incredible women in our teams at Toluna – researchers, innovation experts, designers, you name it. One example is Priyanka Sarkar, our Chief Research Officer.
Curious to learn more about her journey and professional experiences, I sat down with her for a candid interview.
Q: Thanks for your time today! Starting right off, can you tell me about your path to the insights industry?
Priyanka: My path into the insights world started with a love for stories. I grew up reading and writing a lot, and my curiosity about people and what shapes their lives first led me to media and advertising. Then, during my Master’s, I discovered qualitative research: the perfect mix of travel, exploration, and connection. Listening to people, understanding what really matters to them, and translating those learnings into something meaningful was incredibly rewarding. And of course, getting to travel the length and breadth of India conducting focus groups was the cherry on top.
I’ve always followed my curiosity and asked myself what work truly energizes me. That thinking took me from Mumbai to Boston and then to London. Working across cultures gave me a holistic understanding of consumers. Some opportunities came unexpectedly, but saying yes, even when it felt like a leap, has been a consistent theme in my journey.
Q: What inspired you to continue building your career in the insights industry?
Priyanka: It started with simple curiosity and grew into a passion. I’ve always been interested in what drives people, their choices, their behaviors, their stories. I was drawn to the idea of using research to uncover motivations and developing strategies that actually make a difference. There’s something rewarding about seeing a product you’ve tested on a store shelf or a campaign you’ve helped shape go live.
Over time, as I progressed through roles, I worked closely with teams in finance, marketing, sales, HR, operations, insights, and R&D. Seeing how all those pieces connect to make a company successful taught me the value of taking a broad view. It also shaped how I lead teams, whether in the UK, across Europe, or now globally, because I’ve seen first hand the value each function brings.
But what really keeps me inspired are the people. I’ve had the chance to work with smart, curious colleagues who approach every challenge with fresh thinking and deep experience. They’ve taught me to keep learning, to stay open to new perspectives, and to create spaces where collaboration thrives.
For me, the insights field is a rare mix. It keeps you learning, it connects you with different cultures and industries, and it lets you work alongside people who are just as motivated by curiosity as you are. That blend of challenge and human connection is what keeps me going.
At the heart of it, the joy has always been the same: sparking meaningful change in people’s lives. Whether it’s answering client questions or leading big internal transformation projects, I strongly believe in the power of a good story to deliver impact. The insights industry has allowed me to live that every day.
Q: That’s inspiring. Being a woman in research, did you face any challenges along the way?
Priyanka: I’d be lying if I said no. I’ve had supportive colleagues, but being a woman in research – and in leadership – still means navigating subtle biases and competing expectations.
I’ve walked into rooms where I was the only woman and sometimes the only woman of color. That came with a quiet pressure to be the most prepared and the most confident, just to be taken seriously. Later, as a mother, I faced a new set of assumptions. Balancing my ambitions with being present for my child sometimes left me feeling like I wasn’t giving my best in either role. Those moments were frustrating, and at times, isolating.
What helped me was learning to speak up for myself and not letting a single setback define me. I leaned on mentors and peers who understood those pressures and offered perspective. Their support reminded me that I wasn’t alone, and that systems do change – but only if people keep pushing.
These experiences made me more aware of the barriers women still face, but they also shaped the kind of leader I want to be. I focus on building teams where no one has to choose between their career and their family, and where contributions are valued for their impact. Not judged through the lens of gender, caregiving responsibilities, or cultural background.
Q: Thank you for sharing that. Can you tell me more about the mentors and peers who made a difference in your journey?
Priyanka: Yes, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who shaped my thinking in powerful ways. Two instances stand out. One senior leader taught me that true influence comes from clarity: being able to cut through complexity and focus on what really matters. That lesson has stayed with me ever since, in how I deliver insights and how I lead.
Another mentor pushed me to take on the hardest, most visible projects, not because they were comfortable, but because they were defining. She reminded me that growth doesn’t come from doing what you already know; it comes from stepping into the unknown and proving to yourself you can navigate it. Those experiences built both skill and confidence in my own judgment and voice.
I’ve also been lucky to work alongside several strong women leaders, both early in my career and now at Toluna. Watching how they lead with resilience, empathy, and decisiveness has shown me that there’s no single “right” way to lead. It gave me the confidence to lean into my own style and trust it.
I’ll add that as a woman of color working across different countries, I’ve sought out mentors who understand both gender and cultural dynamics. Their perspective helped me navigate moments where I felt like the “only one” in the room. Just knowing that someone else had walked a similar path and succeeded, was grounding.
What I’ve learned is that great mentors don’t just give advice. They open doors. They challenge you to raise your game. And they advocate for you when you’re not in the room. Their example has shaped how I mentor others. I try to pay that forward by creating opportunities and backing the potential I see in people.
Q: What is your leadership approach? Has it evolved over time?
Priyanka: Definitely! Early in my career, I thought leadership was about having the answers and driving outcomes myself. Over time, I’ve learned it’s far more powerful to create clarity, remove barriers, and let others bring their best ideas forward.
My cross-cultural experiences also taught me that people are motivated by different things, and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. I focus on listening first, understanding what drives each person, and creating an environment where they feel safe to experiment, challenge, and grow.
I also believe in setting high expectations, but I pair that with real support. Some of my biggest growth came when my managers trusted me with tough, visible projects but stood behind me as I figured it out. I try to lead in the same way: giving people stretch opportunities, backing their judgment, and being there to guide when needed.
At this stage, I see leadership less as directing and more as multiplying impact. My job is to align the team on a clear purpose, build trust, and make sure every person feels their contribution matters. That’s how you transcend from just performance to real commitment and that magical energy you only get when everyone on the team is truly passionate and determined to achieve their goals. It’s continuous effort to create this energy and momentum, but always worth it.
I saw this most recently during the EDGE (Efficient Delivery for Growth & Excellence) workshops, where cross-functional colleagues came together for the first time and worked incredibly hard, challenging all of us to step up for what might be one of the biggest transformation efforts of our careers.
Q: I truly appreciate your mindset. On a concluding note, is there anything else you’d like to add or share with women in the research world?
Priyanka: I’d say, don’t wait until you feel completely ready to step into a new role or take on a tough project. Some of the biggest turning points in my career came when I said yes before I felt fully prepared. You’ll figure it out along the way, and that’s what builds real confidence.
Also, invest in your network. Not just for career advancement, but for support and perspective. Find peers and mentors who will challenge you, advocate for you, and remind you of your worth on the days you doubt it. And do the same for others.
As a woman of color, I know it can sometimes feel like you’re the only one in the room. But your perspective is valuable. Don’t underestimate the strength that comes from bringing a different lens to the table. Representation matters, and every step you take opens the door a little wider for someone else.
Finally, stay curious. The insights field is constantly evolving, now faster than ever with AI, and curiosity will always be your greatest asset. It’s what keeps the work meaningful and keeps you growing.
