Launched this year by Significant Insights, the Global 30 under 30 award aims to identify the next generation of global leaders who are on the verge of making it big in research and insights.

I was delighted to be asked to join the team of 15 judges from 13 countries! I knew it would be a tough job, but I didn’t realize just how difficult it would be to review submissions and identify just 30 people from so many amazing nominations.

This inaugural year, our nominees represent 16 countries including, among others, Australia, Canada, Germany, Poland, UK, and USA. There are nearly 200 countries in the world so that leaves a lot of room for growth next year!

Here’s what I’ve seen.

Our young people are busy founding brand new research and analytics companies, building new company functions and services leading to incremental revenue growth, leading multi-country global projects, speaking at conferences, training colleagues, and earning multiple promotions more quickly than you can imagine.

They’re focused on improving work environments for themselves and their colleagues. This includes launching and building diversity and equity programs, working on corporate responsibility programs, and creating advisory boards to ensure everyone has a voice.

Outside of their own company, they’re active members of the insights and analytics community. Some of them have already served as leaders and organizers for their local insights and research association, and they’re keen to promote our industry to other young people. They’re even solidifying their commitment to our industry by earning advanced degrees in market research.

And perhaps most importantly, our young people care tremendously about the communities around them. They volunteer so much of their time to create a better world whether that’s mentoring children and young people, supporting mental health associations, or advocating for sustainability and diversity.

It’s been a difficult year for many people but it looks like nothing is hold back this group of amazing people.

The winners will be announced on November 30, 2021. Good luck to each and every one of you. We’ll be watching your successes in years to come!