In Episode 3 of the IBI Team Podcast Series, researcher Carole Bonner shares how she bridges academic rigor with real-world business needs. From data modeling and design to grandkids and graphic storytelling, Carole reflects on the evolving role of research, the power of empathy, and how a good infographic (or a great focus group) can re-energize your work.

We chat about:

• How Carole blends data, design, and storytelling in her research
• What she's learned from diving into focus groups and field insights
• Why the best career advice she ever got was to “find the question behind the question"

In this episode of the IBI Team Podcast Series, we sit down with Zoram Blancas-Ruiz, IBI’s Director of Benchmarking & Analytics. Zoram shares his path from disability insurance to data leadership, how he’s redeveloping IBI’s benchmarking program, and why he believes collaboration and persistence are key to success.

We also talk Excel tips, pickleball, softball coaching, and what it’s like to wear many hats on a small but mighty team.

In the kickoff episode of the IBI Team Podcast Series, host Sera-Leigh Ghouralal, PhD, sits down with IBI’s Chief Operating Officer, Brandon Roberts. Brandon reflects on his career journey—from government intern to COO—and shares what it takes to lead operations, HR, and finance at a mission-driven organization like IBI.

They talk about:
✔️ The evolution of IBI’s regional meetings and annual forum
✔️ Creative strategies to improve meeting engagement
✔️ The unique team culture at IBI
✔️ Personal highlights, leadership lessons, and future goals

Whether you're part of the IBI community or just curious about what goes into building a high-performing, human-centered workplace, this episode is full of insights and energy.