The Relationship Advantage: How Human Connection Drives Better Business Insights with Rachel Ousley

Send a textIn this episode, we explore how behavioral science, empathy, and relationship-centered leadership come together to shape modern insights work — with Rachel Ousley, behavioral scientist and B2B Marketing Research Lead at Canva.Rachel has worked with brands including Google, Chanel, Vans, and Adidas, and her path from communication strategy to behavioral science has given her a rare blend of academic rigor and practical storytelling skill.We talk about how relationships can be a superpower for researchers, how to bridge the gap between stakeholders and data, and why empathy and authenticity are key to lasting influence. Rachel also shares how behavioral science can decode human experience — from understanding aging and identity to designing better conversations between brands and consumers.In This Episode, You’ll Learn →How Rachel’s path from PR and brand strategy to behavioral science shaped her research styleWhy empathy and relationships are the foundation of effective insights workPractical ways to build trust with stakeholders (and prevent “order-taker” research)How behavioral science and cultural intelligence reveal what women really think about agingHow to prioritize and scale research when timelines and budgets are tightThe underrated power of virtual qualitative research and neuroscience-based methodsHow AI is changing stakeholder communication — and how researchers can use it as a creative partnerThe future of insights leadership: simplifying without oversimplifyingFeatured Guest: Rachel Ousley Rachel Ousley is a behavioral scientist and consumer insights leader who blends psychology, research design, and brand storytelling. She earned her MSc in Social Cognition from University College London, where she studied empathy toward refugees, and has since led research for global brands at Canvas 8, Google, and Canva. Her mission: to decode the “human in the data.”Resources & MentionsWomen Engaged in Behavior (WEB) NetworkFollow Rachel on LinkedInGet in TouchHave thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design. Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.