#KSRCrew Spotlight with Emily Sullenger
Get to know the people behind the insights in our #KSRCrew Spotlight series. We sit down with employees throughout the firm to learn about their experiences, background, and what makes them tick.
In this #KSRCrew Spotlight, we’re excited to feature Emily Sullenger, a Research Associate on KS&R’s Healthcare Team. Emily is a graduate of Valparaiso University, where she earned a B.S. in Marketing with a focus in Business Analytics and a minor in Chinese Studies.
Find out what fuels Emily’s curiosity, the advice she’d give her younger self, and more about her journey in the Q&A below.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the KS&R team?
What I love most about working at KS&R, aside from the incredible people I’ve had the chance to connect with, is the constant opportunity to learn and try new things. I really enjoy pushing the boundaries of market research to uncover fresh, impactful insights. Being part of the healthcare team, especially working with therapies for rare diseases and oncology, often means facing challenges in reaching the right audience. Finding creative ways to connect with them and ask the right questions to uncover areas for real strategic change is what fuels my passion every day.
What brings you great joy in your life?
What brings me the most joy is meaningful connection, whether it’s sharing laughter with family, engaging in honest conversations with friends, collaborating with a team toward a shared goal, or simply being present and truly listening to someone. Those moments of connection remind me of our shared humanity and create a sense of belonging and purpose that I carry with me.
What advice would you give yourself at age 15?
Don’t rush to find all the answers. Focus on asking thoughtful questions. Life isn’t a straight path, and detours often lead to the most valuable lessons. Embrace curiosity over certainty and allow yourself to explore without fear of failure. Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking and remember that growth comes from being open to feedback and not always having the right response.
Also, take time to listen; to others, to yourself, and to the world around you. Often, the most meaningful insights come not from speaking, but from observing and understanding. Be kind to yourself, stay grounded in your values, and trust that you’re allowed to evolve.
In your opinion, what does the world need more of?
In my opinion, the world needs more understanding. In market research, we spend a lot of time listening, trying to see the world through someone else’s eyes. That kind of thoughtful attention helps uncover real needs and challenges, and it’s just as important outside of research. When we slow down to truly understand one another, we build stronger relationships and more thoughtful solutions, both professionally and personally.
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
Wangari Maathai has been one of the most inspiring figures in my life. Her ability to connect environmental activism with community empowerment deeply resonates with me. She didn’t just plant trees, she planted ideas, resilience, and hope in the lives of thousands. What I admire most is how she led with insight, listening to local communities, understanding their challenges, and translating those realities into actions that created lasting impact.
In many ways, her approach mirrors what I strive for in market research. At its core, research isn’t just about data or strategy, it’s about people. Maathai didn’t impose solutions from the top down; she co-created change by elevating voices that are often unheard. That’s exactly what good research should do: uncover the “why” behind behavior and use it to shape thoughtful, human-centered solutions. Her legacy reminds me that strategy without empathy falls flat, and that real transformation starts with listening. Her work continues to influence how I think about leadership, purpose, and the kind of researcher, and person I want to be.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
If I could have any superpower, I’d choose the ability to slow down time. Life seems to fly by, sometimes it feels like the best moments are over before I even realize they’ve started. I’d love the chance to really be in those moments, to hold on to a quiet coffee, a walk with someone I love, or a good conversation just a little longer. It’s not about squeezing more in; it’s about letting the moments that matter breathe.
How would your friends describe you?
(From my Husband) “You are someone who genuinely cares about people, about purpose, and about doing work that means something. You value deep conversations and real connection, whether it’s with colleagues, family, or the people behind the data you study. You’re naturally curious, always learning, always asking thoughtful questions. There’s a warmth to the way you approach things, paired with a sharp mind that notices both the details and the bigger picture. You strike a nice balance between being thoughtful and driven, and you bring heart into your work in a way that quietly inspires others.”
What’s your favorite zoo animal and why?
A peacock has always been my favorite zoo animal because, unlike the others, it isn’t kept behind glass or bars, it gets to roam freely. There’s something really striking about that. While all the other animals are enclosed, the peacock walks around like it owns the place, showing off its colors without needing permission. I think I love that quiet kind of freedom, like it knows it doesn’t need a spotlight, it just naturally draws one. It’s a small thing, but it always makes me smile when I see it strutting by, doing its own thing.
If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?
If I had to pick one song to play every time I walked into a room, it would be “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine. It starts slow and then just explodes with energy, like a deep breath turning into a full sprint. It makes me feel lighter, like I’m shaking off anything heavy and stepping into something better. It’s hopeful without being cheesy, and emotional without being overwhelming. It just gets me, every time. And honestly, it’s one of the very few songs I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing.
About KS&R
KS&R is a nationally recognized strategic consultancy and marketing research firm that provides clients with timely, fact-based insights and actionable solutions through industry-centered expertise. Specializing in Technology, Business Services, Entercom & Recreation, Healthcare, Retail & E-Commerce, and Transportation & Logistics verticals, KS&R empowers companies globally to make smarter business decisions. For more information, please visit www.ksrinc.com.
