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Joanna Brassett: Empowering Global Innovation Through Research & Cultural Insights

By: Joanna Brassett, Founder & CEO, Studio Into | Wednesday, 6 November 2024

European women leaders are progressively reshaping the professional landscape by questioning conventional norms and pro­moting more flexible and inclusive work environments. They are fostering cultures that wel­come many lifestyles and especially assist women and working mothers who must balance their person­al and professional development. Joanna Brassett, Founder & CEO of Studio into, has built a remarkable career at the intersection of design, cultural research, and social equity.

Growing up in communist Poland, witnessing the unification of Germany, and living in various countries such as Ireland and the UK, Joanna developed a deep appreciation for different cultures and political systems. This diverse background fueled her passion for understanding human behavior and the impact of culture on people’s choices and opinions. In 2011, she founded Studio into to bridge the gap between traditional design research and global cultural insights, bringing a macro-level, sociological approach to understanding consumer behavior.

Embarking on a distinctive exchange with The Global Women Leader magazine, Joanna divulges the intricate facets of her journey as a prominent leader in Poland. Let's explore further.

What inspired you to establish Studio into, and what is the core idea behind the venture and its key areas of expertise?

There were two primary driving forces behind the founding of Studio into. Initially, I wanted to start a business that supports diversity and flexibility so that people, especially women and mothers, could succeed professionally and advance in their careers at all phases of life. I believe that women should be able to succeed without having to compromise their personal or professional lives.

The second driving force was to enable multinational corporations to introduce products and services that make sense in particular geographical areas by bridging global trends with local and regional insights. We established a global network of researchers to accomplish this, beginning with university students I had collaborated with and growing to over 140 researchers across more than 60 countries. By structuring our business in this way, we are able to orchestrate research that goes beyond the conventional Western markets and can be conducted not just in English-speaking nations but also in a variety of languages and geographical areas.

"Our goal is to create products that resonate with diverse consumers worldwide by integrating varied behaviors & perspectives into innovation"

As the CEO of Studio into, what are your primary roles and responsibilities?

My three main responsibilities as CEO of Studio into are as follows. First, I am in charge of establishing the company's strategic direction and making sure that our completely remote team members work together seamlessly across time zones.

Second, I am committed to advancing Studio into's expansion by broadening our global outreach and encouraging creativity in design research.

Third, I collaborate directly with my clients and team to promote ethical and inclusive AI research methodologies, guaranteeing equitable and accessible AI development.

What are the major challenges you face in your current role, and how do you navigate these obstacles?

One of the biggest challenges I face is balancing local insights with global trends in our research processes, particularly with the quick growth of AI tools, culture, society, and technology. We constantly improve our research methodologies to be on the cutting edge of technology and make sure that local insights and global trends are appropriately incorporated.

Another big challenge is the establishment of a collaborative and co-creative team since our company is entirely remote. So, we are always thinking of ways to collaborate even when we are not physically present with our clients or our local researchers.

What have been the biggest achievements in your professional journey?

One of my biggest achievements recently is being recognized as a ‘Mover and Maker’ by the Women in Innovation organization. This recognition is incredibly meaningful to me, as I deeply respect their mission and advocacy. It was awarded primarily for my work on the equitable AI framework.

Another major achievement this year is organizing the AIBA (AI Business Adaptation) global conference, taking place in October 2024 in Poland. It’s a huge milestone for our business and a significant step forward for ethical AI in the industry.

In addition, Studio into was recognized as the most innovative agency in the European Agency Awards in 2021, and we were finalists for Multi-Territory Agency of the Year at the Global Agency Awards in 2024.

One personal achievement I am especially proud of is the impact we have had on young women in our industry. Over the past 13 years, I have mentored many women, offering them internships and early-career opportunities. Seeing them thrive, and in some cases, return to us as clients, has been immensely rewarding.

What is your vision as a business leader for 2025?

My vision is to expand our research network into emerging markets and further embed ethical AI practices across the industry. I want to position Studio into as a leader in inclusive innovation, driving sustainable, culturally informed strategies that make a global impact.

A business leader you admire and why

Maria Potoroczyn, co-founder of Women in Innovation (WIN), has been a visionary leader since launching the organization in 2016, aiming to close the gender gap in the innovation field. Through WIN, she has created a global network that empowers women to lead, offering mentorship, resources, and opportunities to make a lasting impact.

Joanna Brassett, Founder & CEO, Studio Into

Joanna Brassett has a BA Hons in Product Design from Central Saint Martins and an MSc in Culture and Society from the London School of Economics. She has been a Visiting Professor at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences and has taught at Central Saint Martins. Joanna has also served as a Senior Design Researcher at Seymourpowell and a Packaging Designer at Tin Horse Design.