30 Under 30 – what does it take?

What it takes to make the Global 30 Under 30: lessons from the 2025 winners

The 2025 Significant Insights Global 30 Under 30 list was the most competitive yet, with a record number of nominations from 14 countries and honourees spanning brands, agencies, media owners, consultancies and specialist insight firms. From the UK, USA, India, Ghana, South Africa, Australia, Canada and across Europe, one thing was clear: the future of insights is global, diverse and full of energy.

But what actually helped these individuals stand out?

After reviewing the 2025 class, five clear themes emerge. If you’re hoping to make the 2026 list, this is where to focus.

1. They create impact, not just activity

The strongest nominees were not simply “busy” or hardworking. They could point to outcomes.

They improved clients’ decision-making, shaped strategy, launched new approaches, drove growth, influenced campaigns or transformed internal ways of working. Judges are looking for people whose work makes a difference.

Advice: Don’t just say what you did. Show what changed because of your contribution.

2. They combine curiosity with commercial thinking

Across the winners, there was a clear blend of intellectual curiosity and business acumen. Many had broad category experience, worked across markets, or moved between disciplines such as analytics, qual, brand strategy, innovation or tech-enabled research.

For example, 2025 honouree Victoria Chapman spoke about thriving on variety, learning constantly and staying close to innovation.

Advice: Demonstrate that you understand both people and performance. Insights is about answers that move businesses forward.

3. They embrace change and innovation

Many of the 2025 honourees are operating at the edge of where the sector is heading — AI-enabled research, advanced analytics, new data sources, automation, behavioural science and emerging methodologies.

The next generation of leaders are not waiting for change. They are helping drive it.

Advice: Show how you’ve adapted, experimented or led innovation. Judges reward progress-makers.

4. They influence beyond their job title

What stood out repeatedly was leadership without needing seniority.

Many winners mentor others, speak at events, support ERGs, contribute thought leadership, build communities, improve culture or represent the industry externally. They are already shaping the profession before reaching 30.

Advice: Leadership is not a title. Show how you lift others and improve the sector around you.

5. They bring resilience, energy and purpose

Career journeys are rarely linear. Many honourees spoke openly about taking unconventional routes into insights, overcoming nerves, switching disciplines or growing through challenges.

That authenticity matters. Judges notice people with hunger, humility and momentum.

Advice: Tell your real story. The most compelling nominations often include obstacles overcome and lessons learned.

So what does a winning nomination look like?

A strong Global 30 Under 30 nomination usually answers five questions:

• What measurable impact has this person made?
• How are they advancing the craft of insights?
• How do they influence others?
• What makes their trajectory exceptional?
• Why are they one of the future leaders of our sector?

Final thought

The 2025 list shows that there is no single route to success. Winners came from global giants, challenger brands, agencies, start-ups and specialist firms. Different backgrounds. Different skills. Different stories.

What united them was ambition, action and impact.

If you want to make the 2026 list, focus less on being impressive, and more on being undeniable.