30Under30 Honouree: Steven Weems

Great to hear from Global 30 Under 30 Honouree, Steven Weems, a rising leader shaping the next generation of insights through methodological rigor, technology innovation, and mentorship.

So, how did you get into the industry, and take us through how you got to this point?

Like many in MRX, my entry into the insights world wasn’t linear. I originally began my academic career on a rigorous pre-med track, but as I progressed, I realized that while my drive to serve something bigger than myself remained strong, medicine might not be my true calling.

During a period of exploration, I enrolled in a marketing research course and everything clicked. The analytical rigor, the instinct to ask “why,” and the satisfaction of solving complex puzzles all mirrored what drew me to medicine in the first place. Looking back, it makes perfect sense; AP Statistics was my favorite class in high school.

After switching degree paths, I graduated with a BSBA in Marketing – Research & Data Analytics and began my career on the brand side, where I led consumer intelligence and spearheaded a full company rebrand. I found myself gravitating toward the research components: conducting focus groups, shelf tests, and packaging studies to guide strategic decisions.

After gaining a strong foundation on the brand side, I was eager to broaden the scope of problems I could help solve. The agency side allowed me to apply my analytical and research skillset more widely and take on diverse, high-stakes research challenges across multiple industries. At ROI Rocket, I partner with consulting and private equity teams on diligence and strategy work, helping them uncover the deeper “why” behind the data. My “aha” moment came when I realized that the same thrill I once felt diagnosing human physiology puzzles now lives in diagnosing business ones, from investigating declining CX scores to explaining unexpected market behaviors.

Why should anyone consider a career in market research, data and insights?

Because few fields give you such a clear line of sight between your work and real-world impact. The insights we uncover help companies make decisions that directly shape markets, from developing new products and improving customer experiences to valuing a business for a life-changing acquisition.

MRX is also one of the only professions where you begin with ambiguity and end with clarity. You’re constantly solving puzzles. Sometimes you discover the answer; other times you uncover deeper, more invigorating questions, which is equally rewarding.

The work can be demanding, and stakeholders often have competing expectations. But you’ll be surrounded by some of the smartest, most dedicated people in any industry. If you value curiosity, problem-solving, and impact, this field has limitless potential.

Career paths are rarely without challenges. Can you share an honest moment when things didn’t go according to plan?

The most defining challenge of my early career was letting go of my pre-med path. For years, I poured myself into that goal from late nights, labs, volunteer work, thousands of dollars, and the pressure of pursuing a “socially recognized” profession. Stepping away felt like abandoning all that effort, and the fear of starting over was real. But I eventually realized I wasn’t starting over, I was evolving. Everything I invested in that journey, from resilience to analytical thinking to discipline, carried forward into the way I approach my work today.

The lesson that remains with me: don’t get trapped by sunk costs. Careers aren’t linear, and success is not defined by a single path. Trust your instincts, make thoughtful decisions grounded in data, and don’t be afraid to pivot when your heart pulls you elsewhere. You are your only obstacle.

What two things should junior researchers focus on as they progress?

Adopt a student mindset. Stay curious. Continuously seek feedback. Learn from peers. Attend conferences, join communities, dive into new tools — growth is self-driven. Identify your gaps and close them with intention. No one will hand you expertise; you build it.

Effort and organization matter more than perfection. You don’t need to have every answer. But if you show up consistently, work hard, and stay organized enough to find information quickly and support teams proactively, you will stand out. Leadership values reliability, clarity, and people who take ownership.

A piece of advice I wish I’d been given earlier: every challenge is a rep, you grow by doing. Ask more questions than you think you need to. When something doesn’t go as planned, stay curious and use it to uncover what works better next time.

Do you have any advice for our sector?

Quality must remain our north star. Generative AI and the rapid evolution of online research have brought both opportunity and scrutiny to our industry. Now more than ever, we need to return to fundamentals: rigorous design, thoughtful methodology, ethical practices, and respect for respondents.

Quality isn’t just about sample. It’s about every contributor (vendors, researchers, analysts, programmers, interviewers) acting as true thought partners. We must resist the lure of “fastest, cheapest, or easiest” when it compromises integrity.

There is still extraordinary work happening in our field, far beyond the noise. If we champion quality collectively and uphold shared standards, MRX will not only withstand industry disruption, but it will also lead the next decade of innovation.

Do you have anyone who has helped your career so far that you’d like to acknowledge?

Absolutely. My first MRX professor, Dr. Gina Slejko, played a foundational role in my career. Her passion and mentorship didn’t just teach me research fundamentals, she sparked the fire that brought me into this field.

I also want to thank the senior leadership team at ROI Rocket, and especially Noah Seton, whose guidance has shaped my leadership, strengthened my strategic thinking, and pushed me to grow into the advisor I am today.

To my colleagues and associates — your dedication inspires me daily.

To my clients — thank you for placing your trust in me and allowing me to do meaningful work.