Why trust is the ultimate metric in market research with Bill Salokar
July 14, 2026
Data can inform decisions, but people make them. In this episode of The Curiosity Current, Molly Strawn-Carreño and Stephanie Vance talk with Bill Salokar, Director of Business Development at Gazelle Global. They explore the critical role of human relationships and trust within the research ecosystem. Bill shares his journey from statistician to relationship builder, discussing how to maintain the human element as technology scales. The conversation highlights why active listening, contextual understanding, and research wisdom remain irreplaceable even as AI reshapes the industry.
In this episode of The Curiosity Current, hosts Molly Strawn-Carreño and Stephanie Vance are joined by Bill Salokar, Director of Business Development at Gazelle Global. With a career spanning both the technical side of statistics and the interpersonal side of business development, Bill offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the market research industry. He discusses his personal transition from working behind a computer screen to building partnerships that drive strategic outcomes for researchers and clients alike.
The discussion delves into why human judgment is vital when navigating a world saturated with data. Bill explains the importance of active listening throughout the research supply chain and how building genuine trust can prevent researchers from becoming simple order takers. He also shares stories about the value of contextual learning, illustrating how firsthand observation can reveal insights that surveys might miss.
Finally, the episode addresses the current state of the industry, including the widespread anxiety surrounding AI. Bill emphasizes the enduring importance of research wisdom, which is the ability to assess findings through the lens of experience and originality. This conversation serves as a reminder that behind every data point is a human being, and keeping that connection is essential for meaningful work.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to transition from a technical research role into relationship building
- Why active listening is the most overlooked skill in the research supply chain
- The difference between having information and achieving true understanding
- How contextual learning and firsthand observation improve insight quality
- Why building personal trust is essential for job security and business impact
- The role of intentionality when participating in industry organizations
- How to move beyond being an order taker to becoming a strategic partner
- Why research wisdom and originality remain uniquely human contributions
- How to maintain a respectful relationship with survey respondents at scale
About the Guest:
Bill Salokar is the Director of Business Development at Gazelle Global. He began his career with a master’s degree in statistics, focusing on data analysis and SPSS coding. Over time, he transitioned into marketing research and business development roles at organizations such as the Florida Lottery, Georgia Lottery, and CMI. Bill is also a prominent figure in the research community, having served as president of Intellus and actively participating in the Insights Association and MRX Pros.
Episode Resources:
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