Open Mind Strategy

08/29/2025

Grateful for clients who recognize the heart of our work — strategic research tailored not just to audiences, but to outcomes. At OMS, we put as much care into how we share insights as we do into uncovering them — so they spark action, not just sit in a report.

08/14/2025

Most failed product launches don’t crash because the teams are lazy or clueless.

They crash because human understanding wasn’t there.

After 20+ years in strategy and research, I’ve seen the same 4 patterns sink launches again and again:

1️⃣ Mistaking data for insight
2️⃣ They launch for themselves, not the consumer
3️⃣ They mistake novelty for value
4️⃣ hey don't use empathy as a strategic tool

Data matters. So does speed.

But neither replaces the deep, up-to-date understanding of why people do what they do, and what they truly need now.

The fix? Pair your dashboards with real conversations. Ask better questions. Listen harder.

08/12/2025

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝘆!

I keep seeing articles about how young Americans are struggling in today’s economy and culture (especially young men), but want to share some good data-backed news on this International Youth Day!

📉 Youth unemployment globally has dropped by over 12% in the past year (not in the USA, sadly), according to Reuters

🌏 Young people are leading efforts to make the world a better place, including getting involved in climate activism:

- Pew research has found that almost 2/3 of Gen Z have participated in online activism

- Youth-led climate protests have occurred in over 150 countries around the world

💰 While Gen Z is facing more financial challenges than previous generations, 72% of US Gen Z-ers have taken proactive steps toward improving their financial health, with just over half putting more money toward savings for the future

Let’s all stand with young friends and family as they stand up for creating a better future!

08/08/2025

We’ve shared data-backed “Seasonal Insights from OMS” before, but this summer, the heat isn’t just something we talk about — it’s something that’s changing how we live.

Record-high temperatures have become a fact of life – and they’re influencing when people leave the house, how they make decisions, and even how they feel. Not surprisingly, we’re seeing a shift toward slower, more protective rhythms as people adjust their daily lives around changing climate.

07/04/2025

Independence Day isn’t just about flags and fireworks. Especially this year, it makes me reflect on freedom, equality, true patriotism, and the democratic vision of this country’s founders.

But – honestly? What I think about most is that July 4th is my husband’s birthday, and how grateful I am to have him in my life.

He’s a true independent spirit, never falling in lockstep behind a trend (but always interested in the best way to accomplish a goal). He’s a constant learner, adding new skillsets and tools to his work as a film editor as they emerge. He’s one of the smartest people I've ever met (we met when we were 18, so I’ve met a LOT of people since then!), and his brains, creative solutions, and work ethic help every film director he works with achieve their vision to create the best feature or short possible. (And I’ll say the same for the editorial work he does in the publishing world — getting things “right” with smart, thorough, and thoughtful solutions). Also – a great cook. In summary, he’s a catch.

So July 4th for me is a day to count my blessings on the home front.

And it turns out I’m not the only ones lighting candles instead of fireworks today — a member of my crackerjack team is also is celebrating her son’s birthday!

So, happy birthday to anyone out there who has to share their birthday with this nation’s! Sending you and your families happy birthday wishes!

Love, family, and birthday candles. That’s my kind of holiday.

How are you celebrating 7/4 this year?

06/05/2025

🌸 Unleashing Your Brand’s Potential with Spring Insights

What better day than World Environment Day to take notice of how the seasons affect us – and what opportunities open up for teams and brands depending on season!

Though Spring officially kicked off in late March and Summer is around the corner (June 20), the weather has made it feel Spring-like much longer than usual. North of NYC, we were still needing coats and a lit fireplace earlier this week! Now, as the cold rains are finally receding, it’s a good time to take advantage of late Spring energy, marked by rising energy levels, longer days, and a greater desire to engage — socially, professionally, and emotionally. This can be a great time to bring people together to ideate – or to offer compelling reasons for consumers to re-engage with your brand!

And don’t forget to feed your own brain! According to many studies (Frontiers in Psychology outlines a number), interacting with nature boosts mood, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, which is especially relevant in the spring, when outdoor activity and greenery are on the rise. Getting out of your office may not only feel good, it may make your brain work just a bit better as you tackle difficult strategic problems. This “Spring exposure” is also good for your (and your employees’) mental and physical health. A study in Environmental Health Perspectives found that higher exposure to green spaces is associated with statistically significantly lower levels of depression, anxiety – and even mortality. These findings reinforce what many feel intuitively: spring offers a fresh start — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Spring is a time when people feel renewed motivation to act on personal goals and reconnect with purpose. Your audience may be especially receptive to messaging centered on clarity, momentum, and possibility. Whether launching a new offering or reigniting interest in a core one, aligning your strategy with spring’s vitality can make your message more powerful. It might even be time to look back at your New Years’ resolutions!

Spring also inspires reconnection. From weekend gatherings to Fathers’ Day special occasions to pre-summer escapes, late spring brings people together. Brands that center renewal, community, or shared optimism can foster meaningful engagement.

That said, Spring is also a season of potential overload. Schedules fill quickly and the “spring forward” vibe can feel overwhelming. Preparations for Summer can be particularly stressful for parents. Brands that offer calm, clarity, or convenience can cut through that seasonal busy-ness to build deeper trust.

At Open Mind Strategy, LLC, we’ll continue to occasionally offer research-based seasonal insights, helping you align your strategies and activities with the energy and behaviors that the seasons optimize. Stay tuned for more as we move into summer! ☀️

05/26/2025

Wishing all a blessed Memorial Day.

May we remember those who served, and may we offer our love to those we share our lives with.

05/20/2025

Came across a report from Oracle that confirms what we’ve seen lately in qualitative research — younger generations are particularly skeptical of brands that don’t come across as “authentic.”

That means consistent, truthful, and human — so edit those AI-created messages with your own human filter to assure your brand is connecting on that human level.

Curious — what’s been working for you when it comes to sounding real?

05/15/2025

Gratitude moment! 💫

When a seasoned client tells us our work is among the best they’ve seen in more than 2 decades — well, that puts a big smile on my face and a spring in my step.

Huge thanks to the brilliant teams we get to partner with doing research and brand strategy. After all, sometimes the most transformational learning we can share with a client is just being able to validate and deepen their great hunch with strong data.

Feel free to connect if you think OMS might be of service to your brand! 🤍

03/08/2025

Women supporting women is more important than ever. 🙌 🌸

02/28/2025

What’s your strategy for success? 🤔

Talent and hard work matter—but without a plan, they can only take you so far. Strategy is the real game-changer.

In business, in personal growth, in life—success isn’t just about knowing how to win, but knowing how to get there.

02/14/2025

What the world needs now is love, as the song says. Sending love to all our connections on this day. 🥰