Change Agents Podcast

After more than 25 years working across global brands including Estée Lauder, Clinique, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Anheuser-Busch and Colgate, Colleen Funkey has learned the value of looking at a problem from a different angle. She joins Change Agents to talk about how an early career experience changed the way she thinks about perspective, why the most interesting insights often live in the nuance and how researchers can build stronger relationships with the people who ultimately need to act on their work. Colleen also shares her perspective on AI and why she believes the future of insights will require researchers to move further into strategy, answering not only the “what” and “why,” but the “so what” and “now what.”

About Colleen Funkey

Colleen Funkey, owner of Grey Zebra, is a Consumer Insights and Brand Strategy Consultant with a passion for understanding people – what drives them, why they make the decisions they do, and how brands can connect with them in meaningful ways. Her journey began in South Africa, where she studied Psychology and developed a deep curiosity about human attitudes and behavior. This passion for learning and discovery drives her to uncover insights that fuel strategic decision-making and unlock brand growth.

With over 25 years of global experience in brand marketing, research, insights, and strategy, Colleen has worked with some of the world’s most iconic and beloved brands. She started her career marketing Colgate toothpaste before moving on to shape consumer-centric strategies for Anheuser-Busch’s legendary beer brands and later for the prestige beauty brand portfolio at the Estée Lauder Companies. Known for looking beyond the “what” to uncover the “why,” she specializes in translating insights into action to build brands that resonate, inspire, and endure.

To learn more, visit:
https://alteragents.com/

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/devora-rogers