🔍 Episode Summary 

In this episode, Christina Nathanson of Quest Diagnostics brings decades of insights leadership experience to The Deep Dive. She reflects on how the industry has transformed, why listening remains the most undervalued skill in research, and how curiosity fuels better decision‑making. Christina also shares how she builds trust on a multi‑generational team, mentors emerging talent, and uses new “office hours” to strengthen marketing’s strategic capabilities. Recorded live at the Corporate Researchers Conference, the conversation closes with tactical advice for making the most of industry events. 

🧠 Key Topics Covered 

The Skills Modern Researchers Need 

• Why listening is still the single most essential skill 
• Starting with the end in mind: always ask “What will we do with this?” 
• Staying curious to stay sharp in an AI‑accelerated world 

Authentic Leadership & Building Trust 

• Using weekly “connection blocks” to stay transparent and human 
• Creating a psychologically safe environment where people speak freely 
• Leading across three generations with openness, humor, and flexibility 

Coaching and Developing Emerging Talent 

• Encouraging multiple mentors—across functions and even outside the company 
• Prioritizing continuous learning through conferences, webinars, and exposure 
• Offering access to leadership to build confidence and accelerate growth 
• Acting as a connector to help others navigate the organization 

Launching Office Hours at Quest Diagnostics 

• Why “office hours” (or “happy hour,” as Christina jokes) matter 
• Helping teams navigate ambiguity in research 
• Sharing project spotlights, inviting cross‑functional partners, and seeding questions 
• Shifting the organization from a product mindset to an insights mindset 

Maximizing Conferences & Networking 

• The simple power of introducing yourself to whoever sits beside you 
• Listening for transferable ideas during sessions and vendor conversations 
• Writing down inspiration in the moment, before it slips away 

💡 Notable Quotes 

“Sometimes talk less, listen more. We don’t do enough of that.” 

“Trust sounds so small, but it pays off in spades.” 

“I encourage people to get a mentor—and not just one. You need different voices.” 

“We’re moving from a product mindset to an insights mindset. It’s a journey, and office hours will help us get there.” 

🎧 Tune In To Learn: 

• Why listening is more powerful than ever in an AI‑enabled insights world 
• How leaders can build trust and authenticity—especially in hybrid teams 
• Ways to accelerate junior talent through mentorship and access 
• How “office hours” can elevate research literacy across an organization 
• Practical, easy networking behaviors that create meaningful connections