An impressive international track record: one thing One Inch Whale and its newest team member already have in common. Her keen eye and experience in both academia and the market research industry make her the perfect addition to the research team. This puts an important piece of the puzzle in place at One Inch Whale. Meet Sanne Van Grootel, our Senior Strategy & Insights Lead.
At just four years old, she moved from Belgium to Denmark, and throughout her life, she also lived in Austria, the United States, and the Netherlands. Yet this polyglot sees herself as an introvert who, besides a nice walk or a good concert, enjoys devouring books and solving puzzles. In all varieties, because
besides the jigsaw puzzles or crosswords she solves in her private life, her professional career revolves around putting all the puzzle pieces together. It all comes together perfectly for Sanne, who is now taking on the role of Senior Strategy & Insights Lead at One Inch Whale.
Her interest in understanding why people do what they do, make certain decisions, and what drives their preferences naturally led to her choice of studies. "After spending several years in Austria, I moved back to Belgium to start my psychology studies. I completed my degree with a research master and later earned my PhD at KU Leuven." After her studies, Sanne moved to the Netherlands for nearly three years, where she made the transition from academia to the research industry. "I was intrigued by the short turnaround times and the relevance to the real world. It's amazing to see products in stores that I had the opportunity to research and projects where I gave advice."
Although she transitioned from the academic research world to the industry, Sanne remains – and rightly so – proud of her PhD achievement. This closely ties in with her commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) and her passion for gender equality. "As a proud feminist, I’m committed to
advocating for equal opportunities and breaking down gender stereotypes. My PhD focused on the underrepresentation of men in traditionally female roles, examining how social identity and gender terminology influence their behavioral intentions."
The extensive internal experience and valuable expertise at One Inch Whale create an environment where I can learn, grow and flourish.
Her move to a new challenge at One Inch Whale wasn’t something she was actively looking for, but the role of Senior Strategy & Insights Lead convinced her. For Sanne, the choice of a smaller research agency like One Inch Whale speaks volumes, precisely because it highlights the flexibility and agility that the company offers. “There’s room for creative and interesting solutions for every project. The extensive internal experience and valuable expertise at One Inch Whale create an environment where I can learn, grow and flourish, all while being able to be myself and pursue the direction that suits me best."
Sanne finds her new, supportive environment highly motivating and looks forward to being part of a close-knit team. Not only does she want to coach and guide others, but she’s also eager to be the supportive colleague who steps in where needed. In doing so, she fully contributes to the unique One Inch Whale vibe. And so, all the puzzle pieces fall into place.
Welcome, Sanne! We’re excited to solve the most brain-bending mysteries with you.
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