Cynthia Harris is the driving force behind 8:28 Insights, a marketing strategy and consumer insights agency dedicated to helping brands understand and connect with people in deeply human ways. With a strong background in marketing before starting 8:28 (former-P&G, McCormick, Abbott) and an MBA from The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, Cynthia brings both empathy and analytical rigor to her work.

Known for her expertise in culturally intelligent insights and her passion for uncovering "human moments that matter," Cynthia has collaborated with some of the world’s top brands across consumer goods, insurance, financial services, and more. Inspired by her late father’s entrepreneurial spirit, Cynthia founded 8:28 Insights to carry on his legacy of hard work and dedication to serving others. Beyond work, she’s an avid traveler, enthusiastic auntie, tennis enthusiast, and a mentor in the insights community.

What’s a go-to fun fact about you?

I’ve lived outside of the US multiple times in my life, including when I launched 8:28 Insights in 2019! After I left my last corporate gig, I spent nearly a year traveling the world, going from country to country, deeply immersing in different cultures while conducting research (online focus groups, in-depths, etc.). That particular experience helped further shape my love for insights and cultural intelligence work. I truly believe there’s no better way to deepen your ‘empathy muscle’ than to travel as much as you can.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I’d like the ability to transport anywhere in the world within minutes. The older I get, the less appealing the mad dashes from gate to gate in the airport become. Imagine: skipping the spring and landing exactly where you want to be, instantly— that’s my kind of travel (in my dreams ha!).