172 - Bringing Insights to Life Through Creative Storytelling with Dan Parker-Smith

In this episode of the Greenbook Podcast, Karen Lynch sits down with Future List Honoree Dan Parker-Smith to explore how documentary filmmaking techniques can transform the way insights are communicated. As the co-founder of EXPLNERS, Dan shares how his background in film, music, and creative collaboration shaped his approach to making research findings more human, memorable, and actionable.

The conversation dives into the power of storytelling, audience-first thinking, and creating “rewatchable” insight deliverables that drive stakeholder engagement and activation. Dan also discusses why the insights industry can learn from creators, journalists, and filmmakers — and how stronger storytelling can help research make a bigger impact inside organizations.

Key Discussion Points:

• Why storytelling is essential for making insights memorable and actionable
• How documentary filmmaking techniques enhance insight communication
• The importance of designing research deliverables with the audience in mind
• Creating “wow moments” and rewatchable insight videos for stakeholders
• How collaboration and creative inspiration can elevate research outcomes

Resources & Links:

• EXPLNERS
• Greenbook Future List
• IIEX Europe Event

You can reach out to Dan Parker-Smith on LinkedIn.

Many thanks to Dan Parker-Smith for being our guest. Thanks also to our production team and our editor at Big Bad Audio.