uSamp Blog

with Managing Director for Europe, Gaelle Normand

As uSamp’s first Managing Director for Europe, Gaelle Normand couldn’t be a better fit. It’s as if uSamp created a wish list of everything we wanted, and found Normand. Born in France, she has worked in five countries in Europe, and speaks several languages. She is truly a European citizen, and loves being able to apply her extensive cultural knowledge and experience to make business more efficient and better adapted to the range of customer needs. She holds an M.Sc from EM Lyon, a leading international and European business school.

Q: What opportunities do you see for  uSamp in the European market?

A: The European market is actually several markets, each with its own culture, language, and particular needs. At uSamp, we understand the variances and we have hired people who have expertise in all key EU markets. Furthermore, we see Europe as a unique opportunity to expand our industry leading sampling business focused on European standards, customer service and access to hard–to–reach online survey respondents. The European market also provides us with new and compelling ways to showcase SaaS–based sampling solutions, which are the hallmark of our company.

Q: As Managing Director of Europe, what are your goals for our European operation?

A: We’re working toward simply becoming the preferred partner in Europe for global survey respondent solutions and online technology for market research.

Q: You’ve attracted quite a team. Can you provide more details about them?

A: We have a very talented group, experts in their fields with different cultural backgrounds and local expertise in all key EU  markets. We’re creating a close-knit group even with their diverse backgrounds. Dedicated, too. And because we’re a global company, we also offer 24/7 coverage for all projects.

Q: How do you plan to support European market researchers?

Q: uSamp’s new panel, Gratis Points, with its multiple language options is launching along with River sampling technology in key countries. Tell us how each offers further reach.

A: Gratis Points is a great example of how we’ve considered the specificities and nuances of different cultures. I’ve been focusing on finding partners with local brands so we can offer our panelists a wide array of rewards, which will keep them coming back for more. From vouchers with global brand names to local and international charities, to cash options,our rewards are appealing to a variety of respondents.

Q: What do you think differentiates uSamp from the other sampling companies in Europe?

A: I’ve been in this business for nearly 10 years now, and I’ve never seen a company add a million panelists in just three months. The level of technology and recruiting techniques are impressive at uSamp.

On a more personal side, I quite enjoy Yammer, the business version of Facebook that we use within uSamp. Even if it’s just communicating about what I had for lunch, Yammer connects all of us throughout the world. I also enjoyed when Gregg and Matt brought all of us together in Los Angeles for the holidays. That said a lot about them and the company.

Q: What drives you in this business? Where does the passion come from?

A: I love the fast-paced, ever-changing landscape of this business. You have to constantly re–invent yourself. It’s a non–stoplearning curve and I find this very fulfilling.

Q: We know uSamp keeps you busy, but what are you reading now for fun?

A: Because I am French, and now living in London, I’m enjoying “1000 Years of Annoying the French” by Stephen Clarke. In his light–hearted way, Clark writes about the rivalry between the two countries, and he sets the record straight about some historical facts. Did you know that the guillotine was actually invented in England, not in France?

Q: Where can market researchers find you?

A: We’re in a business district located at 344–354 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8BP. Our staff is growing so our new offices are already larger than when I started with uSamp just a few months ago. The launch event for our European office is scheduled for Thursday, 22–September with the location to be announced soon. I always try to be accessible, even when out of the office traveling on business.