Posted on May 15, 2024

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, an entrepreneur's journey is filled with opportunities and challenges. For Black women entrepreneurs, the path is often even more complex due to systemic barriers and societal expectations. Despite these hurdles, many have carved out successful careers and thriving businesses. One such inspiring figure is Denene Jonielle Rodney, the founder and CEO of Zebra Strategies. With over 23 years of experience in market research and a deep commitment to community building, Denene’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of radical compassion.

The Journey Begins

Denene Jonielle Rodney’s entrepreneurial journey began with a vision to create a market research firm that truly understood and represented the voices of underserved and vulnerable populations. She founded Zebra Strategies to bridge the gap between large corporations and marginalized communities. Her unique approach to market research, which emphasizes trust, dignity, and cultural nuances, quickly set her apart in the industry.

Starting a business is always challenging, and Denene faced her fair share of challenges. However, her unwavering belief in the importance of radical compassion and her commitment to creating non-stigmatizing environments for research participants helped her overcome these obstacles. She built Zebra Strategies from the ground up, focusing on creating a multidisciplinary team that reflects the diversity of the communities they serve.

Building Trust and Establishing Dignity

One of the core principles of Denene’s approach is the emphasis on building trust and establishing dignity. In the world of market research, trust is paramount. Participants must feel safe and respected to share their thoughts and experiences. Denene’s method involves creating environments where individuals feel valued and heard, regardless of their background or circumstances.

This approach has resulted in more accurate and insightful research findings and fostered long-term relationships with clients and communities. Denene’s ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals underscores her commitment to inclusivity and respect.

Innovative Research Methods

Denene’s innovative research methods have been a game-changer in the industry. She employs various qualitative and quantitative techniques, such as online and mobile research, usability testing, in-depth interviews, lived-lives diary studies, focus groups, and multi-experiential research. These methods allow her team to gather deep insights into the motivations and cultural nuances of underrepresented groups.

One notable example of Denene’s innovative approach is her use of lived-lives diary studies. This method involves participants documenting their daily lives and experiences over a period, providing rich, contextual data that traditional research methods might miss. By understanding the lived experiences of participants, Denene and her team provide clients with actionable insights that drive meaningful change.

The Power of Radical Compassion

Radical Compassion is at the heart of Denene’s work. She believes understanding and appreciating cultural differences is essential for effective market research and business success. This philosophy permeates every aspect of Zebra Strategies, from the diverse composition of the team to the innovative methods used in research. By transforming empathy into proactive measures, Denene ensures that every action is grounded in ethics and integrity, driving meaningful change and fostering a deeper connection with diverse communities.

Denene’s dedication to radical compassion has set her business apart and earned her numerous awards and accolades. She has been recognized as a WPO Women2Watch in 2024, a 2022 Insights Association Research Laureate, and a WIRE Inaugural MRX Diversity Champion. These honors highlight her contributions to the advancement of women in the market research industry and her commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Mentoring the Next Generation

Beyond her work at Zebra Strategies, Denene is passionate about mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. She understands the unique challenges Black women face in business and is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and experiences to help others succeed. Through personalized mentoring sessions, Denene offers valuable insights and practical strategies tailored to each entrepreneur’s unique challenges and goals.

Her mentoring approach emphasizes the importance of resilience, radical compassion, and innovative problem-solving. Denene believes that by empowering Black women entrepreneurs and industry leaders, she can contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable business landscape.

Inspiring Through Speaking Engagements

Denene’s impact extends beyond mentoring through her engaging and insightful speaking engagements. She is a sought-after speaker known for her ability to captivate audiences with her warmth, humor, and depth of knowledge.

Whether addressing corporate executives, industry leaders, or aspiring entrepreneurs, Denene brings a fresh and empowering perspective to every event. Her presentations cover a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurship, marketing, and community building. Denene’s unique ability to create a safe and inclusive environment encourages open dialogue and meaningful connections, making her a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their entrepreneurial skills and strategies.

Celebrating Achievements

Throughout her career, Denene has achieved significant milestones that underscore her expertise and dedication. Zebra Strategies has become a certified woman—and minority-owned business recognized for its social impact and innovation. Under her leadership, the company has grown to include a multidisciplinary team of professionals who reflect the power and diversity of the communities they serve.

Denene’s numerous awards and recognitions, including the 2023 Inc. 5000 ranking and the NMSDC Class II Supplier of The Year Award, highlight her industry contributions and commitment to excellence. These achievements serve as a testament to her hard work, resilience, and unwavering dedication to making a difference.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Denene Jonielle Rodney remains committed to her mission of amplifying the voices of underserved and vulnerable populations. She continues to push the boundaries of market research with innovative methods and a deep commitment to radical compassion. Her work at Zebra Strategies and her efforts to mentor and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Denene’s vision is to create a world where everyone’s voice is heard and valued, and businesses and communities can thrive together. By sharing her journey and insights, she hopes to empower others to tackle risk and difference in their work and businesses, fostering a more empathetic and inclusive professional environment.

Get in Touch

Denene Jonielle Rodney’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to community building. Her unique approach to market research and dedication to empowering others make her an inspiring figure in the industry. If you’re interested in learning more about Denene’s work, booking her for a speaking engagement, or exploring her mentoring services, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact Denene at (212) 244-3960 to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey.