14 Jul The Faces Behind Fluent: Sofia Polo
To celebrate Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, we’re highlighting the people who have helped shape the organization along the way. This week, we’re featuring Sofia Polo, Fluent’s Director of Research Strategy.
Sofia leads qualitative research that helps organizations better understand the needs of children, youth, and families. With a background in public health and extensive experience leading global research studies, she’s passionate about turning people’s experiences into insights that inform products, programs, and services with real-world impact.
Read below to learn what first drew Sofia to research, what she enjoys most about working at Fluent, and how she sees the future of research evolving.
1) What inspired you to join Fluent Research?
I’d just finished my Master’s in Public Health and loved doing research in all my roles—undergrad, grad school, and at the Health Department. Fluent really drew me in by offering a chance to do fast-paced and varied qualitative research. I knew I could grow and learn quickly.
2) What’s your role at Fluent, and what does a typical day look like for you?
I’m the Director of Research Strategy. Every day is a mix of conducting interviews, analyzing data, writing reports, meeting with clients and colleagues, developing research materials, and helping improve how we conduct research across the company. I also enjoy mentoring teammates and thinking about ways to strengthen our research practices.
3) What’s been your most memorable project or moment at Fluent?
It’s hard to choose just one because I genuinely get excited about almost every project I work on. I especially enjoy studies focused on health, wellness, and mental health, and when I can see how research can improve products, services, and people’s lives.
4) How has Fluent evolved since you joined?
One of the biggest changes has been how much we’ve grown as a team. As the company has expanded, we’ve built a great team with diverse backgrounds and talents.
5) What’s one thing you’ve learned about research that surprised you?
I’ve been surprised by how much participants genuinely enjoy being part of research. Many people tell us they find interviews fun, meaningful, and even the highlight of their day. It’s rewarding to see how much people appreciate having the opportunity to share their experiences and contribute to something bigger.
6) What’s your favorite part of working at Fluent?
I love the flexibility that comes with working at a smaller company. Research isn’t one-size-fits-all, so having the freedom to adapt our methods, try new ideas, and creatively solve problems allows us to better serve both our clients and participants. It’s exciting to continuously evolve our approach.
7) What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
My favorite thing to do during the summer is spend the day at the beach. I try to go as much as possible.
8) If you could have dinner with any public or historical figure, who would it be and why?
I’d choose Dr. John Snow. He traced the source of a cholera outbreak and laid the foundation for modern epidemiology.
9) What’s a book, movie, or podcast you’d recommend to everyone?
My favorite movie is Triangle of Sadness because it’s funny, thought-provoking, and tackles complex social themes in a really fun, artistic way.
10) What’s your go-to productivity hack?
Time blocking helps me plan my week and prioritize tasks. I also try to keep meetings to 30 min as much as possible and keep to the agenda.
11) If you weren’t in research, what career would you have pursued?
I would probably be in public health since that is my educational background and my passion. If not public health research, likely program planning and implementation, or public health policy.
12) What does Fluent’s 20th Anniversary mean to you?
It’s amazing to see that Fluent has been around for 20 years, and it’s also incredible how quickly the time has gone by. I’m proud to have been part of the company’s journey and growth.
13) How do you see Fluent evolving in the next 20 years?
I think we’ll continue growing, with team members across the country and even more collaboration than we have today. AI will become a much bigger part of research and transform our industry in ways we can’t even imagine today.
14) What’s one word you’d use to describe Fluent Research? Why?
Passionate. Employees care about doing great work and delivering meaningful insights to our clients.
15) What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
Taking my daughter to the playground and spending time together outside.
16) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
There isn’t one specific place at the top of my list. I would just love to get out of town and experience a new place and culture. I am open-minded, so any opportunity to explore somewhere new would be exciting to me.
17) What’s your favorite snack or drink to have while working?
Fruit salad because it’s sweet and fresh.
18) What’s a hobby or activity you’re passionate about outside of work?
Going on walks and spending quality time with my family.