10 Aug The Faces Behind Fluent: Allison Caplovitz
As part of Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, we’re continuing to highlight the people whose experience, ideas, and perspectives have helped shape Fluent. This week, we’re featuring Allison Caplovitz, Director of Content Research and Evaluation.
Allison brings decades of experience in children’s media, education, and research to her work at Fluent. From helping shape “Blue’s Clues” during her time at Nickelodeon to advising leading organizations across media, technology, and education, she has built a career around understanding what engages children and families and using research to create more meaningful experiences.
Read on to learn what brought Allison to Fluent, why collaboration is such an important part of her work, the surprising connection she has to one of Malcolm Gladwell’s books and why she believes people skills will become even more important in the age of AI.
1) Allison, what inspired you to join Fluent Research?
I was working as a solo entrepreneur for many years and was really missing collaborative partners. And when I met Nellie, I knew that I could still do the amazing work I was used to, but have collaborative partners to do it.
2) What’s your role at Fluent, and what does a typical day look like for you?
What I love about my job is that there actually isn’t a typical day. Sometimes I’m reviewing screeners, sometimes I’m creating guides, sometimes I’m conducting interviews, sometimes I’m writing reports, sometimes I’m analyzing data. So every day is different, and that is what I really enjoy about working at Fluent.
3) How has Fluent evolved since you joined?
When I joined Fluent in 2021, there were only about seven full-time employees. Since then we have grown to over 20. That’s a large growth in a short amount of time!
4) Allison, what’s one thing you’ve learned about research that surprised you?
One thing that I have learned over the years is that it is just as important to collect quality data with integrity as it is to write it up in a way that is impactful and represents the participants’ views in a meaningful and impactful way.
5) What’s your favorite part of working at Fluent?
I would definitely have to say the people. All my colleagues are smart, interesting, helpful and fun to be around – truly! I can always count on them to be supportive as well as insightful!
6) What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
Malcolm Gladwell’s first book, The Tipping Point includes me in the chapter called “The Stickiness Factor.” The chapter is about what qualities make something engaging and one that people want to come back to – and he referenced our research process at Blue’s Clues.
7) Allison, if you could have dinner with any public or historical figure, who would it be and why?
I would love to have dinner with Joan Ganz Cooney, the creator of Sesame Street to hear exactly how she got buy-in for her novel idea and how she kept at it until it succeeded. While I could read books about it, I would want our conversation to focus more on the personality qualities it took to accomplish such an impactful feat.
8) What’s a book, movie, or podcast you’d recommend to everyone?
Theo of Golden was such a great book and I recommend it highly.
9) What’s your go-to productivity hack?
Write a list of to-dos before you end the day so the next day you can hit the ground running.
10) If you weren’t in research, what career would you have pursued?
When I was younger, I wanted to be a sign-language interpreter or an actress (yes very different career paths!) but I think I might be a real estate broker. I like the financial aspects, the client interfacing aspects and just seeing people genuinely happy with their purchase.
11) What does Fluent’s 20th Anniversary mean to you?
It’s a milestone to celebrate and reflect on – what were the past 20 years for me like and where will my next 20 years take us?!?!
12) How do you see Fluent evolving in the next 20 years?
I think with the advancement of AI we will have to lean into our people skills even more to show how we go above and beyond for both our participants and our clients.
13) What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
Sitting down to dinner with my family!
14) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I think I would go to Italy and explore the beautiful coast. It’s been so many years since I have been there and I would like to see it now as an adult.
15) What’s your favorite snack or drink to have while working?
Though I am not really a snacker, I have been forcing myself to drink more water during the day. I don’t love it, but I have a goal of drinking 32 ounces each day.
16) Allison, what’s a hobby or activity you’re passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work, I love taking long walks while listening to a good book or podcast. It is good for my soul. I also love to play mahjong.