Michele DeKinder-Smith, president and founder of Linkage Research & Consulting, has more than 20 years’ experience delivering consumer insights for leading and emerging brands. She founded Linkage to deliver world-class insights that help brands grow through appreciation of the customer’s point of view. DeKinder-Smith has advised on the launch of numerous new products in the areas of positioning, packaging, certifications, ingredient claims and shelf presence. Beyond her day job of leading Linkage, she is also an award-winning author and sought-after speaker in helping audiences understand the small business market.