Greenbook Future List Spotlight: Tasneem Nomanbhai

Editor’s Note: The following interview features a 2025 Greenbook Future List honoree, Tasneem Nomanbhai. The Greenbook Future List recognizes leadership, professional growth, personal integrity, passion, and excellence in the next generation of consumer insights and marketing professionals within the first 10 years of their careers.

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Tasneem Nomanbhai is a Digital Marketing Consultant at WSI – Nomanbhai Group, where she helps businesses stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape. But beyond marketing, Tasneem is driven by a deep passion for mentorship, community building, and creating opportunities for others. As a co-chair at Northwestern University’s Master’s in Communication program, she guides aspiring professionals with the same dedication and resilience that has shaped her own journey.

Rooted in the values of her immigrant upbringing, Tasneem draws inspiration from her family's sacrifices and strength—lessons that continue to fuel her work ethic and purpose. Her career philosophy is simple but powerful: forge your own path, embrace reinvention, and don’t wait for doors to open—build your own.

Outside of insights, what are your passions and interests?

Beyond marketing, I’m passionate about mentorship, community building, and empowering others to thrive. As a co-chair at Northwestern University’s Master’s in Communication program, I mentor students and professionals navigating their careers. I’ve also guided peers in the tech community and actively educate businesses about trends in the space.

Having this level of involvement in the community has led to some great friendships and genuine connections. I enjoy creating opportunities for others—especially since I had limited opportunities early in my career. Giving back is deeply rewarding, and I find fulfillment in making a real impact.

Who is your career role model or source of inspiration?

What inspires my success is rooted in my family's journey. We emigrated to the US in pursuit of a better life and education for me and my brother. I am constantly motivated by the sacrifices my parents made to build a better future for us.  

Witnessing their resilience and determination, shaped my own drive and work ethic. Their example instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude and commitment to making the most of every opportunity. As I reflect back, I am truly inspired by their journey, which by no means was easy. It helps me put things into perspective. I carry those values and inspiration with me everyday. 

If you could go back in time to when you first started your career, what advice would you give to your younger self?

Opportunities won’t always come neatly packaged. Doors won’t always open. You’ll have to pull up your sleeves and create your own luck.

I know that people think career paths are linear, but that’s seldom the case. It’s OK to not have it all figured out or not meet milestones that you once thought you would. I think we can all reinvent ourselves at any age. More often than not, you’ll have to create your own seat at the table—whether that’s launching a business, pivoting careers, or taking a chance on a bold idea.

Looking back, I’d remind myself that success isn’t a straight path—it’s a collection of pivots, challenges, and moments of reinvention. Trust the journey and enjoy the ride.

Tell us about any advocacy/volunteer/association work you're doing within the industry.  What issues are you trying to solve? Why is this work critical for the industry?

I’m helping businesses and professionals integrate AI into their daily operations by providing education, hands-on workshops, and strategic guidance. Many people fear AI because they don’t fully understand it, but history has shown that every disruptive technology presents both challenges and opportunities. My goal is to bridge this knowledge gap so that businesses can adopt AI responsibly and effectively rather than fall behind. This work is critical because, without proactive education and leadership, industries risk stagnation while competitors who embrace innovation gain a significant advantage.

Where do you see the future of insights heading in the next 10 years?

I think there are a couple of trends that we’re already seeing that will continue to grow. There will be a greater need for human involvement and AI collaboration. As AI agents and the digital landscape become more complex, the need for human supervision becomes greater. AI oversight and ethical use of AI will be paramount. Companies that blend this level of expertise will lead the industry.  

We’ll also see the democratization of insights with sophisticated tools that were once only available to enterprise level companies now accessible to small businesses. This will empower businesses to leverage data to make more informed decision.