Analyst.
Trailblazer.
Market Mover.
Visionary tech researcher at the forefront of multiple digital marketing trends. Founder and chief analyst at Sonata Insights.
Providing research and thought leadership about:
Artificial Intelligence / Generative AI
Digital Advertising
Digital Media
Hi! I’m Debbie.
As founder and chief analyst of Sonata Insights, I provide custom research and advisory services to marketers, agencies, AI startups and the VC community, focusing on AI’s impact on marketing and consumer behavior.
My research on AI marketing, AI advertising and AI consumer usage is supported by my two decades leading the industry conversation about the business of social media. During my time at eMarketer, I published 120 reports about social media, one of the largest bodies of research on the topic. I am passionate about using my expertise to deliver insightful, hype-free research about AI.
To see my latest research and thinking please visit my business site, Sonata Insights.
In addition to thought-provoking research and compelling advisory services, I have significant experience discussing digital marketing topics with the media and at industry events. I have been featured thousands of times in the media, including 45 TV appearances, and my speaking credits include the Association of National Advertisers, VidCon, ShopTalk and many more.
In case you’re wondering, my middle name is Finnish and it’s pronounced AH’-ho.
What Execs Are Saying About Debra Aho Williamson
“What makes Debbie stand out and so respected is a unique combination of seeking the truth but doing so in a straightforward and thorough way, and how she is so great at combining deep analysis with a passion for the field and work. This has made me follow, learn and be changed by her perspectives and points of view”
— Rishad Tobaccowala, author, speaker and former global chief strategist and growth officer, Publicis Groupe
“Debbie's analysis is so thoughtful, I learn just about every time we have the opportunity to collaborate. She knows more about Meta (Facebook, Instagram) than just about anyone outside the company, but her social media acumen extends to Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. She's also so great in a media interview, which you may know already from seeing her on Bloomberg and elsewhere.”
— Jeremy Goldman, senior director, Insider Intelligence
“It’s very hard if not impossible to overstate what a magnificent job you did not only for eMarketer, but for all the marketing executives literally around the world who have come to rely on your experience, your expertise, and perhaps most important your judgement. Cool headed insightful and actionable intelligence. You have truly done us all a great service.”