From Curious Kid to Insight Leader: How Alexia Raven Built a Life of Purpose, People, and Bold Leaps

“Curiosity killed the cat,” but few remember the rest: “Satisfaction brought it back.” Often used as a warning, the full phrase tells a different story, one where curiosity leads to discovery, not danger. For Alexia Raven, Co-founder of Maverix Insights, wondering ‘why?’ became her greatest asset. Drawing from years of experience, she followed her questions through industries and insights, eventually co-creating a consultancy that turns data into direction. Maverix Insights specializes in helping businesses, especially in entertainment and hospitality, understand consumer behavior, boost retention, and make smarter, research-backed decisions. It’s a company built on the idea that curiosity, when met with understanding, can change everything.

Alexia Raven didn’t just fall into the world of consumer insights, she followed her curiosity straight into it. Growing up all over Texas, from Austin to Elgin to Midland and Houston, Alexia learned early on how to adapt, connect, and ask the kind of questions that spark real connection. “Constantly being the new kid in school came with its challenges,” she reflects, “but it also shaped me in profound ways. I quickly learned the value of building relationships and being genuinely curious about others, who they were, where they came from, and what made them tick.” That natural curiosity didn’t fade, it evolved. Whether she was hosting late-night conversations or coming up with thought-provoking games, Alexia was always diving beneath the surface. “I wanted to understand people: what drives them, what they’re passionate about, and how their personal narratives shape their decisions.” Like many '90s kids, Alexia grew up watching E! Entertainment, but unlike most, she was captivated not just by the celebrities but by the machinery behind the magic. “I didn’t just love TV shows and films,” she says. “I was fascinated by the people who created them and the business that brought stories to life.” That fascination would later meet its match in a pivotal college course: Audience Analysis, taught by Augi Grant at the University of Texas. “It felt like coming home,” Alexia remembers. “That class awakened a deep passion in me for audience research, especially within the entertainment industry.”

From there, her path unfolded with intention. She interned at KEYE/CBS in Austin, worked in radio at Z102, and joined KXAN/NBC’s TV sales team, each role sharpening her skills and solidifying her sense of purpose. And in true Alexia fashion, she didn’t wait for opportunities– she created them. “This was pre-LinkedIn, so I sent FedEx packages with my portfolio to research leaders in Los Angeles and set up as many informational interviews as I could,” she says. That hustle paid off with a role at FOX, just as American Idol was becoming a cultural phenomenon. Alexia eventually landed at Warner Bros., where she spent over a decade working on iconic franchises like Harry Potter, Batman, Wonder Woman, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and Teen Titans Go! “I led global presentations on Gen Z, hosted influencer panels, and collaborated with brands like Ford on emerging tech studies,” she says. “But more than the titles or projects, what mattered most to me was staying rooted in curiosity and connection.”

Of course, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. “One of the biggest hurdles I faced was being told I was ‘too nice,’” she shares. “It was frustrating because what they really meant was that emotional intelligence and empathy were being seen as weaknesses. ”But rather than changing who she was, Alexia leaned in even harder to her values. “I learned to advocate for myself, speak with clarity, and build relationships based on respect and authenticity.” That same philosophy shaped her decision to co-found Maverix Insights & Strategy, alongside two former Warner Bros. colleagues. “We built Maverix to be a place where emotional intelligence is an asset––not a liability,” she explains. “A space where collaboration, empathy, and courage are foundational.” One of Alexia’s most exciting ventures today is MIDG, a zero-party data intelligence platform she helped launch through Maverix. “It’s a groundbreaking tool that reimagines how we understand today’s digital consumer,” she explains. “We’re excited to expand it across entertainment, media, sports, and brands.” With MIDG, the goal isn’t just data collection, it’s meaningful connection. “We believe real-time, human-centered insights can transform how companies connect with audiences,” she says. This idea of understanding people leads to better storytelling, better strategy, and better business– this is at the heart of everything she does.

When asked about her proudest accomplishment, Alexia doesn’t name a job title or project. She talks about living a life of ‘true wealth’. “I was deeply inspired by Sahil Bloom’s idea of the 5 Forms of Wealth: Time, Physical, Mental, Social, and Financial,” she says. “Living in alignment with those values has been both my greatest goal and proudest achievement.” That commitment took literal shape during the pandemic, when she and her husband Eric sold their home in North Hollywood, packed their three kids into a Ford Explorer, and hit the road for a six-month cross-country adventure. “We visited 22 cities across seven states—all while working remotely and supporting our kids’ virtual learning,” she says. “It gave us something priceless: uninterrupted time as a family.” How does she find the balance, some may ask? Alexia explained that for her, life is more about integration than balance, figuring out what works in each season of life and giving myself the grace to adapt as things change. Sweetly, she credits her Husband and high school sweetheart, Eric Bland. “We met in what can only be described as a classic Texas love story, him on the football field, me in the stands.” Now over 30 years together, their marriage is built on trust, laughter, and mutual respect. “We support each other’s ambitions, take turns when life calls for it, and never lose sight of the humor in the everyday,” she says. “That’s what keeps me grounded, energized, and able to pursue my professional goals with clarity and heart. There’s no one “right” way to do it but having a true partner and giving myself permission to redefine success beyond perfect balance has been key.”

Much of Alexia’s strength comes from the women who shaped her, beginning with her mother, Linda Dubuisson. “She lives and breathes a growth mindset,” Alexia says. “She always told me to ‘accentuate the positive,’ and that belief in optimism, even in uncertainty, became one of my guiding principles.” From her mom and grandmother to her aunts, sister, and tight-knit circle of friends and mentors, Alexia grew up in a community of women who lifted one another up. “That foundation taught me to lead with courage, empathy, and purpose.” Today, she gives back through roles with organizations like Women in Research and the Girls Empowerment Network in Austin, helping to raise the next generation of female leaders. Alexia’s advice to women forging their path? Be bold. Be curious. Be yourself. “Trust your instincts, lead with curiosity, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want,” she says. “‘Don’t ask, don’t get’ is a mantra I live by. The courage to advocate for yourself can change everything.” She also emphasizes the importance of community. “Surround yourself with women who lift you up and make space for others to rise with you.” And above all, she says, don’t forget the why. “Stay rooted in your purpose. That’s where your power lives.”

What’s next for Alexia Raven? Alexia Raven is looking ahead with both purpose and excitement, fueled by her belief in intentional living. Personally, she’s entering a new season of parenting with one pre-teen and two teenagers, finding deep meaning in being present as her kids begin shaping their own values and stories. Professionally, she’s energized by the continued growth of MIDG, Maverix’s zero-party data intelligence platform that’s redefining how brands connect with modern consumers in real time. A lifelong goal-setter, Alexia credits much of her progress to the intentional rituals she and her husband have practiced for decades of dreaming together, writing goals down, and watching many of them come to life. Whether it’s family milestones or innovation in research, her guiding mantra remains the same: “I lead with heart, stay curious, and take bold leaps. I value time, choose presence, and live with intention. I believe success is found in how we grow, connect, and uplift others, not just in what we achieve.”

Bold brands don’t guess, they get Maverix. Ready to know your audience like never before? Check them out at Maverix Insights.