Q&A with a client-side researcher
Editor's note: If you're an end-client researcher and interested in participating in a Q&A with Quirk's, please e-mail me at emilyk@quirks.com.
How has your experience as a food scientist and lab specialist shaped and informed your approach to consumer research today?
Having started my career as a food scientist and lab specialist, I've gained a deep understanding of how to conduct rigorous research and interpret complex data. This experience has been invaluable in my past and current role, where I apply these skills to understand consumer behavior and preferences.
Do you have any tips for researchers struggling to communicate research findings across a team or organization?
To communicate findings effectively across a team or organization, start with curiosity – it's the key to unlocking the why behind the data, inspiring you to delve deeper into your research and discover new insights that can drive change. Curiosity is not just a trait; it's a powerful tool that can fuel your passion for research and inspire you to explore new avenues.
Embrace storytelling as a skill to practice and master. A compelling story can make data come alive, engaging your audience and making your insights more memorable. Storytelling is not just a technique, it's a way to make your research findings more relatable and impactful, sparking interest and understanding in your audience.
Tailor your message for each stakeholder, aligning your insights with their unique priorities and goals. For instance, when presenting to the marketing team, focus on how the research can help them target the right audience by highlighting specific demographics or consumer behaviors. When presenting to the product development team, emphasize how the findings can shape future product features, perhaps by suggesting new features based on consumer preferences.
Ensure your work ties directly to business needs and strategic objectives – alignment is the bridge that connects your research to actionable outcomes, keeping you focused on the end goal. Aligning your research with business needs is not just a strategy, it's a mind-set that keeps you on track and ensures your work has a real-world impact.
Finally, prioritize building strong relationships with your internal and external partners; trust and collaboration make communication smoother and more impactful. Strong relationships are the foundation of successful research communication, fostering trust and understanding that can enhance the impact of your findings.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to bridge the gap between data and impact – translating insights into meaningful action that drives change and growth in the business I am supporting. But equally fulfilling is mentoring and guiding the next generation, just as others have generously done for me. There’s something profoundly special about watching someone you’ve supported grow and succeed, knowing you’ve played a small role in shaping their journey. It is the ultimate full-circle moment, reminding me why I love my work and reinforcing the importance of mentorship in professional growth. Mentorship benefits not only the mentee but also the mentor, as it provides an opportunity to reflect on one's own experiences and learn from the fresh perspectives of the mentee. I encourage everyone to seek or provide mentorship in their careers, as it can be a powerful tool for personal and professional development.
Lastly, I can leverage my natural ability to connect with others and lead effectively regardless of my position within the organization. I take pride in building genuine relationships and creating an environment where collaboration thrives. A title doesn’t define my leadership style, but the impact I make, whether it’s mentoring a colleague – as I mentioned above – guiding a team through challenges or inspiring others to see possibilities they hadn’t considered. I find it rewarding to see how my ability to foster trust leads to meaningful progress and shared success.
What person or experience has had the greatest influence on your career?
The most significant influence on my career has been my willingness to step into uncharted territories, trusting my ability to navigate the unknown while staying true to my ultimate goals. Each leap of faith taught me that growth often lies just beyond the familiar, and the courage to embrace uncertainty has been my most outstanding teacher. Through those experiences, I discovered resilience, adaptability and the power to shape my path – a lesson that continues to guide me forward.