Insider profil
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Top Insider Advice
I came from a heavy scientific background, making unnatural amino acids in the lab (which are all white crystals!) to a world of colour and possibility in food development, and felt really out of my depth. The change to industry was challenging, there were targets and KPIs and OKRs and all the other acronyms! And so many people to work with, challenge, influence... I then went to a retail environment where I felt out of my depth again initially, the pace was faster, there was less thinking time and quant evidence was king. I learned more about myself and decided after a few years to challenge myself again and go to the digital world. I've had a constant thread - understanding customers, employees, users - though the context and environment has shifted every time. And that's a good thing! Don't be afraid to jump at an opportunity, you will always learn something and it will benefit you.
Career path
Design Research Manager
Kingfisher
Started 05/2022 to PresentResearch Lead
John Lewis Partnership
From 01/2020 to 04/2022Insight Manager
John Lewis Partnership
From 05/2015 to 01/2020Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
We have a good open culture in the team, and people are always willing to help. We have lots of forward and backward looking sessions, time to use the hive mind of the team to solve problems and time to 'show and tell' - where it doesn't have to be perfect, it's more about discussing and shaping. For me, I live on the Norfolk/Suffolk border so the London office isn't the easiest to get to! We have great trust in the team and through conversations with my manager (Head of Design) we've agreed a flexi pattern of hybrid working that is perfect for me. I come into the office maybe once a week and it's fantastic to see people and have those meetings and conversations that are better in person.
Greatest achievements
AURA is the client side body for insight and provides a fantastic, collaborative learning space for researchers on the client side of the industry. There are no agencies or suppliers which makes it free from sales pressure, and the forum really allows you to compare and contrast and learn from peers. In 2020, I had stepped up to manage the team of 26 researchers and insight managers in John Lewis/Waitrose when the pandemic started. We shifted to remote and had to learn all about our new team, establish new ways of working and support people we had never met. It was amazing how the team galvanised, and despite the pressure we delivered some outstanding work that really shaped the strategy of the business. I submitted the team for the award and we won at the 2021 ceremony. It felt like real recognition of not just what we delivered, but how we pulled together and developed a super strong culture. Definite highlight for me!
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Natalia J
Top Insider Advice
It's a powerful truth that many of us need to hear when we're standing at the crossroads of aspiration and reality. We all have dreams, whether it’s building a successful career, starting a business, traveling the world, or making a positive impact on the community. But too often, we let our dreams sit idle, cherished in our hearts but never brought to life. Without action, even the most beautiful dreams will stay out of reach. It’s the steps you take today that turn your aspirations into tangible achievements. To turn your dreams into something real, you have to take the leap and start moving forward, no matter how small the first step may seem. The road from dream to reality is paved with consistent action and determination.
Dilantha M
Product Lead
Top Insider Advice
In order to build and create the best ranges and products, it all starts with a deep knowledge and understanding of what our customers are looking for and the job expected by the products. This everlasting thrive to understand how to provide the best solutions for our customers as well as good analysis skills will be the foundation of your success. Good relationship and communicating skills are also very important, as you will need to pitch and convince Banners that your products are both relevant and worthy of commitment. Finally, i believe that the love of the product is the most important feature sought after in a Product Lead. The ability to know what a product is made of, from components to material composition is what will enable you to brief as accurately as possible new products and create differentiation or cost optimization.
Karen B
Business Analysis Capability Manager
Top Insider Advice
Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you don't see coming. Be your own authentic self and if you see an opportunity which catches your eye - go for it! You have nothing to lose, and you could just end up in a great new environment where you're able to keep learning, inspiring and loving what you do.