Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
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!
Video
Katie B
Service Transition Manager
Top Insider Advice
Don't get used to something and stuck in your ways, keep an open mind and try to look for the value in the change, at the same time don't be scared to challenge or ask for more detail before you make up your mind, and if you still don't think it's the right thing be vocal but also be willing to try.
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.
Konrad K
Sourcing quality engineer
Top Insider Advice
There are better and worse days in my job, but each of them can be considered a success when you work in a close-knit team with people who know what to do. Working in a purchasing office involves a lot of dynamics and decision-making under time pressure. In such a situation, teamwork is the key to success. I see my daily work as a quality engineer as a challenge - new experiences, new people, and unusual problems. There are days when achieving new goals is easy, but there are also moments when every step is bought with a lot of effort. My most important advice for 'beginners': Work with people you can rely on. Set yourself goals that you are capable of achieving. Build good relationships with suppliers.