Can you tell us a little bit about what you do here at aytm?
My job title is VP, Research and Client Enablement. It’s a mouthful, but essentially I lead the teams at aytm that are focused on ensuring our users are getting the most out of working with us—whether that’s in a self-serve capacity or in an assisted- or full-service capacity.
How did you decide to get into your field?
Like a lot of insights professionals, I didn’t set out to be a market researcher specifically. I was originally an academic researcher, working on a Masters and PhD in Experimental Psychology. I loved the research, but was frustrated by the slow pace of basic research and lack of direct application. Shifting into Consumer Insights allowed me to flex my research and human behavior expertise, while working at a pace that was far more engaging. Getting to see the results of research come to life in tangible ways and create actual business impact was the cherry on top. I was hooked from my first MR role as an Analytics Lead at a boutique agency.
What’s something you’re passionate about?
Science! I’m a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and I work hard to cultivate a passion for science in my kids. I worry sometimes about the eroding public trust in our scientific institutions, but I just try to do my part to raise awareness and ground myself in the Neil Degrasse Tyson quote: "The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it."
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What’s a fun fact about you that might surprise people?
I am pretty pop culture obsessed. Related, I really like listening to podcasts about how TV shows are made (sometimes more than the TV shows themselves). I think maybe in another timeline in the multiverse I work in television production.
How do you balance your career and personal life at aytm?
I don’t create hard boundaries between work and my personal life. That’s not to say I work all the time; I just tend to take a more intuitive approach to work-life balance. If I have the urge to walk away from the keyboard or take a break from some business issue I’m wrestling with, I give myself that space— because it never fails that the solution or path forward hits me when I’m on a run or riding my bike or cooking dinner. How I spend time in my personal life has a positive impact on my work, and likewise my career has had a big influence on how I show up as a spouse, mother and friend. That said, I absolutely delete Slack when I’m on vacation—I’m not a martyr!
Tell us about the experience of becoming a podcast host
It’s been one of the most fun things I’ve had the privilege to do at aytm! I’m not a particularly extroverted person, so the idea of hosting a podcast was daunting at first. But our guests have been so smart and engaging, and I learn so much through each conversation. Continuing to learn and grow at work is such a privilege.
Which aytm Core Value is your favorite and why?
I think right now it’s abundance mindset. I just find that concept to be so malleable and applicable to a variety of scenarios. It can be about believing that you have capacity for things that may feel out of reach at first, but also that there are enough resources for you—that you have what you need, that you can stretch to achieve what you want, or that there is a supportive framework here for you to try something new. It’s just a remarkably versatile mindset, and something I think we should cultivate across all areas of our lives.
What advice would you give someone just starting out at aytm?
Be curious, ask questions, trust that you have or can build the skills you need, and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo!
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