
As I was preparing to return to work after spending 16 amazing weeks with my newborn daughter, I took some time to reflect on how my recent experience of motherhood could help me in my role as a researcher.
During my reflection, I came to realize how Talk Shoppe’s core values — Positivity, Passion, Curiosity, Empathy, Determination, and Openness — had influenced my journey in motherhood. When I think of all the things that make me a (hopefully) good mother, these core values (plus Creativity) are essential.
POSITIVITY
Focusing on possibilities rather than limitations reflects the optimism required in raising a child and in market research. Embracing positivity fosters resilience, helping navigate unexpected challenges with grace and fortitude. I have found humor, a natural extension of positivity, to be an essential skill in becoming a parent as well. Upon changing my daughter’s clothes and sheets for the definitely-not-first-time in the day, it takes just one look at her to be reminded to just laugh and remember it’s all worth it.
PASSION
Passion fuels both the pursuit of understanding consumer behavior in market research and the love and dedication poured into motherhood. It's the driving force behind late nights analyzing data and long days on the road, as well as early mornings comforting my baby, fueled by an innate desire to make a meaningful impact.
CURIOSITY
Seeing the world through the eyes of a baby is awe-inspiring. Every day, my daughter’s curiosity of even the most mundane things, like trying to help make (a.k.a grab and almost spill) cups of coffee, investigating blades of grass as we sit in the yard, or “interviewing” the dog as we walk, reminds me of the importance of approaching everything with an inquisitive mind. In my role as a mother, curiosity manifests in observing and learning from every coo, cry, and milestone, constantly seeking to understand and meet my daughter’s evolving needs, and learning about her budding personality. In my role as a researcher, asking the right questions to uncover insights and trends and approaching objectives with curiosity about what else we can learn helps to drive insights further.
EMPATHY
Empathy lies at the core of motherhood, as we strive to create a nurturing environment based on compassion and understanding. Reminding myself that for a baby it really is that hard to just go to sleep is a meditation in empathy. Similarly, empathy is the cornerstone of effective market research, allowing researchers to connect with consumers on a deeper level.
DETERMINATION
Motherhood demands unwavering determination, overcoming hurdles with steadfast resolve. My daughter regularly inspires me with her determination during tummy time and in her attempts to roll. Market research similarly requires perseverance in the face of obstacles, whether it's securing hard-to-reach participants or analyzing complex data sets. Conversations with the toughest respondents prepared me for the patience required to wait for a baby to respond.
OPENNESS
As a mother, embracing openness fosters flexibility and adaptability, as every child is unique and requires different approaches to parenting. It's about being receptive to feedback and continuously evolving. I learned quickly to throw out my plans and schedules; we are on CT (Charlotte-time) now. In market research, being open to new ideas and perspectives is essential for innovation and growth.
And then, as I was reflecting on these values, it hit me. There is another, crucial value to be embraced: CREATIVITY. Creativity is the bridge between market research and motherhood, unlocking innovative solutions to challenges and fostering growth and development. Whether it's designing engaging surveys or crafting imaginative experiences, creativity empowers mothers and market researchers alike to think outside the box and inspire positive change.
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