Get to know a little more about Kirsty, the Senior Commercial Lead at BEAM.
EXPERIENCES
I’ve had a bit of a mixture of careers before I came to BEAM, starting off with photography after I got my degree, then in to recruiting in the oil and gas industry. I was lucky enough to live abroad in both Dubai and the US, but when I returned home, I joined the BEAM team.
Initially it was going to be temporary, but I’ve been here for 5 and a half years now. I started by looked after Give Opinions, when the database was still very much in its infancy, and was responsible for growing the panel, networking and ensuring projects were filled with the right respondents. As the business grew, I began to work closely with Amy focusing on quoting and costing, which has led me to my current role as Senior Commercial Lead.
WHAT I BRING TO THE TABLE
A lot of my role is problem solving and the art of the possible. It’s important that I liaise across the business ensuring that I can translate what the client is hoping for into a deliverable and realistic plan that the BEAM team can execute. My experience allows me to make suggestions on how research can be tweaked to give the best possible outcomes, and I work hard to ensure that there is always a creative solution to even the most challenging of projects. I try to look at everything from a bird’s eye view and my close relationships with the BEAM team and clients helps to navigate clear paths forward.
WHAT I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT
I love landing projects! It’s so satisfying to see something that you have worked long and hard on come to fruition. Knowing that you have been a part of that process from the very beginning and seeing the positive outcomes in the end is a great feeling.
WHAT I LOVE TO WORK ON
I enjoy the quoting process because it’s a form of consulting – it’s not just about responding, it’s offering guidance and building trust. I really enjoy building relationships with clients and seeing how there needs evolve over time. I spend a lot of time liaising with researchers, moderators, venues and lots of other stakeholders, as well as the BEAM team to pull a quote together – there’s a real enjoyment for me in the teamwork. And to be honest winning a quote feels great! Especially when you know your work helped land the project. There’s an enormous satisfaction in achieving that for the business.