30Under30 Honouree: Amy Bracher
Great to hear from Global 30 Under 30 Honouree, Amy Bracher, who is a Quantitative Research Manager at Sky within their in-house research team.
How did you get into the industry, and take us through how you got to this point?
Like many in the industry, I fell into Market Research rather than choosing to pursue it. While studying Psychology at university, I studied experimental methods and in final year focused my dissertation on eye tracking. This sparked an interest in all types of research methods and how people think and behave – leading me to discover Market Research when exploring graduate roles.
I began my career at Relish Research as a graduate researcher, working across a wide range of clients and projects, from segmentations on hot sauce to tracking brand KPIs for energy providers. After three years, I moved to Basis Research, where I deepened my research skills, focusing on brand trackers for charities and retail clients, alongside ad hoc research in gaming.
Wanting to focus my skills on a single business and see the impact from within, I joined Sky’s in-house research team. It’s given me the best of both worlds – variety across Sky’s broad product portfolio (from mobile to content to home insurance), along with a deeper understanding of Sky as a business. I love being part of a business that ensures commercial decisions are grounded in what our customers really want.
Why should anyone consider a career in market research, data and insights?
If you’re curious, creative, and love variety, Market Research and Insights is a brilliant career.
Whether you’re in a small agency or part of a large client-side team, every day brings something new – from exploring consumer attitudes to shaping new product propositions. You’re truly at the heart of decision-making, helping businesses understand people better and make smarter choices.
Career paths are rarely without challenges. Can you share an honest moment when things didn’t go quite according to plan, but the lessons remain with you to this day?
Research often feeds directly into business decisions, so there can be pressure to deliver insights quickly. When deadlines are tight, key processes in the analysis phase may be overlooked or rushed.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is not to rush – give yourself time when you can. Whether it’s mapping out your data before jumping into a report, or saying, “let me check and come back to you” in a meeting, taking that pause matters. You are the data expert, and confidence comes from preparation. Slowing down leads to clearer thinking and stronger communication.
What two things should junior researchers focus on as they progress in their careers ?
Firstly, don’t let your involvement end when a project does – stay curious about what happens next. Follow how your insights are used, ask for feedback, and learn from the outcomes. Identify how your research data is applied within the business to understand its impact and learn what’s most valuable for future projects.
Secondly, build relationships and connect with the wider research community. Attend webinars, chat with peers, and stay up to date with the latest approaches across the industry. The more you connect, the more you grow your skills and perspective.
Do you have any advice for our sector?
Be curious, and don’t be afraid to challenge the norm. With AI reshaping the landscape of market research (and almost every industry), it’s crucial that we stay ahead of the curve. Experiment with new tools and methods, question existing processes, and be bold enough to change how things are done. While AI may feel like the future of research, real human researchers bring empathy, emotional intelligence and contextual understanding – qualities that AI can’t replicate. You can interpret not just what people say, but why they feel that way.
And do you have anyone who has helped your career so far that you’d like to acknowledge and say thanks or give a shout out to?
I’ve been really lucky to work with so many kind and supportive people throughout my career who have always championed me. In particular, I’d like to thank Jane Bujakowski and Danielle Todd for their guidance and support throughout my career. I also want to shout out everyone in the Sky Research team for being the best people to work with.