How did you get there? Katya Des-Etages
Great to hear from Katya Des-Etages who is a Senior Research Manager at Channel 4, leading projects that get under the skin of how audiences think and feel, surface evolving cultural trends and drive both internal and external change. Katya’s passion for EDI has seen her lead some of Channel 4’s most prestigious EDI research, including Mirror On The Industry, and earn recognition as an MRS Changemaker as well as invited onto the MRS Inclusion Pledge Committee.
So, how did you get into the industry, and take us through how you got to this point?
My career path wasn’t planned but has been driven by curiosity and a deep passion for people. I studied anthropology at university because I come from a multi-cultural background and wanted to understand both myself and the richness of human difference, what makes us unique and what connects us.
I left in 2015, not 100% sure how to apply my degree and worked in my family’s business and careers consultancy for a few years, before being pulled back to my fascination of people and a desire for impact through a Psychology MSc. Whilst I thought this was the beginning of my journey to become a psychotherapist, I left with deeper knowledge on research methods and developed a real fascination with how humans interact with technology and the role of media in shaping minds. That led me to my first research role at Lumen, where I learned how to combine behavioural and marketing research. But I soon realised that while the work was interesting, it wasn’t getting to the heart of why I started this journey, my passion for people, culture, diversity and social change.
So, I turned to Channel 4, a brand built on representing unheard voices and celebrating difference. Whilst the role I went into wasn’t necessarily social impact focused, I knew it was baked into the Channel’s remit, so in my interview I expressed my passion points, and the rest was history. For over 4 years now I’ve been working across amazing projects that speak directly to driving change through advertising and entertainment, and I’m still just as passionate about the company, its mission and the work I do as I was on day one as a budding research exec.
Why should anyone consider a career in market research, data and insights?
Market research, data and insights are such an exciting industry because it touches every part of life, from the big and obvious to the small and unexpected. If you’re curious about people, how they think, feel and behave, there’s no better place to be.
You’ll never get bored here. People are unpredictable and endlessly surprising, and every project brings a new story or perspective to uncover. Whatever your passion, culture, tech, social change, marketing, product, business (the list really is endless), you can channel it into understanding people within that space.
And the impact is real. Research shapes decisions, influences strategy, drives innovation and ultimately helps make people’s lives better. Some jobs are just jobs, but if you want a career that’s meaningful, stimulating and rooted in understanding and shaping the human experience, this is it.
Career paths are rarely without challenges. Can you share an honest moment from your career when things didn’t go quite according to plan, but the lessons remain with you to this day?
I don’t have one big dramatic moment, but the most challenging point in my career was an internal one, realising I needed to make a change and follow what I truly care about. I was in a stable, comfortable role with a great team and plenty to learn, but I felt a pull towards work that aligned more closely with my passions.
Making that leap was scary. I wasn’t moving up the ladder, I was sidestepping into something unknown and managing that tension between safety and purpose was tough. But it taught me one of the most valuable lessons of my career: to listen to myself and trust that even a sideways step, if it’s towards something meaningful, can become the most important move you ever make.
What two things should junior researchers focus on as they progress in their careers?
I’ll done one better and give you three!
1. Get comfortable being uncomfortable
Growth happens just beyond your comfort zone. Moments that feel new or scary are often the ones that shape you most. Say yes to opportunities that stretch you, even if they’re daunting. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Bring people with you, ask for support and create a strong foundation around you. That’s where true learning and confidence begins.
2. Create your career
Early in your career, you might not know exactly what excites you yet, so treat it as a chance to explore. Try different types of projects, say yes to varied opportunities and notice what sparks your interest. And if you do know what you care about, share that openly. Let people know what motivates you and where you want to grow, because when others understand your passions, they’re far more likely to help you lean into them. The more you can align your work with what matters to you, the more fulfilling and rewarding your career will be.
3. Keep your spark alive
Research is a people business; it needs sharp minds and full hearts. And you can only bring those if you’re looking after your energy and protecting your spark. Take time to recharge, nurture your interests outside of work and come back refreshed. When you’re energised and inspired, you’ll think more creatively, work more effectively and ultimately deliver better insights. A sustainable, meaningful career isn’t about running on empty; it’s about fuelling yourself so you can thrive.
Do you have any advice for our sector?
Our industry has always evolved with technology, it’s made research more efficient, more scalable and more accessible. And the rise of AI and new tools will continue to push us forward, stretching what’s possible and amplifying the impact of our work. But as we embrace that change, we must stay grounded in why we’re here. At its core, research is about people, understanding them, learning from them and uncovering the human stories that sit beneath the data. Technology should support and enrich that mission, but it can’t replace it. We need to hold on to the value humans bring to this work, both as participants whose voices give our research meaning, and as researchers whose curiosity, empathy and creativity turn information into insight.
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?
There are so many people I’m deeply grateful to for shaping my journey. Mike Follett at Lumen Research deserves huge thanks for giving me my first real opportunity in the world of research, I learned so much under his leadership and it was a pivotal moment in my career. At Channel 4, I’ve been lucky to work with some truly brilliant people. Sam Cannons who invited me into the world of EDI research at Channel 4, her confidence in me opened doors I didn’t yet know existed. My former manager, Sophia Field, had a profound impact on my career, she created an environment of psychological safety that gave me the confidence to take risks, try new things and grow. My current manager, Lucy Impey, is a deeply empathetic guide and continues to share her experience generously. And finally, I must mention Mark Thorpe at Truth Consulting, a brilliant mind and a true champion of change. He’s brought me into spaces that have expanded my network, advanced my career and ensured that voices like mine are heard. It’s people like Mark who will help transform this industry into a place where everyone feels they belong.