How did you get there? Ruth Partington
Great to hear from Ruth Partington who is a rather determined, opinionated, passionate enthusiast who believes in standing up for what is both morally and ethically right for the world. She’s also founder, owner and Global CEO at Empower Translate, a nearly 30-year old localisation (aka ‘translation’) agency whose sole focus is supporting global market researchers in uncovering actionable key insights and a proud (usually proud) mother of five unique and wonderful individuals, all of whom are a daily inspiration to her. Additionally, she sits on the Accredited Company Partner Council for the MRS, is actively involved in the Representation in Research Steering Committee, is former chair of the Association of Translation Companies, and current Immigration Policy Champion for the Federation of Small Businesses.
So, how did you get into the industry, and take us through how you got to this point?
I suppose I am a child of my time: when I entered the world of work, computers were very much in their infancy and the internet didn’t exist! I guess that puts me slightly older than the 21 years I tend to try and claim. At school and university I followed the path of least resistance (always ask a lazy woman to get things done!) – which for me meant languages. An abrupt awakening to what I definitely did NOT want to do when I graduated sent me into accountancy (not a great choice for a non-number lover but at least it promised a secure future). After a few wrong turns, I ended up in customer service, which I absolutely LOVE. So when life took me unexpectedly on a self-serve path, I set up my own translation agency. Very quickly I stumbled into market research translations and looking after researchers, something which I love as they do tend to be a rather stressed lot, and if I can bring them some relief from worrying about global projects, nothing makes me happier.
Why should anyone consider a career in market research, data and insights?
Market research is a critical yet unsung and under-recognised industry. Without it, governments, NGOs and every brand or pharmaceutical company that you care to mention would be lost on any decision they have to make. Its importance cannot be over-emphasised on the local, national or global stage. And at the heart of it is people. Finding out what people (we) think, why we behave the way we do and empowering decision-makers to make the right decisions to help make lives better, everywhere. It’s personal yet global. We are all chasing the answer to the $64m question. Market researchers are the ones who may well find 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?
Oh goodness, when did anything quite go according to plan? Life just isn’t like that, well, not for me, anyway. I don’t think I ever had a plan as such, a ‘career’. I went where it felt right, when it felt right to do so. When I think back to what has carried me through some of its tougher moments, for me it’s been about hanging onto the ‘why’. Finding your ‘why’, your Ikigai, and using it as a base marker to constantly check in: Is what I’m doing making me happy? Is it still valid? Is it allowing me to put my best self forwards? Oh, and checking in: will the ‘me’ of tomorrow (or next year, or in five years) be proud of the decisions the ‘me’ of today is making?
What two things should junior researchers focus on as they progress in their careers?
It’s got to be about finding what you love, I mean really love – what fires up your passion and makes you hang on for grim life until you reach what you thought was the end, then you’re left wanting more? Do what keeps you hungry for more, keep learning, stay curious and don’t ever let anyone tell you you’re not good enough (especially if you’re a woman!). It just means you haven’t quite found your ‘fit’ yet, that’s all. (Sorry – I can count – that is definitely more than 2!)
Do you have any advice for our sector?
Wake up and shout about it! Where would the UK or any other government be if they didn’t have their national census? How could they possibly hope to make national or international decisions on our behalf without a stack of research? Or brands, big or small? Get a grip on some really ‘hard core’ research porn and flog it, out loud, to anyone who will listen. We have to hit home hard, synthetics may cut some of it for some people, but right now is the time to stand up and shout loud and proud for the people, all people, everywhere. Let’s give them a voice and let’s help drive real, fundamental change.
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?
Without sounding like I’ve won the Oscars (which actually, getting FMRS does feel a bit like that), there are so many wonderful people into whose path my career journey has led me that I’d be concerned about missing people out if I start naming anyone in particular. So more generally, the Empower Team, without question, inspire and support me every day to keep rising to the challenge; research industry colleagues, most notably the Representation in Research bunch for helping me find my voice and learn the difference between performative and true allyship; and everyone who has opened doors for me, particularly the incredible network of inspirational women who have consistently lifted me up and supported me. Suffice to say if you cherish a ‘Ruth hug’ then you’ve hit my supporting and inspiring buttons and I acknowledge and thank you, past, present and future.