Last week I started a new job as VP, Account Manager at Murphy Research. I may be new to the team but in many ways it feels literally and figuratively like coming home. I grew up in Santa Monica where Murphy Research's office is now located; the two mile radius around the office and new metro line was my stomping ground. Joining Murphy Research is also about returning to my roots in research where I unexpectedly landed almost a decade ago and where I have since found incredible meaning in the story of human behavior. After several years focused on shopper behavior at IPG and Inmar, the last two years I had stepped away from research into the realm of marketing. I loved many aspects of working in marketing but in many ways my heart longed for more time to understand the how and why behind marketing decisions and less about executing the tactics.

I couldn't have found a better place to be. I'm humbled to be among smart folks with an incredible client base from the likes of Twitter and Facebook to Quaker and Hershey's. Murphy was founded by Chuck Murphy in 2007 (he successfully launched the company during one of the toughest economic environments our lifetime), and with the leadership of a committed senior team (largely run by women!) has managed to grow by leaps and bounds since then…and it's not surprising why; the firm is committed to creative research design, rigorous execution, and enduring insights. Plus, they have a reputation for being plain cool folks to work with.

I am delighted to dig in to life at Murphy and getting to know our clients. I look forward to the next phase in this awesome journey.