16 Sep The Faces Behind Fluent: Mary Meyn
As part of Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary, we’re continuing to highlight the people whose experience, ideas, and perspectives have helped shape Fluent. This week, we’re featuring Mary Meyn, Chief of Staff.
Mary was immediately drawn to Fluent’s work at the intersection of technology, education, families, and girls leadership and empowerment. Meeting the team confirmed that it was the right place for her. Today, her role brings together research and operations, with days that might include designing a research plan, interviewing participants, connecting with prospective clients, or supporting colleagues on their projects.
What connects it all is her love of learning. Whether she’s exploring survey findings, listening to a participant’s story, or hearing a colleague’s perspective, Mary values the opportunity to discover something new every day. She brings an appreciation for both the data that helps us understand people and the stories behind it.
Get to know Mary in our latest staff profile, including her perspective on Fluent’s future, her favorite book recommendations, and her quest to visit all 50 states.
1) Mary, what inspired you to join Fluent Research?
When I learned about Fluent I thought “Wow, this is where I want to work.” Fluent’s position as a forward-thinking research firm at the intersection of researching technology, education, families, girls leadership and empowerment drew me in immediately. Once I met the team, I knew Fluent was the right place for me.
2) What’s your role at Fluent, and what does a typical day look like for you?
I am the Chief of Staff at Fluent, and no two days really look the same. That’s exactly what I enjoy about my role and about working at a small, dynamic business. On any given day, I may be talking to prospective clients, designing research plans, refining internal processes to make our work more streamlined, moderating IDIs (In Depth Interviews), or supporting colleagues on their projects.
3) What’s one thing you’ve learned about research that surprised you?
Early in my career, I was surprised by how research can uncover people’s deeply personal beliefs and stories, revealing previously unknown themes on topics ranging from the mundane to what might be considered taboo.
I love learning about and witnessing the techniques that make this possible: data collection that meets people where they are, projective exercises that allow people to discuss topics in ways that feel comfortable but are still revelatory, analytical techniques that distill the data, and visualizations that can tell an entire story at once.
4) What’s your favorite part of working at Fluent?
My favorite part of working at Fluent is that I learn something new every day. Whether it’s a finding from a survey, an insight from a research participant, a colleague sharing their expertise, or a client developing new programs and products, I am constantly learning.
5) What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I love traveling to new places, and I’m working on visiting all 50 US states. As of now I have been to 38 states.
6) What’s a book, movie, or podcast you’d recommend to everyone?
I love to read, and I love to swap book recommendations with other readers. A few of my perennial suggestions are The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Recently I’ve been recommending Never Enough by Jennifer Breheny Wallace and Kin by Tayari Jones.
7) What’s your go-to productivity hack?
It depends on what kind of work I’m doing. If my work requires creativity or big-picture thinking, I take a walk and come back refreshed and ready with ideas. If I need to put my head down and get through a ton of data analysis, coffee is the answer.
8) Mary, if you weren’t in research, what career would you have pursued?
I love that research allows me to learn about so many different areas. It’s hard to imagine doing something else! Had I not gone into research, I probably would have pursued a career in journalism or government.
9) What does Fluent’s 20th Anniversary mean to you?
As a researcher, I love to measure things and particularly quantify things. The quantitative researcher in me says that Fluent’s 20th anniversary represents hundreds of research studies, thousands of insights, and research conducted in more than 70 countries. The qualitative researcher marvels at Fluent’s story, how the work gets done, and the people who make it happen.
I’m proud to be part of a company with twenty years of high-quality, actionable research behind it, and I’m excited to see what comes next.
10) How do you see Fluent evolving in the next 20 years?
Research methodologies and data collection may change, and the topics that we research as technology changes will evolve. One thing that won’t change is Fluent’s commitment to giving voice to the public.
11) What’s one word you’d use to describe Fluent Research? Why?
Tenacious. Fluent isn’t afraid to tackle complicated questions, find hard-to-reach audiences, and go beyond what the data says to share what it means.
12) What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
Going for a walk with my family, hearing about their day, and being silly with the kids.
13) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
If I could go anywhere well then I’d take a trip around the world, of course! I would love to see Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world that I haven’t had the opportunity to visit yet.
14) Mary, what’s a hobby or activity you’re passionate about outside of work?
You’ll usually find me hiking, playing pickle ball, dreaming up my next travel itinerary, or spending time with my kids.