11 Nov The Faces Behind Fluent: Mona El-Hout
As part of Fluent Research’s 20th anniversary celebration, The Faces Behind Fluent highlights the people whose experience, ideas, and perspectives have helped shape our company. This week, we’re featuring Mona El-Hout, a member of our quantitative research team who joined Fluent for the opportunity to keep learning alongside passionate, hardworking colleagues.
From monitoring data collection to analyzing findings and developing client deliverables, Mona enjoys the variety her work brings and the chance to explore subjects she might not otherwise encounter. She values the connections she’s made along the way, too, with Fluent’s first company-wide retreat in the Catskills standing out as a favorite memory.
Get to know Mona in our latest Q&A, including her love of teaching and mentoring, the creative hobbies that help her unwind, and why iced coffee is her ideal workday companion.
Mona, what inspired you to join Fluent Research?
I joined Fluent because I knew that the learning opportunities with such a passionate, hardworking team would be endless! Our wide variety of clients and projects make every day a little different. I’ve grown so much in my time here.
What’s your role at Fluent, and what does a typical day look like for you?
I’m a part of the quantitative research team at Fluent. A typical day for me usually consists of meetings with clients and team members to sync on projects, monitoring data collection progress, analyzing data, or working on various deliverables.
What’s been your most memorable project or moment at Fluent?
The most memorable moment at Fluent was definitely our time at the Catskills for our first ever company-wide retreat! It was such a beautiful backdrop to get to know everyone and the company on a deeper level.
What’s your favorite part of working at Fluent?
Thanks to the different projects we work on, I’ve learned a good deal about many topics I hadn’t been exposed to before.
What’s a book, movie, or podcast you’d recommend to everyone?
I’ve been really enjoying Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast lately! It’s so kind and laid back and a fun way to pass the time.
What’s your go-to productivity hack?
Taking mini breaks between long work sessions. Turning my attention away for a few minutes helps keep me sane and even more productive in the long run.
If you weren’t in research, what career would you have pursued?
I really enjoy teaching and mentoring, so I probably would have continued to teach (but the grading part was less enjoyable).
How do you see Fluent evolving in the next 20 years?
Fluent has gone through many changes since I joined! As the team grows, as do our skills and interests and opportunities. I’m looking forward to watching and experiencing the company’s continued growth as we take on new clients and bring on more talent. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the team.
What’s one word you’d use to describe Fluent Research? Why?
Innovative. Our team is excellent at meeting client needs, understanding their goals, and coming up with the best methods and questions to reach those goals.
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
Listening to a podcast or audiobook while I cook dinner. It’s a task that needs to be done and I enjoy making the mundane more entertaining. Taking my newly walking toddler outside on little strolls in the neighborhood is also the most adorable and fun!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I’ll pretty much go anywhere if I have a willing partner (and luckily my husband is very much a willing travel buddy), but right now I have my sights set on a Southeast/East Asia trip (places like Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, etc).
What’s your favorite snack or drink to have while working?
I love a fun iced coffee in the morning. I get teased by friends for taking too long to drink my coffee, which is why I prefer an iced drink. It lasts for hours and stays at the appropriate temperature.
What’s a hobby or activity you’re passionate about outside of work?
I greatly enjoy arts and crafts of any kind. Painting for fun, DIY projects, coloring books, anything relaxing that I can do with my hands to unwind.