Meet the analysis team: Barney Barron – Senior Client Insight Manager
Our analysis team provide reports and insights that are at the core of our company DNA .
These talented experts provide the crucial analysis which enable organisations to understand their position in the marketplace, their competitors and how they are perceived across all media platforms.
And we’re recruiting! Due to internal promotions, we have the following roles available: Data Analyst, Research Analyst, Senior Research Analyst, and Client Insight Manager – so we met Barney Barron, Senior Client Insight Manager, whilst he was casually pretending to buy a coffee to find out more about what he does:
How long have you worked here?
I have worked for Gorkana and Cision for four and a half years.
Tell me about your current role?
I’m currently working in the Intelligence Team as a Senior Client Insights Manager – my job consists of overseeing the analysis of media coverage and production of reports on these results for our biggest clients.
How did your background lead you here?
I joined the company after achieving a Masters Degree in Physics. For one of my dissertations I focused on Chaos Theory, and during the same time I worked part-time for Teach First doing their marketing on campus.
It was during this time that I first realised that the media mirrors chaotic systems, such as the weather. This built up my interest in the industry so joining Gorkana (as it was then) was a great fit. I started off as Data Analyst and found it was a great opportunity where I was able to utilise some of the skills I had developed at University in a non-traditional role for a Physics graduate.
When I joined, the Analysis department was growing so I was able to move up to Client Insight Manager, via Senior Research Analyst within three years.
What do you like most about working here?
The fast-paced nature of the work we do – and that fact that no two days are the same. I can come into work expecting a quiet day, but if there is suddenly a major incident for one of my clients I need to be in a position of turning around reports in a few hours. This coupled with the knowledge that the reports we produce help inform decision making at some of the biggest organisations in the world makes the job challenging, but also very rewarding.
How would you describe the work environment?
It’s certainly hardworking, but there’s a big team which is really social, which is one of the most enjoyable aspects of working here.
What would you hope a new hire could contribute to the department?
I’d hope that any new starters would help push the quality of the department and help bring new ideas into the business. In the time I’ve been here, the analysis department had almost grown by 50% and we certainly want to see that continue.
Which skills have you developed while progressing here?
I think I’ve had the opportunity to develop a great number of skills during my time, so it’s difficult to narrow it down. However, in particular I feel like I’ve really developed my ability to project manage and also lead the teams that I manage.
One of the teams I manage consists of twelve people, two of whom are based in the US, something that was certainly difficult when I started. The company has been great in running training sessions on management and people leadership so that I feel comfortable managing such a large team and ensuring we’re all working towards certain deliverables and tasks.
Name three things you think it takes to succeed at our organisation?
Motivation, being proactive and attention to detail.
What is your greatest achievement during your time here?
Winning two Gold awards at the AMEC’s annual international communication effectiveness summit for Best Measurement of a not-for-profit campaign.
Would you like to come and work with us? If you love reporting, are hot on Excel and want to work in a very cool but corporate environment, where ping pong is taken very seriously – take a look at our open job roles in more detail.
