This month we celebrate one of our longest serving employees, Leigh Hart, a senior moderator at LDA Research. Leigh joined us in January 2012 after gaining a psychology degree from the Open University, while raising her then young children.
Originally from Newport Beach, California, Leigh pursued her studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a PhD in Environmental Engineering and a Master’s in Environmental Policy.
Reflecting on her early career in environmental engineering, Leigh shared, ‘The most fulfilling part of my environmental work was designing and implementing strategic programs to evaluate a range of sites – from local small-scale spill sites to major Superfund sites – for actual health risks. We also focused on identifying the most practical remediation measures. At that time, the typical approach involved costly full-scale soil replacements with nominal contained disposal, which often just transferred the contamination problem rather than minimized harm.’
After relocating to the UK and starting a family, Leigh decided to apply her analytical and problem-solving skills to the healthcare sector. ‘My inspiration has been my late sister,’ she explained. ‘During her career as a nurse, I observed that many so-called innovations and procedures benefited managers and administrators but detracted from her ability to provide the best bedside care for her patients. I am therefore delighted to be involved in efforts to drive practical care improvements in the healthcare sector.’
Leigh’s approach to market research is deeply individualized. ‘I believe that the best marketing research insights come from developing a personal rapport with each respondent right from the start, something which allows me to elicit more meaningful responses. I introduce myself and outline the project’s aims and scope, then follow up by spending a short time establishing a connection with the respondent. During the interview, I listen closely and analyze responses, which allows me to steer conversations into the most fruitful areas to gain deep insights.’
She finds her work both demanding and exhilarating, appreciating the variety of project topics and the diverse range of respondents.
Outside of her professional life, Leigh enjoys long scenic walks with her clever but occasionally disobedient dog, Primrose. She also loves reading insightful novels and visiting both renowned and quirky museums and art exhibitions.
