30Under30 Honouree: Robert Klimek
Great to hear from Significant Insights Global 30 under 30 honouree Robert Klimek , Senior Project Manager who leads Magenta’s portfolio of studies.
How did you get into the industry, and take us through how you got to this point?
After graduating with an MSc in Psychology from Coventry University, I knew research was my path—it’s what I enjoyed the most. My first role was in the research & development department at Coventry & Warwickshire Hospital. There, I worked with academics and clinicians on various medical studies, but then Covid hit. Projects paused, remote work began, and we shifted to supporting Covid-related research.
Working in the NHS was rewarding, but the pace of change was slow. You rarely saw the impact of your work in real-time, which left me seeking something more dynamic. That’s when I found Magenta. From the interview, I knew this was the right team. Every day brought something new, and you could see the direct results of your work. I accepted the job offer on the spot!
I started as a Project Manager and was quickly promoted to Senior Project Manager. Now, I manage all projects at Magenta, support recruitment, business development, write proposals, and even get hands-on with ethnographic research. It’s a ride, and I love it.
Why should anyone consider a career in market research, data, and insights?
Market research is fun, fast-paced, and you see your work come to life almost immediately. Every day is different—no two projects are the same. You get to meet amazing clients and participants, and, let’s be honest, you can indulge your inner nosy self. What’s not to love?
Plus, imagine the reactions when you casually drop that you’ve worked with some of the biggest brands. Or when you’re shopping with a friend and see a product on the shelf and say, “Oh, I worked on the design of that packaging. It used to be bigger and way less practical.” If you’re into being nosy and love a good humble brag, this career is for you.
Can you share an honest moment from your career when things didn’t go quite according to plan, but the lessons remain with you to this day?
Remote work has its perks, but also its challenges—communication being the biggest. In the office, you naturally pick up on the tone and nuances of conversations. Over a screen, things can get lost. A quick reply meant to be efficient can come off as dismissive. It taught me the importance of being intentional in digital communication: adding context, using emojis, jumping on video calls, and making sure nothing gets misinterpreted. It’s all about clarity and connection.
What two things should junior researchers focus on as they progress in their careers?
Exposure: If you want to grow in market research, dive in headfirst. Attend client meetings, project kickoffs, debriefs, and even business development sessions. Go to industry events, take courses, and immerse yourself. The more you see, the more you learn.
Boundaries: Market research can be all-consuming—late-night fieldwork, early morning interviews, weekend ethnographies, endless reading on your latest topic. As a junior researcher, it’s crucial to set boundaries. Keep a healthy work-life balance so you don’t burn out before you’ve even hit your stride.
Do you have any advice for our sector?
Don’t just think outside the box—do things outside the box! Market research has so much untapped potential, and we need to bring in expertise from other fields. At Magenta, we thrive on that diversity. I came from an NHS research background, Jo is an academic and discourse analysis expert, Chloe is a semiotician, Nas brought her focus on inclusive research from a mental health charity, Amy is an online platform expert, and Coco, our Gen Z prodigy, tackles every task head-on. We all bring something different, and that’s why we’re able to innovate and push the boundaries of what market research can be.
Anyone you’d like to acknowledge or give a shout-out to?
A huge thanks to Sarah Jenkins for believing in me from day one and giving me the opportunity to change the course of my career in ways I never imagined.
To Eve, our Research Director at Magenta, for being a powerhouse of motivation, skills development, and opening my eyes to the world of market research.
And, of course, to my incredible colleagues at Magenta—you are my daily source of energy, motivation, and positivity. I couldn’t do it without you.
