Kim Sullivan is a senior researcher at ORIMA Research, where she works with director Rod Latimer.

Kim Sullivan
My responsibilities include... everything from start to finish for quant projects, including client liaison, questionnaire development, fieldwork management, data processing and analysis, and reporting.

What attracted me to the organisation I work for is... the people, and the variety of work we do.

What I admire about Rod is... his client focus. Rod is always pushing to make sure ORIMA is delivering want our clients really need.

How I got into market/social research is... I actually started as a data entry and telephone interviewer casual when I was at uni, and came back later to a research assistant position. Time flies!

My greatest inspiration always told me... not to stress about things I have no control over. Easier said than done.

The advice I would give someone starting in social or market research is... to experience as many different types of research projects as you can, and to be open about mistakes and learn from them.

In my job, I get the biggest buzz when... I see the influence of our research in the real world. It can be disappointing when we work hard on a project only for the research outcomes to disappear into a black hole!

My favourite research project... is any client or customer satisfaction survey where the results really exceed the client's expectations, and they get a real morale boost from the evidence that they are doing a good job.

An ideal client is someone who... is really engaged in the research. The best projects are always real partnerships between the client and us.

A brilliant researcher has... excellent problem solving skills, technical knowledge, client focus, and a great team behind them.

My number one choice for pro bono work would be... I'd love to help out small, family-run businesses, which may not be in a position to fund much market research, but where a few customer insights could really help them grow their business.

If I wasn't a researcher I would be... there's a law degree under the bed somewhere, so maybe... no, I'll say alpaca farmer.

If I was an animal, I would be a... labrador. They have a life of sleeping, eating, playing and being adored, and seem not to have a care in the world.

I can't live without... my family, and my labradors, Satchmo and Ella.

My favourite current TV show is... Lost. I'm hanging out for next season's premiere.

My favourite gadget is... my TiVo.

My pet hate is... dangerous and impatient drivers who speed, weave in and out of traffic, and generally act like hoons.

If I could change one thing about the research industry it would be... the dreaded end-of-financial year rush, where clients spring from the woodwork to request fast-turnaround research before the end of June.

The one thing I want to be remembered for is ... paydays, and birthdays.

If I won a million dollars I would ... travel. China, New Zealand, France (again) and Japan are all on my list, but I really should see more of Australia too.

In 20 years' time market and social research will... be interesting! I imagine things like Twitter-based qual research, iPhone-friendly survey apps, and recruitment via Facebook.

Rod Latimer

My responsibilities include... everything from the mundane to the sophisticated in operating a business.  At a project level, fundamentally, my responsibility is to ensure that we do things the best way, with the right resources and people to deliver a practical and a solution for our clients that can be implemented.

What I admire about Kim is... she's a quick learner, she cares about her work and clients, and she has a commitment to driving a project to successful completion.

How I got into market/social research is... sheer serendipity.

My greatest inspiration always told me... that every problem has a solution if you apply a bit of thinking and intuition.

The advice I would give someone starting in social or market research is... the time you spend doing the grunt work will all pay off later as it will set you up to be a good manager and leader.

In my job, I get the biggest buzz when... I see my staff succeed at something.

My favourite research projects...are ones where the results have tangible positive impacts on people's lives.

An ideal client is someone who... is actually interested in the research project.

A brilliant researcher has... an inquisitive mind, the ability to imagine possibilities and the motivation to find a solution.

My number one choice for pro bono work would be... anything to do with wildlife and environmental conservation.

If I wasn't a researcher I would be... a wildlife documentary maker.

If I was an animal, I would be a... my dog. He has a cushy life.

I can't live without... my family.

My favourite current TV show is... Catalyst, and Landline.

My favourite gadget is... my Foxtel remote control.

My pet hate is... people who whinge and who can't see the bright side of things.

If I could change one thing about the research industry it would be ... more sophisticated and thoughtful interpretations of research data.

The one thing I want to be remembered for is ... that I left the place a little better than when I found it.

If I won a million dollars I would... take family on a fabulous vacation and invest the leftover.

In 20 years' time market and social research will... be an even more integral part of decision making across all sectors.

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