FEATURE9 July 2024

Sarah Phillis – Research Hero

Features Research Heroes 2024

Sarah Phillis, Office Manager, Tapestry Research

Sarah had two careers and a family before joining Tapestry Research in 2015. Initially, as an actor (alongside notable co-stars including David Walliams, and as an extra in a Madonna video); then, as a broadcast journalist (BSkyB Ltd). During a career hiatus, Tapestry’s joint-managing director Ian Wright’s wife Charlotte suggested Sarah join the fold, and she has never looked back.

As office manager, she uses her multi-tasking skills to the max, mostly with organised chaos and a smile. In her spare time, she facilitates PSHE classes for teens, and plays Frida in the Abba tribute band: A Star is Bjorn!

Sarah was nominated because "for new and prospective team members, Sarah has essentially become the face of Tapestry. This is increasingly important as we grow, with many in their first proper job. Sarah welcomes them to the company and the recently expanded office – an expansion that she led, designed and managed. She also helps them navigate the blizzard of first job paperwork and provides tips from benefits through to the best lunch places. Sarah has also led various educational initiatives, organising opportunities for our staff to talk in local schools, giving students an introduction to the world of research. Sarah approaches all of this with her own unique mixture of empathy and humour."

What is the biggest challenge you have faced during your career?

At Tapestry, it has been project managing the office expansion. I needed nerves of steel when dealing with a particular tradesman, and employed every conflict resolution skill I could muster. The team cushioned me and made it bearable, especially as it coincided with a family bereavement. They were fab. We now have a lovely office, and great loos, so it was all worth it.

What will be the next big trend or development in the research industry, and why?

It has to be artificial intelligence, from what I can work out. “AI” buzzes constantly, almost subliminally. I’m the office manager, so my focus is very much people, rather than projects. I hope AI will save the team time without costing them their future in the industry. If it helps us to make the complex beautifully simple, then, OK.

While we need to work symbiotically with super software, AI will never know what it feels like to actually tingle when sharing the sweet sensation of a successful project; so, we will always be one step ahead.

Who inspires you as a researcher? 

My biggest inspiration as a researcher is clearly the Tapestry Research collective. To work where the hierarchy is so blended is unbelievably refreshing. I’ve been in the office for nine of Tapestry’s 10 years – happy anniversary! – and from day one, Ian (Wright), Kevin (Thompson) and, of course, Stewart (Thomson) and Jemma (Ralton) have nurtured an environment where everyone can be themselves; they have a voice, can grow, change course, leave… and return. All options are geared to encourage and support. With great humour, and only the odd grump, what I see is a dedicated team who strive to deliver the best they can, together, even when the deadline is now.