Special Series: Why I Work Here by Ginger DeStefano

I cannot believe I’ve been in this industry for over two decades – yikes! When speaking with my fellow MR colleagues, and discussing how we ended up here, in this amazing industry, the answers are almost always the same. Either “I grew up in this industry. It’s what my Mom/Dad did”, or “Entirely by accident”. I happen to fall into the latter group. More than 25 years ago (I was about 12) I took a “temporary” job as an Assistant Manager in my local shopping mall conducting face-to-face research. I was fascinated by the work, and by the fact that I and my team were having an impact on advertising and products that were being introduced onto the market. I remember the first time I saw an ad that we had tested show up on the Superbowl. That was it – I was a goner. I fell in love with the industry, and more importantly – with the people in the industry. The rest, as they say, is history!

Often the best opportunities in life present themselves when we least expect it, and when we aren’t looking for them! That was the case with Paradigm – but let me take a quick step back. My background is primarily in the operations world, with a focus on management. I’d been with my previous company 11 years and served a variety of functions. At the time, I had landed in the role of Research Director. I was happy doing what I was doing. I loved the people I worked with and found the work interesting – but it wasn’t a perfect fit. It’s like when you wear a shirt and the collar is just a little too tight. You are constantly yanking at it and trying to make it fit better, but no matter how much you pull and shift, it still doesn’t quite fit. So, when my good friend AJ Keirans recommended Paradigm to me (and me to them), I figured it couldn’t hurt to see what the company was all about. After several interviews, I began to think that yes, this could be the place for me. I went from, “meh, let’s give it a shot!” to “Yes. I want this job. I want to be here.”

Coming to work for Paradigm, at risk of sounding hokey, felt like coming home. It just fit. I’m surrounded by people who care about each other and are passionate about this industry and our role in it. I’m excited to help cultivate this new crop of budding industry experts. To help them rise to the next level and be the best versions of themselves.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the best and brightest that the industry has to offer. I’ve had mentors who have helped shape who I am today, and I strive to have that same impact on others. Why do I work here? I work here because, while an established company, Paradigm still has room to grow – and that’s exciting. In my short time here I’ve already witnessed personal growth amongst the staff, and cannot wait to see what happens next. Why do I work here? Because I’m making an impact – not only on the business, but also on the team.