At the end of January, Thierry Ngutegure joined Journey Further as its new Head of Insight, responsible for creating a market-leading insights offering at the Leeds agency.
Prior to this, Ngutegure was Head of Data Insights at Rise at Seven, where he worked since 2019, and formerly was a Senior Research Analyst at Jaywing.
An experienced data professional, Thierry has directly supported clients including Hermes, Missguided, GoCompare, Uswitch, GAME, PlayStation and Ladbrokes throughout his extensive career.
We found out the lessons he’s learnt.
Which single daily habit or practice could you not do without?
It’s a habit I’ve picked up in the last year but one that has completely transformed my learning curve – reading for 30 mins before bed.
It seems like such a small amount of time, but the compounding effect of the amount of books and articles I get through is staggering. We all start the year with massive goals and targets but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the very things we set out to improve ourselves with.
Break it down to tiny daily habits and you’ll be shocked at what you can achieve.
What’s been your luckiest break?
I think it has to be my first truly digital role as a data journalist at Epiphany Search. Up until this point my background was in student research and biological sciences focusing on immunology and genetics – boring, right?
But I genuinely loved people and knew I could bring creative flare to an analytical role – so I faked it. I applied for the role saying I knew everything there was to do with earned media, data for digital PR and SEO.
I didn’t sleep for three days to prepare for this interview, and honestly I know they knew I was faking it, but they respected the bags under my eyes. The rest is history.
What’s your best failure?
My self-belief sometimes has its own gravity, and that gravity crushed my when I tried to become a stand-up comedian. Why did no one stop me!?
On the upside, being laughed off multiple stages at a really young age, has given me incredibly thick skin. I love presenting to crowds now; there’s nothing they can say that I haven’t heard before.
What is the best investment you’ve ever made, either financial or time?
I have a whole podcast dedicated to this – check out @whydidntyoutellme_ on Instagram – but reading ‘Money: A User’s Guide’ by Laura Whateley.
Financial literacy is the single most important thing in my life right now, but it wasn’t always the case. Out of university carrying £20,000 or more in student debt, I had no idea what this even meant, so after loans, credit cards and payday loans, I blinked and was in a £10,000 deficit.
It was a tough journey, but treating my financial fitness like my physical fitness really helped me get to where I am today and something I rave about to anyone who will listen. I truly believe that the more we talk about money, the happier we’ll all be.
Which book would you recommend others to read and why?
I think outside of financial literacy it has to be ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck’ by Mark Manson. For decades I’d been a people pleaser, in a generation that values happiness based on what other people think about them.
This book helped me understand that being happy is about controlling what you can and letting the rest go, not punishing yourself for it. It’s sensational!
What one piece of advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Invest in Bitcoin – jokes!
I’d keep it simple and say read more. Human development derives its strength from our ability to pass on information and learnings from generation to generation. There isn’t a single problem anyone has faced that someone hasn’t written about – so do yourself a favour Thierry, and pick up a book, will you?
Who or what has had the single biggest influence on your working life?
An incredibly humble lady by the name of Sarah Mace, who’s currently Head of Experience Design at Leeds 2023. She introduced me to the world of digital and even now continues to take genuine interest in my career and mental state – a true hero!
Tell us something about you that would surprise people.
I speak Rwandan fluently.
How will the COVID crisis change work for the better?
I think it’s made us reflect on what a “week at work” truly looks like for all people.
‘Flexible working’ will be as redundant a term as ‘digital’ in 2022, because it’s the standard. As a person who is pro-office – I never thought I’d need to say that out loud – I do think providing physical spaces for teams is very important.
Giving everyone the choice of when to come in the week by emphasising the benefits of being around other humans, we’ve not had this pleasure for a while.
What does success look like to you?
The day that I can retire my parents.
