From Frustration to Inspiration: How Imposter Researchers in Energy Consulting Sparked My Journey to Start a Values-Driven Firm
When I first landed my role as a research executive at an energy consulting firm, I was excited. I had worked hard to get there, and the opportunity to contribute to the energy sector—an industry I was passionate about—felt like the perfect next step in my career. But soon after joining, I realized I had found myself on a team of so-called “research consultants" who didn’t seem to know what they were doing.
I was assigned to a project where we were tasked with analyzing energy consumption trends to advise clients on sustainability strategies. The team I was working with seemingly had the right credentials, but their approach to research left much to be desired. Their analysis was based on outdated models and half-baked assumptions that were, frankly, shockingly amateurish. When I raised questions about their methods or asked for more data to support their conclusions, they couldn’t provide solid answers. Instead, they would pass off vague generalizations as legitimate findings and use humor to supplant the lack of actionable insights.
It was incredibly frustrating. Here I was, new to the team and eager to learn, grow, and make an impact, but I felt trapped in a web of questionable research, politics, deception, and lack of accountability. Worse still, the findings from these “researchers” were being used to shape major client recommendations and presentations that could impact energy policy decisions and investments. It became clear to me that, despite their outward appearance of professionalism, these individuals were more interested in getting by and making money than doing the hard work of providing accurate, actionable insights.
Eventually, it hit me—this was a widespread issue, not just limited to my team, as I encountered similar in tech sector as well later in my research journey. Across multiple, high-profile industries, many firms were relying on under-qualified researchers who didn’t fully understand the complexities of their market or the depth of analysis required for robust research. It wasn’t just frustrating—it was damaging to the market research industry I grew my career in, and to the businesses relying on that flawed data.
This frustration turned into inspiration. I knew I could do better. I believed that market research in sectors like energy, health, education, and tech, which directly impacts communities and economies, needed to be driven by transparency, integrity, and a deep understanding of the data. I wanted to build a research practice that not only had the technical expertise but also embraced core values that would truly help businesses make informed, sustainable decisions. And so, I decided to step away from the world of questionable research and create my own values-driven research firm, one that would prioritize accuracy, quality, and transparency.
The Hidden Dangers of Hiring Underqualified Market Researchers – And How to Avoid Them
In any industry, especially in complex fields like energy consulting, relying on the wrong market researcher can be disastrous. The kind of problems I experienced on my first consulting team can be easily avoided with the right strategies for screening and vetting researchers.
So, how can you avoid hiring researchers who may not have the skills to provide meaningful, reliable insights for your business?
1. Don’t Rely Solely on a Resume – Dig Deeper
Sure, a resume can be impressive, but it’s important to dig deeper into a potential hire’s real-world experience. Look beyond the credentials and ask about their specific experience in your industry. In my case, while the team I worked with seemed to have experience in consulting, none of them had any direct experience in the energy sector. As a result, their research lacked the depth and context needed to provide actionable insights.
Ask questions like: Have they worked with clients in your sector? What challenges did they face, and how did they overcome them? Are they familiar with the latest trends, technologies, or regulations impacting your industry?
2. Demand Clear, Transparent Research Methods
Good researchers should be able to explain exactly how they gather and analyze data. If a team or consultant is unable to explain their methods clearly—or worse, if they brush off questions about their process—this is a major red flag. When I was working in the energy consulting firm, it became apparent that the team didn’t have a coherent methodology. They often used outdated data sources or models that weren’t relevant to the current market landscape.
Ask them: How do they ensure the data is current and accurate? What tools and techniques do they use for analysis? Can they walk you through their process in a way that makes sense?
3. Assess Their Tools and Resources
Market research in any field requires the right tools to be effective. Whether it’s data analytics platforms, specialized energy models, or consumer insights software, using outdated or inadequate resources can significantly impact the quality of the research. When I was in my previous role, the tools they used were clunky and outdated, which severely limited our ability to generate reliable insights for the client.
Be sure to ask what platforms, resources, and tools they use. Are they leveraging cutting-edge technologies for data collection and analysis? Do their tools align with your industry’s specific needs?
4. Ask for References and Testimonials
It’s not enough to rely on internal reports or self-promotion. Ask for references and testimonials from previous clients to get a sense of how the researcher’s work has impacted real businesses. This is something I wish I had done when I was working at the consulting firm, as I quickly realized that other companies had fallen into the same trap with similar underqualified teams.
Ask to speak with previous clients or colleagues who can speak to the quality of their work. Did their research deliver real value? Did it lead to actionable insights that impacted business decisions?
5. Understand the Cost of Cutting Corners
The temptation to take shortcuts on research—whether it’s choosing the cheapest option or rushing to meet a deadline—can be huge. But when it comes to market research, cutting corners can lead to inaccurate data, misguided decisions, and even reputational damage. While working in consulting, I saw firsthand how trying to cut costs with unqualified researchers only led to costly mistakes for our clients.
Remember that quality research is an investment in the future of your business. Avoid the trap of opting for the cheapest or fastest option. Instead, focus on hiring professionals who offer both quality and transparency.
6. Foster Collaboration with Other Teams
Good research doesn’t exist in a silo. It needs to inform and align with the broader business strategy. This was another area where my team fell short—the research was often done in isolation without consulting key departments, like product development or client management. This disconnect led to recommendations that didn’t always make sense when applied to real-world scenarios.
Ensure that your research team collaborates with other departments to ensure the findings are integrated into the wider business strategy. This collaboration helps ensure that the insights lead to practical, actionable decisions.
In Conclusion: Your Research, Your Success
The right market research is a game-changer for any business—especially in complex industries like energy consulting. But to get the results you need, you must ensure that the team handling your research is genuinely qualified. The frustration of working with underqualified researchers made me realize how vital it is to provide businesses with research that is accurate, transparent, and rooted in deep industry knowledge.
By properly screening your research professionals and insisting on transparency and quality, you’ll ensure your business makes informed, strategic decisions that pave the way for long-term success. Don’t let poor research steer your business off course—invest in the right team and watch your business thrive.
