Genevieve Paquette 

CMO, board member, Level Ex

What would you do if you didn’t work in healthcare?

I’d be a professional guitarist or teach music to children. Playing, or these days just listening to, music has been a driving force in my life. It’s the primary way I express myself and feel creative, and I use it as a way to stay connected to others. While I no longer engage in the music industry how I used to, I’m now exploring different musical genres with my 4-year-old son, with a plan for him to read music in the near future. I’m a huge supporter of music programs that serve underprivileged communities. 
Talk about the last time you experienced a fist-pumping victory moment.

The biggest fist pump happened after the closing of our series A financing round in 2017. My CEO and I spent significant time away from our families and day-to-day operations to raise venture capital to further expand Level Ex. Fundraising is grueling and challenges you as an entrepreneur, but it’s truly rewarding to see investors and the medical community get behind Level Ex’s vision. Not only that, but being able to tell employees, many who took a risk joining us from the beginning, we’ll have the capital to provide job security for them and their families is something we’re proud of. 
How long ago was the last time recharged your batteries? 

It’s coming up on a year since I took a vacation where I unplugged. My last trip was to Maui for a week with my husband and son. The family time in the sand and sun without interruptions allowed me to decompress and recenter on what matters most – my family. I travel several times a month in my role, so finding outlets to recharge is critical to avoid feeling fatigued and unbalanced. 
What do you find frustrating about working in healthcare marketing?

The conflicting messages heard within some healthcare organizations. “We need to be innovative!,” yet new ideas are quickly met with “I can’t do that,” “it won’t work,” or “it won’t get approved” without serious vetting or exploration of those new ideas. There is this go-to assumption that legal, regulatory, or medical teams will shut new ideas down, so I see product teams and marketers not try harder. This ultimately hurts consumers, patients, and medical professionals on the front lines of healthcare. 
To ensure pay parity and career advancement for women, I will…

Lead by example, providing ongoing opportunities to hire and promote talented women across all levels of our organization. I will continue to educate my male peers about the importance of wage equality and female empowerment in one-on-one settings or larger forums.
What are your words to live by?

It takes the human body approximately four days to physiologically decompress from work stress. I make sure vacations are five days or longer for me to reset. 
What would you tell young women starting their careers in healthcare marketing?

It’s easy to get lost in the complexities of it. I see women feel compelled to overthink or over-communicate their ideas, putting at risk getting heard by peers, supervisors, or the intended marketing audience. Practice distilling ideas into crisp statements. Always be direct. 
Favorite drink? 

A margarita made with fresh lime juice and a salted rim.