What would you do if you didn’t work in healthcare?
I would teach. I plan to be a college professor next. Maybe U.S. history. Business strategy, ethics and organizational behavior is of high interest as well.
Can you give a shout-out to someone who helped you at a pivotal time in your career?
Margie Kuo, my friend and mentor, hired me in 2007 to join her at Pfizer as a brand marketer working on her team. After a decade of consumer marketing on the agency side I had the itch to step into my marketing strategy interests on the client side and Margie gave me that opportunity. I had just had my first child and thought the client-side pace may better suit my new life as a working mother. I’m not sure about that! But I learned tremendously and diversified my experience with multi stakeholders and influencers across healthcare. I’m thankful to Margie for that opportunity.
How has the pandemic reset the rules on your work-life balance?
I joke with friends and colleagues that I tried to work remotely on Fridays for about a decade of my career and could never quite figure out how to consistently manage one remote day per week in our industry. I’m certain part of that was me and part of that was the norms of 9 to 5 (or 9 p.m. sometimes) workdays. I benefit from more flexibility in where and how we work post-pandemic. Increased productivity, decreased commute and travel time results in more quality time with my family. Generally feeling more present in the moment at work and home these days, without always rushing to what’s next. Appreciating more the energy from in-person collaboration and ideation.
What do you find frustrating about working in healthcare marketing?
The patient experience we see up close at times in healthcare marketing. In research or through our work directly with patients, ambassador programs and advocacy associations, that front-row seat to the patient experience can be frustrating. Far too many patients still have far too many unmet needs, poor outcomes and low quality of life. More needs to be done in ALS, Alzheimer’s, rare cancers to name a few.
What are you doing to send the career ladder back down?
Mentoring, coaching and giving constructive feedback in the moment. I place great emphasis on career conversations, continuous open feedback, goal setting and leadership training and coaching. Building cultures of inclusivity and diversity where our people see themselves, feel supported and able to do the best work of their lives.
What’s something your colleagues don’t know about you?
I have run two marathons and ponder how long it would take me to get to the finish line if I ever attempted a third!
What is one thing you would tell young women starting their careers in healthcare marketing?
Be kind and brave. And don’t sweat the small stuff.
Favorite TV show/movie/song/book?
I’m enjoying the second season of Bridgerton with my daughter at the moment. Always hard to pick one favorite but some faves are The Shawshank Redemption (movie), “Don’t Stop Believin’” (song) and To Kill a Mockingbird (book).
