What would you do if you didn’t work in healthcare?
I am a big history nerd, specifically of the Tudor era, so if I wasn’t in healthcare I would love to study history in depth and teach. Being in an academic atmosphere with people interested in the same topics, asking intriguing questions and learning from the past would be pretty rewarding and fun.
Can you give a shout-out to someone who helped you at a pivotal time in your career?
My former supervisor and Spectrum’s current chief strategy officer, Michelle Strier, helped guide me at a time when I was struggling to find my sweet spot. Working across pharma, consumer science and biotech, I found myself wanting to specialize and become more of an expert rather than a generalist. Learning under her in our biotech practice, I began to truly understand the specific needs of smaller, more nimble companies. This set the stage for me focusing on how our teams could provide true value for our biotech clients at critical points in their company’s lifecycle.
How has the pandemic reset the rules on your work-life balance?
As we settled into remote working, I found myself with less work-life balance than ever before. I started to make small changes that helped me reset — taking calls on walks, making time for a break from the computer, putting down my phone when not working. When burnout starts to sneak up on you, it’s not just a good idea to address it, it’s imperative. That goes for me, but also my team. If I was feeling it, they most certainly were, so I doubled down on making sure they had the tools and ability to make changes as well.
Share a moment when you left your comfort zone; what did you learn?
Several years ago, I went zip-lining in the mountains of Idaho. It took every ounce of courage I had to fling myself off the first stand. But once I started zooming across the trees, lakes and beauty beneath me, it was both breathtaking and exhilarating. Had I not done it, I would have missed out on the pure joy it brought me. It made me realize that some of the most rewarding moments we’ll experience often require the most courage, and that makes them all the more worth it.
What are you doing to send the career ladder back down?
I recently began mentoring college seniors with Global Mentorship Initiative with the goal of better preparing them to find and secure meaningful jobs once they graduate. My first mentee was a student at my undergraduate alma mater and we met regularly for several months leading up to her graduation. I was able to help her prepare for job interviews and focus on opportunities that truly spoke to her short-term and long-term goals. She landed her dream job and it was so wonderful to see her hard work pay off.
What is one thing you would tell young women starting their careers in healthcare marketing?
Dig into the industry. While the day-to-day work might feel like it monopolizes your time and thoughts, try to make time to learn about the broader trends, workings and news of the industry from the beginning. It can be as simple as going back to the daily newsletters you receive, listening to a podcast or checking out a campaign outside of the therapeutic category you are working in. Not only will it help you develop a deeper understanding of key components of our work, it arms you with valuable context that is critical to providing sound recommendations and identifying new opportunities.
Recount an experience with the healthcare system, positive or negative, that inspires you.
My Mom had type 1 diabetes and it took a heavy toll on her ability to live her most fulfilling life. I was often frustrated at the lack of proactive, holistic care offered by her healthcare providers. It felt as if they were checking boxes rather than helping us identify ways she could live a better life with new technologies, support groups, therapy or additional information. That experience inspires and reminds me that our work can empower patients and their families to ask questions, advocate for themselves and push for more.
Favorite TV show/movie/song/book?
The Sandlot is one of my all-time favorite movies. It’s not just that it’s a classic, but it brings back so many memories from my childhood. I will stop everything if it’s on. The characters, one-liners and fun moments are too good.
