What’s your name, job title and how long have you worked here?
Katherine Keller - Executive Director, Diabetes Sales and I have worked at AstraZeneca for over 19 years.
What do you like most about your job?
I have worked across the organization over my last 19 years, changing products and functions within AZ. I’ve worked in sales, operations, market access, and marketing and across GI, CV, Respiratory, Oncology, and many other areas. AZ has always supported my growth, allowing me to explore many corners of the business. Most recently, as the EBD of Diabetes Sales, I have the opportunity to lead over 750 sales people and I love every minute. Working with such talented and motivated people is inspiring. I started as a field rep, and now have the opportunity to lead an entire area and it completely energizes me. The information and education our teams provide allows health care providers to make the best clinical decisions for patients. What we do truly matters to HCPs, patients and their families.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
I spend most of my time with my family (husband and 3 young children). The kids fill my time quickly nights and weekends. I like to run, go to the beach, and travel to warm places. I am blessed to have a great group of girlfriends as well who can always bring on the laughter.
Do you have a family and pets?
Yes, I have three kids a 10 year old boy and 8 and 5 year old girls. I had all three while growing my career at AZ. They attended AZ daycare and kindergarten. AZ is as much a part of their life as it is mine. My husband and I could not have built the careers we have while building a family without AZ and the support.
What’s your work/life balance experience been at AZ?
Very positive. I have always been able to manage both work and my family life well as the culture supports working as you need to as long as you deliver results. The leaders I have worked for have also been very supportive. If anything – I have been encouraged to keep doing more and keep growing my potential as my career quickly progressed upward and all the while, I didn’t miss a beat with my family. As a working mom – you become very efficient.
How do you network with other women both inside and outside of AZ?
I have several colleagues that I grew up with at AZ. Some are still at AZ, some are elsewhere, but I still keep in touch with so many. We trust each other and support each others success. They are the core of my network. I never hesitate to reach out to women who are leading the way. They inspire me and they always have perspectives that I can learn from. There are a few female leaders at AZ who saw more in me than I saw in myself early on. When I was holding myself back, they were pushing me forward and supporting me. They encouraged me to take that next role and keep growing. The perspectives women can provide each other are invaluable. While it may look easy for some, trust me, it never is. You need a strong female network.
What would you like other women to know about joining AZ as a new employee?
AZ supports women, but you also have to know what you need and ask for it. We are a performance based organization and as long as you bring value there is tremendous support and flexibility. Don’t ever hesitate to communicate your perspective and your career aspirations. There are endless opportunities here.
What has been your favorite memory while at AstraZeneca?
Such a hard question! On a funny note, when I was a rep in Washington DC my manager came down to spend a day with me and my customers. I was nervous and distracted. I put my computer on top of my car while I was unlocking it (because I had a key then 😊). Well I forgot and drove away. While driving in the middle of DC we heard a loud thump on my trunk then in my rearview mirror I literally watched my computer smash in the street. It was in hundreds of pieces. I thought for sure I was going to get fired. My manager laughed instead. I knew then I would be staying for a while.
