How long have you worked at AstraZeneca and What do you like most about your job?
20 years and I enjoy that I get to come to work and impact lives by ensuring that life altering, lifesaving medicines are available to patients. It is also great to work with competent, caring colleagues who feel the same way.
What do you like to do when you aren't working?
Spend time with my family, run and travel. I also love to eat great food(thus the running!).
Fun fact about you that people may not know?
I have completed a marathon and 3 sprint triathlons.
What’s your work/life balance experience been at AZ?
I have found that throughout my career that AZ has been a great place to work. It is flexible here and the managers that I have had throughout the years have always been willing to work with me to ensure that there is balance. As you might imagine through 20 years a lot has happened in my career and home life that has required that I have balance, from deaths in my family, sick family members and 2 pregnancies, I have felt supported, valued and cared for by my managers and colleagues. Employees at AZ are driven to be the best and highly productive, but they also care about individuals and the whole person, we recognize at AZ that when you are able to bring your best and whole self to work you are able to give and do above and beyond expectations.
What would you like other women to know about joining AZ as a new employee?
AZ is a large organization, but it feels like a family. The culture is such that people respect each other and value contributions of team members. Some companies have great slogans and values statements but at AZ we aspire to live and exemplify the values everyday and in every way. The best thing about AZ are the people that work here.
What has been your favourite memory while at AstraZeneca?
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the AstraZeneca Newark DE supply site, it was great to be there celebrating. Many retired colleagues came back to join in the festivities and told stories and shared knowledge.
How do you network with other women both inside and outside of AZ?
The main way is to speak to my colleagues and learn about them not only what work they do but who they are both inside and outside of work. I have also been fortunate to participate this year in a program sponsored by AZ called Women as Leaders and have met some amazing women in all parts of the business that I might not have encountered otherwise. It has been an opportunity to network, learn and grow as a leader.
What would you like other women to know about joining AZ as a new employee?
You can make your career whatever you want it to be. Know that AZ promotes diversity and does include employees in events, townhalls and communications. Take advantage of all that is offered and don’t sit back for these opportunities to be brought to you.
How do you AstraZeneca best supports your career as a female employee?
By creating a culture that respects diversity and encourages inclusion.
By giving me tools to guide my own development and supporting my aspirations.
By having policies that encourage work/life balance.
