Take Ten with Team HPNE: Meet Alexis McNabb
Our Technical Product Manager Alexis McNabb discusses her predictions in future biotech trends, the advantages of HPConnexx™ Single-Use Assemblies, and her career journey to becoming a biotech professional in this week's Take Ten.
As someone who is highly knowledgeable about the biotech industry, what are some trends and shifts you have noticed that you believe we will see advancements in during the next 10 years?
We’ve continued to see advancements in automation to bring consistent, high-quality products to patients. I’ve been seeing more integration and adoption of AI as well as automation that will likely make clinical processes more efficient in research, production, and testing/regulation.
As a product manager, what has it been like representing HPConnexx™, and what do your customers appreciate most about the product?
In the year I’ve been at HPNE, I can say that there’s a lot of pride that goes into selling HPConnexx™ Single-Use Assemblies. Our product is unique to each customer we support, so we get to build close relationships and become true advocates for them.
I hear over and over again that HPNE’s willingness to help goes above and beyond most other’s since we act more as partners in creating solutions. It’s so important for customers to feel like they have a supplier they can depend on to provide support in those early stages where volumes may not be there, but a solution still needs to be found.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone entering the industry, what would you tell them?
Be willing to continuously learn since this industry is constantly evolving. Attend workshops and seminars. Expand your network and always be willing to learn from colleagues and competitors alike.
Speaking of starting out, you graduated with a degree in kinesiology and exercise science. What inspired you to move from this field to sales?
I have always had a side of me that’s competitive. This really came out during my time in college where I was always in competition with myself and thinking of different ways I could do and be better. Mix in my love for science and human physiology and this space just made sense for me.
The biotech industry took me on a HUGE learning curve straight out of college, and I am very appreciative of those that have helped me get to where I am now in my career. I’ve been in biotech sales for 7 years and I feel like I am just scratching the surface! This is an industry that found me, and I’m continuing to learn what my part in this is and how I can continue being a better version of myself.
How do you believe the technical skills from your science background have transferred to your current role in order to make you a more effective product manager?
I think my science background helps to an extent, but really an effective product manager to me is one that is willing to listen, learn, and take action.
In April, you attended our panelist event held at North Carolina Biotech Center in partnership with the CGT Circle. What were some of your favorite moments or key takeaways from the event?
Let me just say that this was one of the most impactful networking events I’ve been to. The speakers, Juliana Blum and Kelli Luginbuhl, had extremely empowering advice to give the women in this industry. The ability to adapt and stay resilient will take you far. We are always going to be faced with new challenges but it’s so important to have the willingness to overcome obstacles, pivot when needed, and stay focused on the end goal(s).
Throughout your career, your positions have required high-level communication skills. What are some of your favorite communication strategies?
One of my favorite strategies would be active listening; giving the speaker the time to get their point out, understand what they’re saying and be able to then reflect and respond. Understanding nonverbal cues is huge; you can adjust how you respond to anyone when you are aware of these. And obviously one-on-one communication will always be a favorite!
What is something you are most passionate about outside of work?
Quality time with my family! I am very intentional about my time now that I am a mom of 2 young girls.
If you could only eat a single meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
All I ever need are some hard-shell tacos with chips and guacamole!!
What is your favorite thing to do in September?
I love going to all the fairs and Fall festivals! I also love just a relaxing weekend home with family and football on in the background (with the husband occasionally shouting at the TV).
Share article
About HPNE
As the industry needs grow, High Purity New England, Inc. continues to supply the biopharmaceutical industry with a range of innovative products, from drug discovery and development to fill-finish, including their flagship product, custom single-use assemblies, as well as pumps, sensors, bioreactor systems, storage and handling solutions and other single-use solutions. Along with their own manufactured products for the global market, they are also a distributor for more than 18 brands in North America.
