My professional sales career was rooted within the 8th largest pharmaceutical company in the world.
How Pharmaceutical Sales Prepared Me for Mission-Driven Work
As I translate four years of pharmaceutical sales experience into seeking an opportunity with a Catholic organization, I've realized that my professional background has unexpectedly prepared me for mission-driven work in ways I never anticipated.
The Foundation: Listening First
My sales training revolutionized how I communicate. The cornerstone wasn't learning to talk more persuasively—it was learning to listen effectively. In pharmaceutical sales, understanding a physician's specific challenges and patient needs was essential before presenting any solution.
This skill translates beautifully to working at a Catholic company. Whether it's understanding a donor's philanthropic goals, a parishioner’s spiritual needs, or a colleague's ministry or product vision, the ability to truly listen creates the foundation for meaningful engagement. It's about meeting people where they are rather than where I think they should be.
Cross-Functional Communication
Working with matrix teams expanded my ability to communicate with diverse audiences—clinical data for physicians, economic outcomes for administrators, practical benefits for patients. Each conversation required adapting my approach while maintaining core message integrity.
This skill proves invaluable in Catholic organizations where I might engage cross-functionally with managers, parishioners, donors, beneficiaries, board members, and fellow staff. The ability to communicate mission impact in terms that resonate with each audience—while staying true to core values—is a skill that translates to every Catholic company.
Looking Forward
As I seek opportunities with a Catholic organization, I'm excited to bring these proven communication and relationship skills that align with my natural inclinations. The goal isn't just career advancement—it's about using talents developed in the marketplace to evangelize the Catholic faith. It’s an alignment of skill and purpose that is exactly where I'm called to be.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Resume Details and Experience
SANOFI US - Launched the PCSK9i biologic injectable Praluent (alirocumab). Progressed market share for Toujeo (insulin glargine) among strong portfolio of diabetes products. Delivered clinically focused messages to grow brand-share in highly competitive market. Regularly collaborated with matrix team consisting of multiple stakeholders (Primary Care/Specialty counterparts, Regeneron sales counterpart, field access specialist, and clinical nurse educator) to meet corporate objectives. Educated stakeholders about specialty pharmacy and biologic subcutaneous injectables.
INVENTIV HEALTH - Partnered with Janssen Pharmaceuticals representing Invokana and Xarelto for Springfield (IL) territory. Leveraged consultative selling skills and in‐depth clinical product knowledge in endocrinology and cardiology to drive business results. Enhanced scope of influence through identification and cultivation of relationships with key practitioners.
Sales Professional Highlights 2014-2017
Maximized customer interaction by maintaining a rigorous schedule of customer events during 85% of field days
Called upon as a resource providing excellent customer service, as well as local and national commercial insights to customers
Recruited as “Challenger Champion” to facilitate key learnings with sales team
Recruited as a District Sales Trainer for Central Illinois District
