Marie Guillet

About me

I was born/grew up in: Beaupreau, France

I now live in: Toronto, Canada

I completed my training/education at: Angers, Tours and Paris in France (PhD) Boston USA (post doctoral fellow) and London, UK (MBA)

What I do at work

In Canada I work in both French and English. I work in the team and with the team to find solutions to challenges related to the business. These can include patient access to medicines, marketing strategies and changes required, as well as sales optimization. I also work to improve the processes we follow to help the team do the best job possible. I use my knowledge of biology and science as well as computer software in all parts of my work. This knowledge helps me make the best decisions. Math is a big part of my job as well, since I need to “read” numbers to understand what they mean and what actions are needed depending trends for example.

My career path is

When I was in high school, my dad died of cancer. This led me to go to university to study to be a researcher. My goal was to understand this disease better and understand why it happened to him. This is why I did everything possible to complete a PhD, to learn more about this disease and answer my questions. Then when I was 30, I decided that it was time for me to switch to another career because I wanted a job that would allow me to have a family and enjoy life better. This is why I switched careers later in life. It was not easy and it took some time to make this choice but I know now it was the right one.

I am motivated by

In my job I’m always thinking and finding solutions. I am challenged everyday and generally don’t know 100% what my day is going to look like. I find this very motivating! I also enjoy working with a team to bring important treatments to patients, treatments that can change their lives. This career is right for me because of the challenges and I because I learn a lot every day, which is very important to me. Also I like to follow a project until the end and see the results.

How I affect peoples’ lives

The greatest effect I have on peoples’ lives is in helping patients get access to the medicines that they need. The company I work for makes drugs for patients who are quite sick and need help to have a better life.

Outside of work I

Running, swimming, hiking, scuba diving.

My advice to others

Do not stop learning after high school. It is difficult but make the time and effort to get a degree, such as a masters degree if you want to work in the pharmaceutical industry. Never forget to do what you love and reflect your values (for me it was having an impact on people).