Purpose. Tribe. Learning.

December is a great month to reflect and be grateful. As I think back on 2019, one of the most fulfilling opportunities I had was building a product at my current company, Microbiome Insights. Without exhaustive details on the product itself (stay tuned for further updates in 2020), what made it such a meaningful career experience were 3 things: purpose, tribe and learning.

Purpose… It wasn’t until I joined Microbiome Insights that I started getting up in the morning feeling excited about the day ahead! Whether it was talking to the patients, doctors or meetings with the team, I felt so driven to achieve the next milestone, then the next one… 

Speaking of the team, or as I like to call them - my tribe, it is so important to be among like-minded individuals. We goof around, we mock each other (respectfully, of course) AND we get stuff done! Our record conference call was about 4 hours, right Reid Teichroeb? We make nerdy microbiome jokes (and greeting cards too) and we think those are funny, even if no one else does! We lift each other up, we share successes and failures and most importantly – we learn from each other. 

As for the learning, for me personally it was more than learning a new industry, it was finding my calling. I learnt more about microbiome and gastrointestinal tract than anyone would care to know and my family often cuts me off when it’s TMI. Microbiome conversations aren’t exactly the best ice breakers :)

BUT when I talk to those working in biotech, healthcare or life sciences, or those who are just as nerdy, I can talk about it for hours! I guess it goes back to purpose… And the tribe… A bigger tribe aka life sciences / healthcare community that I am now so proud to call mine.

Key takeaway from my long rant is – as you look for opportunities in 2020, do not settle for anything less than what truly matters to you. Think of what is non-negotiable for you. Purpose, tribe and learning are mine, both personally and professionally. Therefore, I sometimes lose track of when my work ends and my leisure begins. To me, it’s a great thing!

Special shout-out to Natasa Jovic, one of the most inspiring leaders I have ever worked with and Malcolm Kendall for making Microbiome Insights such a special place to work in!