Her Story
About Barbara
Barbara Russell is a Strategic Account Manager in the veterinary diagnostics industry with more than 20 years of experience supporting animal health organizations and over eight years of sales expertise. A graduate of West Chester University, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management with minors in 3D Visual Arts and Business Geography in 2008. Throughout her career, Barbara has held roles with leading organizations including IDEXX, Antech Diagnostics, and Zoetis, building a reputation for helping veterinary practices improve operational efficiency and patient care through innovative diagnostic solutions. In her current role at IDEXX, Barbara partners with veterinary clinics to establish reference laboratory contracts, conduct business reviews, and provide hands-on support with diagnostic equipment. She believes successful partnerships are built on transparency, honesty, and trust, approaching every client relationship with the same level of care and integrity she would offer her own family. Her consultative approach helps veterinary teams make informed business decisions while enhancing the quality of care they provide to their patients. Barbara's passion for animal welfare began long before her professional career. As an adopted child, she found a deep connection with rescue animals, which inspired years of volunteer work with SPCAs and animal rescue organizations before entering the veterinary industry. Today, she continues to support rescues and 501(c)(3) organizations by helping them reduce diagnostic costs, allowing more resources to be directed toward lifesaving care and increasing adoption opportunities. Guided by resilience and a commitment to service, Barbara understands that success in sales comes from building lasting relationships and earning trust—one conversation at a time.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Barbara
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for the veterinary industry and my commitment to building meaningful relationships. I have spent eight years in sales and more than 20 years working in the animal field, a career inspired by my love for animals and my own adoption experiences. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to transparency, honesty, and resilience, which have helped me earn trust and achieve long-term success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to focus on building genuine connections and treating people with respect, rather than concentrating solely on metrics. Strong relationships are the foundation of lasting success in this industry.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering the veterinary industry to focus on how they can support and help veterinary practice owners succeed. By understanding their challenges, providing value, and building trust, you can establish a rewarding and successful career.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional and personal life are honesty, transparency, integrity, and resilience. I believe these principles are essential for building trust, maintaining strong relationships, and overcoming challenges.
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