Her Story
About Michelle
Michelle Spencer serves as Regional Sales Director at ViiV Healthcare. With 22 years in pharmaceutical sales and 13 years in sales leadership, she coaches 10 sales professionals across eight states, traveling regularly to support their work with physicians on HIV prevention, including the injectable drug Apretude. Spencer earned a Bachelor's of Science in Electrical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University in Texas. Her career began as a process improvement engineer at Frito-Lay, where she discovered her affinity for sales, leading to roles at Nabisco in consumer packaged goods before entering pharmaceuticals. She advanced to District Manager in 2013. Spencer credits mentor Kim Prillerman with advice on empowering teams through critical and strategic thinking rather than providing all answers. She advises young women entering the industry to seek breadth and depth of experience, even if it requires changing companies.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michelle
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My mentor Kim Prillerman advised me as I transitioned to my first leadership role to let the team figure things out. Don't be so quick to be all answers for the team. Allow them to exercise the muscle of thinking and critical thinking and strategic thinking. Don't just hand them the fish. Allow them to fish. Teach them.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid to move around the industry. Pharmaceuticals is as secure as the patent is. Get a breadth and depth of experience. If you can't get that where you are, don't be afraid to jump out and start anew with another company where you can actually grow.
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