Molly Pellegrini

My determination. My dad worked in real estate, so I always saw his hustle, and my mom managed a doctor's office. I feel I saw the ups and downs of both of their careers and was determined to not rely on anybody else. I think that truly knowing yourself is key. Never let anyone doubt you. I was always told I should be a nurse, a physical therapist... "sales is too risky". I held my goals tight to the chest and stayed determined. I also feel that ADHD is my superpower. As a kid I always got in trouble for talking too much, but as a young adult just starting out it kept me hyper focused and in overdrive. Even when things got really hard and I really wanted to give up.

Sales can be a very high-paced environment, but as I've matured, I constantly reflect on the amazing mentors I've had. I learned from a colleague when I was just starting out, 'let it simmer'. I repeat it to myself and my team as a constant reminder to know when to press the gas and when to let go a little bit.

Stay determined and fearless. When I was starting out, it was for sure not easy and definitely male-dominated. I reached out to other inspiring women and asked for help and guidance. We see more and more females every day in this industry, so that is awesome. Interviewers would point out my biology degree - everyone wanted to peg me as a scientist and doubted my communication skills. I just kept going. I took commission-only sales jobs in the beginning, and it was ruthless. I second-guessed myself so many times, but I stayed determined and eventually wasn't afraid when I was the only woman in the room. Now I get to support other woman and help them develop their careers. And, I especially love when they have a science background! We have to continue to support other women, as your turn will always come back around.

Last year was tough as there is a lot of doubt hitting the scientific world. A ton of funding was paused last year which really put researchers behind in a way we may see play out over several years. I'm very inspired by the researchers I work with every day for not losing their drive and staying focused.

Always helping others and being kind. It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day. My job's main focus is helping others; the researchers I support, the team I manage, my 3 children, my husband... we all need to rely on each other and its so important to be kind.