Her Story
About Stella
Stella Chun serves as Senior District Manager, North America, for technical sales specialists at Thermo Fisher Scientific. She has been with the company for 11 to 12 years, advancing from an initial one-year account manager contract to roles covering the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital in Philadelphia, then to technical sales specialist in New York for three to four years, and subsequently to manager of a team of six before her current senior position managing eleven specialists across the United States and Canada. Chun earned her bachelor's degree in biopharmaceutical sciences from the University of Ottawa and her master's of science from the University of British Columbia. Prior to sales, she spent time in the lab studying medical genetics and pursued pre-med paths. She previously held leadership roles in the Korean Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA), chairing conferences for up to 300 attendees with teams of about 20. Chun attributes her professional success to her team members, who execute strategies and build trust in her leadership. She emphasizes integrity as a core value and encourages getting out of one's comfort zone, as that is where growth occurs. In her field, she notes challenges from tight budgets and limited funding for scientists alongside opportunities from emerging technologies and new biotechs.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stella
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my team members. As a leader, I can come up with ideas and strategies, but they are the ones who have to go and execute. I would not have been successful if they did not have the trust in me as their leader.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is to get out of your comfort zone, because you don't grow when you're too comfortable. And I think that's so true.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Get out of your comfort zone. Don't be afraid. And always just advocate for yourself, because nobody else will advocate for you. This advice will go whether you're in this field or not.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is the current market conditions where scientists are budget conscious and funding is limited, making it hard to sell tools. The opportunity is that there are always new technologies advancing, so with willingness to learn and get out of your comfort zone, there is endless learning and new biotechs emerging with new science.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is most important. Just act with integrity, or just do what's right, and hold yourself to the highest standard that you can.
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