Her Story
About Valerie Lynn
Valerie Lynn Seehafer is an Account Executive at Thermo Fisher Scientific in the biotechnology sales industry, currently based in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. She earned her Bachelor of Science in International Business from Olivet Nazarene University in 2018, an experience enriched by a study abroad program through the International Business Institute at Messiah College, where she had the opportunity to travel to countries such as Russia, France, Italy, and China. Her career began in sales shortly after graduation, when a chance connection at a career fair led her to Impact Networking, where she built her foundation through cold calling in the south suburbs of Chicago. She later transitioned into the language services sector, managing implementations and account relationships for healthcare and government clients.
In 2021, Valerie stepped away from her career to focus on her health, and in 2022 she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Rather than letting this setback define her, she used it as motivation to return to the workforce with renewed determination, first taking on a role at CarMax before joining Thermo Fisher Scientific nearly two years ago, where she started as an Inside Sales Account Manager before advancing to her current role as Account Executive. In this position, she specializes in contract renewals, relationship management, negotiations, and account management. Having recently relocated from Chicago, Illinois to the Madison, Wisconsin area, she continues to navigate new personal and professional territory while building on the resilience that has carried her career forward.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Valerie is a published author and creative writer, having released a book of poetry and currently working on a memoir chronicling her personal journey. An avid reader and active member of a book club, she hopes to use her writing to mentor and inspire others facing similar life challenges. She credits much of her success to proving to herself that she could return to and thrive in the workforce despite living with a disability, and she believes deeply that a fulfilling career and a full, challenge-embracing life are not mutually exclusive. As she looks toward new opportunities, Valerie remains guided by the values of authenticity, resilience, and a genuine desire to uplift others through her story.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Valerie Lynn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being able to return to the workforce after facing a serious health challenge. Proving to myself that I could still get back out there and perform at a high level, despite living with a disability, has been the foundation of everything I've accomplished since.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that you can have a happy and healthy career while still embracing life and all the challenges that come your way. I've learned that sharing my journey openly is one of the best ways to inspire others who may be facing similar struggles.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this industry that you can build a successful career despite any challenges you face along the way. My own path is proof of that — I started in sales right after graduating in 2018, moved through roles at Impact Networking and a language services company, worked at CarMax, and eventually joined Thermo Fisher about two years ago. Every step, even the harder ones, helped shape where I am today.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, some of my biggest challenges include being new to the Madison area and navigating my own health journey, including being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2022. I'm also currently exploring new employment opportunities due to some challenges with my current company, which has pushed me to think carefully about what I want next in my career.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Writing is deeply important to me — I've already published a book of poetry, and I'm now working on my memoir. I love reading and being part of a book club, and I hope to use my writing to mentor and inspire others through my own journey. I'm also very passionate about the experiences that have shaped my career, including studying abroad with the International Business Institute, where I traveled to countries like Russia, France, Italy, and China. On a personal note, I'm still adjusting to life in Madison, Wisconsin, since I'm originally from Chicago, Illinois, and that transition is very much part of my story too.
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