What does “Quality” mean to you beyond compliance and standards, and how does it shape our company culture?
To me, Quality means doing the right thing consistently and always looking for ways to improve. It’s not just about following rules, it’s about taking pride in our work and making quality everyone’s responsibility.
What led you to a career in quality assurance/management, and what keeps you passionate about it today?
I enjoy solving problems, improving processes, and working with people. What keeps me passionate is knowing that our work helps ensure we provide safe, reliable, and high-quality products.
How do you and your team foster collaboration across different departments?
We focus on communication, teamwork, and building good relationships. We try to work with others to solve problems together rather than simply pointing out issues.
What is a recent quality initiative or milestone your team achieved that you are particularly proud of?
I’m very proud of the dedicated people who have been wearing multiple hats to help build our new sterile facility. Everyone is thinking with a quality mindset and working hard to follow the required standards for sterile compounding. It’s exciting to see all the hard work coming together, and we’re getting close to starting sterile compounding.
What emerging trends or technologies do you see shaping the future of quality?
I see data analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence playing a bigger role in Quality. These tools can help us identify trends earlier and make better decisions.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned about leadership?
I’ve learned that good leadership is about listening, supporting your team, and leading by example. You don’t always have to have all the answers. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is trust your team, work together, and find the right solution.
What advice would you give someone looking to build a career in quality management?
Stay curious and keep learning. Understand both the technical side of Quality and the business side. Also, develop strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Describe your role as Director of Quality in three words.
Protect, Partner, and Improve.
What is your favorite part about working at Melbourne Pharma?
The people. I enjoy working with talented and dedicated people who care about what they do and want to make a difference.
What is one common myth about Quality Assurance that you’d love to debunk?
Some people think Quality is here to slow things down. I see Quality as a partner that helps the organization do things right the first time and avoid problems later.
What’s the secret to maintaining high quality without sacrificing efficiency?
Build quality into the process from the beginning. When processes are clear and well-designed, you can improve both quality and efficiency.
How do you like to start your morning before diving into the workday?
I like to start with some quiet time, a cup of coffee, and a quick review of my priorities for the day.
When you’re not ensuring excellence at work, how do you like to spend your weekends?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, getting outside, enjoying good food, and taking some time to relax and recharge.
What is one item on your desk or workspace that you can’t live without?
Definitely my laptop and monitor. They’re essential for keeping me connected, organized, and on top of everything throughout the day.
If you could give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges. You don’t have to know everything before you start. Keep learning, build good relationships, and enjoy the journey.