In this podcast episode, Jacqueline Frost interviews Karen Jones, Director of Europe Marketing Immunodiagnostics at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Beyond her demanding role marketing allergy and autoimmune diagnostics across Europe, Karen also runs a 12-week women's coaching program at Thermo Fisher.
Karen shares that despite her impressive academic background—including a PhD and postdoctoral research at Harvard—she felt blocked a few years ago. She discusses her transitions from academia to biotech and then into commercial roles, each accompanied by self-doubt and an inner voice telling her she wasn't good enough.
After being made redundant when her second baby was just eight weeks old, Karen spotted a market gap and started her own company. She provided biotech start-ups with expertise combining scientific acumen and marketing skills. Eventually, she returned to corporate life but struggled with the shift from being her own boss to navigating a large organization. Thrown into a massive project with little support, she overworked and privately suffered from stress and burnout.
Realizing this was unsustainable, Karen sought coaching to address her limiting beliefs, set boundaries, and prioritize her well-being. After implementing these changes, she was promoted to leadership roles where she now empowers her team, emphasizes well-being, and supports other women in their careers. She is inspired by leaders who support and empower her and believes in fostering vulnerability in the workplace.
Karen concludes by sharing a quote from Brené Brown:
"Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It's the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path."