This year marks a milestone for RxSource as it is our 20th anniversary. Over the last 20 years we have had many moments to be proud of, some further back in time and some more recent. Notably, we have had 2 of our proudest moments happen within the last 7 months: the opening of our new West Deptford facility and the hiring of our first-ever female Vice President, Annie Zanolli, who was fundamental in the opening of the facility. What better time is there than in the run-up to International Women’s Day to have a chat with Annie to get to know her and find out the secret behind her success?
Ruth Fowler: Firstly, I feel immense privilege to be the person interviewing our first female Vice President and am proud to be part of the RxSource team for this key milestone. Would you mind telling us about your journey to RxSource?
Annie Zanolli: Ruth, the pleasure is all mine. My career in clinical supply QA spans over 20 years – it's practically in my blood! I started at a large pharmaceutical company as a QA auditor supporting clinical supply packaging. Honestly, I didn't even know what "clinical supply" meant when I was first hired, but I learned quickly and never looked back. I’ve spent several years in big pharma, a short stint in biotech, and then lead QA for two clinical packaging companies. I also briefly supported commercial products at a small pharma company (which only solidified my passion for clinical trials). I'd known about RxSource for years, so I was thrilled when Yussuf, our president, contacted me about this opportunity. I'm incredibly proud to be part of the RxSource family and share their dedication to improving patients' lives.
Ruth Fowler: Were you aware that you were going to be our first female Senior VP when you accepted the role? And what did that moment feel like when you did find out?
Annie Zanolli: You know, I honestly hadn't even realized it until you pointed it out. Our environment here is so inclusive, even at the executive level, that it simply hadn't crossed my mind. It's an honor, and I hope that my presence on the team demonstrates that women absolutely belong at every level of a company, including the leadership table.
Ruth Fowler: You have achieved a lot in the short time you have been with us. What has been your proudest moment to date?
Annie Zanolli: The opening of our new US facility in West Deptford, NJ, has been a game-changer. The additional capacity it provides is essential for accommodating our continued growth.
Ruth Fowler: Is there anything you have set your sights on achieving within the next couple of years in RxSource?
Annie Zanolli: I have two key goals for the coming years. One is to build a strong quality foundation that supports our rapid growth, ensuring both compliance and efficiency. The other is to continue investing in our team's development. Our people are our most valuable asset, and I'm dedicated to helping them grow professionally.
Ruth Fowler: We have heard a lot about your professional life, can we have a snippet into who the real Annie Zanolli is? What are you passionate about outside of work?
Annie Zanolli: When I'm not working, you'll probably find me underwater. I'm a scuba instructor, which I find incredibly rewarding, especially when working with students who are anxious, disabled, or need special assistance. Helping people overcome challenges and pursue their passion for diving is truly an amazing experience. Beyond teaching, I also love to travel the world exploring the depths, encountering incredible marine life, and diving on epic shipwrecks.
Ruth Fowler: One last question: If you could go back in time and give yourself or anyone who is starting out in the industry advice, what would that be?
Annie Zanolli: Finding a mentor early in your career is crucial. While technical skills are important, a mentor doesn't necessarily need to be an expert in your specific field. What's more valuable is someone genuinely invested in your success, someone who can offer guidance and help you navigate the challenges you'll inevitably encounter as you advance.
Thank you for taking the time to talk with me. It was lovely getting to know you better. We are very excited to have you as part of our team and look forward to many years together.
Last quarter alone, we were able to positively impact the lives of 44,500 patients. Our goal is to improve the lives of 10 million patients in 10 years. Contact us today to learn more about how we can work together to make a meaningful impact.
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