Episode 21

Episode 21 - From Medical lab Scientist to Entrepreneur ( Unika Alexander)

 In this episode of the Elaborate Topics Podcast, Lona Small interviews Unika Alexander, a medical lab scientist turned entrepreneur. Unika shares her journey from working in the lab to co-founding Proficient Lab, a SaaS platform coupled with consulting services for laboratory training, competency plans, and compliance management. 

Unika is the co-founder and CEO at The Proficient Lab, a training and competency management software. Her laboratory career has focused on operations and R&D in the IVF and reproductive tissue banking areas. She has a master’s degree in biomedical science, from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist licensed by American Society of Clinical Pathology with 12 years of experience in reproductive medicine.

Unika’s passion for training and competency stemmed from the frustration she experienced in various labs where training was either non-existent or inadequate. Recognizing the crucial role of training and competency in maintaining a quality system and ensuring patient care, Unika embarked on a mission to bridge the gap in the industry.

 

There are a few points Unika brought out about her journey, and lessons we can get from them. Listen to the full episode to learn more.

 

·      The importance of having a robust training and competency program

By prioritizing training and competency, you create a culture of quality and patient safety, continuous improvement, enable employees to perform at their best, and position your organization for long-term success.

 

·      The importance of having a mentor who believed in her potential and pushed her to take on more challenging roles. 
Finding mentors or coaches who can guide and support you in your journey can be invaluable. They can provide valuable insights, help shape your vision, and offer encouragement along the way.

 

·      The importance of her being honest, open, and confident about her goals as an entrepreneur.
 Clearly defining your objectives and being confident in your abilities can help you navigate new paths with purpose and determination.

 

·      Making the most of her time: Transitioning into new paths often requires balancing various responsibilities. Unika mentions utilizing her subway commutes for strategic thinking. 
Finding pockets of time throughout the day and making the most of them for productive activities can help you move forward on your entrepreneurial endeavors.

 

·      Success is not a linear journey. It often involves overcoming roadblocks and facing challenges. 
Embrace the ups and downs, learn from failures, and stay focused on moving forward, one step at a time. Persistence, adaptability, and a growth mindset are key in navigating the entrepreneurial path.

 

Unika left 3 other tips for the audience:

1.     Prioritize training and competency. This not only helps with regulatory requirements, but saves money, saves time and saves lives.

2.     Believe in yourself. Never think that you don't have the power to speak up. 

3.     You belong!

Listen to the full episode for  great insights you can apply, to improve yourself and your lab’s training and competency goals.

 

You can connect with Unika on LinkedIn at   Unika Alexander, MSc, MLS (ASCP)

Contact The Proficient Lab at theproficientlab.com

 

Call to Action

You can reach Lona Small directly at lonasmall@lonasmall.com 
 You can also catch Lona on LinkedIn under Lona Gordon Small and follow hashtag #YouAreAnEqualPartOfTheWhole.

 

We would love to feature YOU!!! Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode or anyone from this season: Video Review

 

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About the Podcast

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eLABorate Topics
Leadership and Technical Strategies for Medical Laboratory Professionals to excel inside and outside of the lab..

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About your hosts

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Tywauna Wilson

Tywauna "Coach Tee" Wilson is an accomplished medical laboratory leader, author of "Some Leaders Wear Lab Coats," and co-host of the "eLABorate Topics" podcast. As founder and president of Trendy Elite Coaching and Consulting, she develops best-in-class leaders through coaching programs and leadership training. With two decades of experience, including as a lab manager and technical director, Tywauna leverages her clinical expertise to mentor laboratory professionals. Through Trendy Elite's Standout Leader Academy and her own initiatives, she empowers professionals to enhance their leadership skills, expand their influence, and excel in their careers. Tywauna is committed to guiding the next generation of confident, competent laboratory leaders
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Stephanie Whitehead

It isn’t every healthcare leader who can seamlessly lead through the chaos of managing a large healthcare operation while navigating the rapid changes in healthcare. But this is exactly the environment where Stephanie Whitehead not only shines but thrives!

Stephanie is an executive-level leader that fueled by her passion for helping others in the medical profession achieve operational excellence. Intrigued by the evolving nature of the laboratory field and its strong impact on patient treatment, she had an early determination to leave an indelible mark on the laboratory profession.
Stephanie is a co-host who offers a unique blend of clinical knowledge, practical advice, and personable humor. Stephanie’s niche has always been the ability to see problems with a wide-lens view and then, narrow them down to connect the dots, take action, and drive results.

Contact her at stepanie.y.whitehead@gmail.com or StephanieYWhitehead on all social media

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