Meet Francesca Lazzara, Manager, Regional Sales - Italy!

ACADEMIA AND MOTIVATION

My love for nature and open-air activities influenced my academic journey dedicated to sustainable tourism and protected areas, but it took a drastic turn when I met a professor during a post-graduate master’s programme who inspired me to explore the world of medical-scientific congresses. From there, I ventured into the pharmaceutical industry and realized how critical the research developed by companies is for creating new therapies - and, ultimately, better lives!

WHY BIAL?

Saying ‘yes’ to BIAL was a challenge for me. I moved from a highly structured company to an affiliate with a lean but very efficient organisation. At the same time, I was fascinated by the idea that at BIAL, someone's contribution could truly make a difference. What I immediately appreciated about the Italian team was their passion, professional ethics, and deep knowledge of the business, which allowed me to grow professionally, sometimes pushing me toward a radical shift in perspective. That has happened thanks to the collaborative and open-minded environment that the leadership team was able to create.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO WORK AT BIAL?

During a typical day as a sales manager, I make sure to carve out a significant amount of time for listening. I employ several strategies to enhance my listening skills. For instance, I schedule regular check-ins with my team to understand their challenges and feedback. I also use my driving time productively by listening to team updates, which keeps me informed and connected. Once I reach my destination, meeting with our customers helps me become more aware, day by day, of how diverse the needs, experiences, and services of patients are, depending on the interlocutor. These interactions are invaluable as they provide insights that help us tailor our strategies to better meet our clients' needs.

JOURNEY AT BIAL

My journey at BIAL started a little over two years ago as a Product Manager in the Parkinson's therapeutic area. Working in marketing enables me to act as a link between the sales and medical departments, all with the common goal of creating impactful projects in the business we operate in. Recently, my journey took a somewhat different yet not entirely unexpected direction: I assumed the position of Regional Sales Manager for Northern Italy, leading a team of four skilled and experienced individuals. My desire for experience in sales emerged after participating as an ambassador in a global strategic account management project, which highlighted my passion for collaborating with customers to co-create initiatives aimed at improving patient experiences.