5 Questions With – Allyson Pauly, Senior Manager of Business Development at TRYAL, Inc.
| This article is part of our 5 Questions With series, one of our ongoing People & Places Features. We love it because despite the consistent questioning, the answers are all unique. Be sure to FOLLOW us on LinkedIn to tell us what you think. |
1. What did you want to be when you grow up? How’d you get from there to here?
Growing up, I had a passion for animals and aspired to become a veterinarian. As I grew older, I realized that some aspects of being a vet, like having to put animals down, were emotionally challenging for me. Instead, I shifted my career path towards a field where I could utilize my strong interpersonal skills while still making a significant impact on both human and animal life. I found this intersection in the life sciences industry.
My journey began at Lampire Biological Laboratories, an antibody development company. I was fortunate to work with a fantastic team who nurtured my technical skills and helped me channel my ability to build relationships into being a proficient consultant for potential clients. My career path then led me to Labcorp and The Bracken Group, where I delved into diagnostics, clinical trial data, and effective utilization of consultants. I owe a significant part of my growth during this phase to Rosemary Shull, an exceptional sales coach who guided me. The path has now brought me to TRYAL, where I am excited to use my diverse knowledge and experience to contribute to a company that leverages AI and other technologies to improve clinical trial processes.
2. How are you helping to build a more connected community?
BioBuzz’s mission is simple: to be more connected. Our regionally-focused storytelling, programs, events and experiences create, connect and amplify impact across the life science workforce in growing biohubs. We vibe with people who value community and connection like us. We’d love for you to share how you’re building a more connected community… and any support that you need from our community to continue to accomplish this mission.
The pandemic has posed significant challenges to how we connect with each other, especially in the life sciences community. To address this, I’ve been actively involved in strengthening networks and fostering a sense of community. I joined Women In Bio’s leadership team and have been advocating for increased participation by encouraging both women and men to join the group. Our efforts here involve mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and guidance from highly experienced CEOs and founders who are always willing to assist members. Furthermore, I co-founded the Young Life Science Professionals network to provide additional networking opportunities for young or newer members of the life sciences community. My commitment is to continue fostering these meaningful connections and help our community grow stronger.
3. What are currently buzzing about? Anything and everything…
One of the most thrilling aspects of my current professional landscape is the marriage of AI and clinical trials – a path I’m about to embark upon with TRYAL. By applying intelligent automation to clinical trials, TRYAL is leading the way in transforming the eClinical ecosystem. The automation of protocol configurations not only streamlines the process but also significantly reduces human error, making clinical trials more efficient and robust. Moreover, the transparency that this shift provides is groundbreaking; we can now upload protocols and visualize real-time data collection. But the advancements don’t stop there. TRYAL is also optimizing resources and minimizing the dependency on multiple systems, enhancing the experience of patients and healthcare coordinators. It’s a revolution in the clinical trials landscape that I’m thrilled to be a part of. I eagerly anticipate contributing to this innovative shift and witnessing first-hand the far-reaching impacts on our industry.
4. If you could travel back in time – what early career advice would you give yourself? OR What career advice would you shout from the rooftops now?
Reflecting on my journey, I’d give my younger self two main pieces of advice. Firstly, recognize and value the power of relationships and networking early on. Not only should you build a strong network, but also focus on nurturing these connections. It’s not just about who you know, but about who knows you, your skills, and your potential. The relationships you foster today can open doors tomorrow that you didn’t even know existed.
Secondly, actively seek mentorship and be receptive to the wisdom others offer. Let them guide you, challenge your assumptions, and broaden your perspectives. This forms your sounding board for professional advice and assistance, and can be instrumental in elevating your career.
I’d also stress the importance of facing challenges head-on and seeing them as opportunities for growth. Challenges are your greatest teachers, providing invaluable lessons that can’t be learned otherwise. Never shy away from them but use them as stepping stones on your path to success.
To anyone starting their journey, I’d echo these sentiments: Cultivate meaningful connections, seek guidance, embrace challenges, and remain committed to personal and professional growth. This is the advice I’d enthusiastically share from the rooftops!
5. FUN question. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
One of the wildest experiences I ever had was picking up a hitchhiker while on a trip to Hawaii. I was driving the scenic Road to Hana, heading for a day of hiking, when I decided to give a lift to a hitchhiker trying to get back to his part of the island. What started as a simple drive turned into a fantastic adventure. We made numerous stops at interesting locations, tasted native fruit, and even rescued a pair of pups. The day ended with my new acquaintance thanking me with local candy and a hatchet he had in his backpack – a quirky memento of our unexpected journey. While it was an unforgettable day, it’s not an experience I plan on repeating. It remains a crazy, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
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