20 Years at Axonlab: An Interview with Marianne Küffner on her career and favorite products

With an unwavering sporting spirit and a proud 20 years in the Axonlab team, Marianne has written a success story characterised by determination, ambition and athletic endurance. As Head of Product Management (Care), she has shaped not only the products but also her career in line with her sporting principles. A look at her career inspires her to strive for peak performance and enjoy the journey to the very full. 

What was your motivation to join Axonlab 20 years ago?

After graduating in commerce and studying pharmacy, I started my career in the pharmaceutical industry in the sales force and then progressed through product management to become a sales and marketing manager. During this time, I learnt that the fundamental company spirit is crucial for a positive personal experience. Trust and personal appreciation are very important.
After taking a longer break and travelling, I focused on these points when looking for a new professional challenge and found what I was looking for at Axonlab.

How have you developed during this time and what changes have you experienced?

As pharma and diagnostics are two different things, familiarising myself with this area was certainly the first important development. I was also lucky enough to be able to help shape the incredible growth of Axonlab by contributing my talent for realisation in almost all areas. As far as the development of the position is concerned, a leadership role has been added to the pure product management function. This allows me to pass on the important Axonlab spirit and my broad and longstanding knowledge.

What do you appreciate most about working at Axonlab?

I appreciate the versatility of the company and the products. It never gets boring at Axonlab. There are so many challenges. Embedded in a respectful working environment.
Axonlab is a company where you can develop your individual strengths. Here you are not forced into a rigid role. It is important to mention the trust that is practised. Especially during the coronavirus period, this was a decisive advantage for the switch to working from home. It worked out very well and Axonlab in particular had a major task and a lot of work during this time as a diagnostics company.

Do you have a project or an experience that has stayed in your memory?

There are certainly a few. Off the top of my head: the introduction of the continuous glucose monitor and the experience that the Chinese have a very different approach to government control and data collection. That scares us. It gives the Chinese a sense of security in their own country.

What advice would you give to someone who has just started at Axonlab?

Look forward to creative chaos, appreciation and lots of opportunities to contribute your ideas.

What special talent do you have that most people don't know about you?

Ohh... I'm very open about my talents :-)
I'm assertive, I like to get stuck in and I love to meet unhappy customers at eye level and define a good solution. I also like to follow my intuition.
People know that I'm a bit sporty...;)
They may not know that I also have a very introverted side, that I meditate to recharge my batteries and focus. And that I'm a good cook.

You can give a "you-are-a-great-colleague" award to a colleague at Axonlab. Who would you give this award to and why?

This award goes to many Axonlab employees.
The colourful bouquet of different personalities makes it more of an Axonlab award bouquet.
There are always colleagues who do brilliant work. They all deserve an award like this.

Many thanks dear Marianne! We look forward to many more successful years