20 years at Axonlab: Barbara Herzog tells us about her experiences at Axonlab

Barbara Herzog, Product Manager Care at Axonlab

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?

I didn't want to stay in the laboratory itself. I was very interested in laboratory technology and always wanted to develop myself further. So I started training as a medical technician and applied for a job at Axonlab.

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

As a technician, new tasks were quickly added: customer training, also abroad, helpline, helpline coach, support for small wet chemistry, laboratory manager for our in-house laboratory, conducting round robin tests. After my maternity leave in 2012, I took the plunge into product management. This also sparked my interest in quality management, which is why I completed an IVDR manager training programme in Munich.

What do you appreciate most about working at Axonlab?

The variety and working independently. I always have a lot (too much) to do, but fortunately the pressure to deliver is still manageable.

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

There are many! When I was an engineer, the fan on the device I was repairing pulled my hair. It was very long in those days. I was practically stuck to the device. Unfortunately, it was in a special department and there was no one around. Somehow I managed to unplug it and then slowly get my hair out of the appliance. I never told anyone.

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

You can develop here if you get involved. The most important experience I have here is that you can try things out. That can be very inspiring.

What is your favourite Axonlab product and why?

The HemoScreen! I associate it with great people both at Axonlab and at the manufacturing company. The device is simple and ingenious. I also have great experiences with customers and recently I even travelled to Berlin because of it. I've never been there before!

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

My gut feeling rarely lets me down.

What three things would you take to a desert island?

Only 3 things? Well, if they have to be real, then something to make the water drinkable (I don't want bugs in the water, I'm too much of a lab technician at heart for that), a sharp knife and a waterproof tent. But if I end up on the island involuntarily, I'd rather have a mirror so that I can make myself known if there's an aeroplane or a ship nearby.

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