10 years! That’s how long Katrien Janssens has been working at QbD now. Needless to say, congratulations are in order. A BIG thank you, Katrien, for your dedication and effort. We’ve had a blast so far!
In order to give this news the attention it deserves, we fired 10 quick questions at Katrien, one for each year she’s been with us!
Could you briefly introduce yourself?
Katrien: Sure! My name is Katrien Janssens. I am married and have 2 boys, Jack and Bill, ages 10 and 7. I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy playing tennis and discovered padel last year during the pandemic.
What drove you and QbD into each other’s arms in 2012?
Katrien: 10 years ago, I was looking for a new job. I had completed a PhD in Medical Sciences and had gained my first work experience within a spin-off cell therapy company at the University of Leuven.
Consultancy seemed interesting to be able to work for different pharmaceutical companies in a short period of time, expanding my experience.
Bart contacted me when he saw my resume on one of the jobsites, with his charms he managed to convince me to choose QbD. The rest is history.
“What makes QbD special is its personal touch. You are definitely not a number.”
You started off as a Pharmaceutical Project Engineer when QbD was still a very “young” company. How do you look back on that period?
Katrien: I can say that QbD immediately became a group of friends. Working hard, but also having a lot of fun together.
What was your first project?
Katrien: My first project was in the product support department at Pfizer. There, I was involved in my first technology transfer project, worked on several process improvement projects, and learned how to conduct my first root cause investigations.
And now, 10 years later, you are still working for QbD… What makes QbD so special?
Katrien: I’ve watched the company grow from one person to … I’ve lost count. What makes QbD special is its personal touch. You are definitely not a number.
Every person counts and even though QbD has grown over the years, the management is still readily available to support you when needed and have some fun together.
Hopefully, we will be able to host some events again soon as COVID-19 fades into the background.
Which of our corporate values comes to live most in your day-to-day work?
Katrien: Hard to choose. I’ll pick two: getting things done and going the extra mile.
In my current project, the scope or timeline can change over time. As a QbD team, we can respond quickly by going the extra mile, listening to the client’s needs, and being flexible. Getting things done is always in the back of our minds to meet project deadlines.
“I am still as excited to work for QbD as I was the first day I started.”
What’s been your most interesting project so far?
Katrien: I think I would go for the time when I was part of the CoDEV team at Pfizer. There I supported clinical batch production on commercial lines for the first time.
During this time, I learned a lot about real process development and validation. It was enriching to work in an international environment, as we worked closely on a daily basis with global Pfizer R&D colleagues based in Boston in the USA.
Since 2021, you are a project manager at QbD. What made you change roles? What does it entail and how did it go so far?
Katrien: After 9 years of working as a consultant for various clients, the time was ripe for a new challenge. The project organization within QbD had also been set up in the meantime.
Following up projects and coaching people are things that suit me, so the step to the PMO was a logical step within my growth at QbD. I enjoy working in the PMO organization at QbD. One big advantage is that I can work closely with my QbD colleagues.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?
Katrien: That’s a tough question. I guess I would say to myself that I need to be a little more confident.
Other than that, I have not regretted any step I have taken within QbD so far. I’ve done different types of projects, where I’ve learned a lot each time. So wouldn’t have it any other way.
And if we look ahead? What does the future bring? What are you most excited for?
Katrien: I am still as excited to work for QbD as I was the first day I started. Fortunately now with a lot more experience and confidence.
I hope that in the coming years I can continue to be part of the wonderful projects that QbD brings to a successful conclusion for its clients and in doing so, for example, contribute to making promising cell therapies available to patients as quickly as possible.
Many thanks for the lovely interview Katrien, and congratulations on your 10th anniversary at QbD!
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