Episode 21 - From Medical lab Scientist to Entrepreneur ( Unika Alexander)

<p> In this episode of the Elaborate Topics Podcast, Lona Small interviews Unika Alexander, a medical lab scientist turned entrepreneur. Unika shares her journey from working in the lab to co-founding Proficient Lab, a SaaS platform coupled with consulting services for laboratory training, competency plans, and compliance management. </p><p>Unika is the co-founder and CEO at The Proficient Lab, a training and competency management software. Her laboratory career has focused on operations and R&amp;D in the IVF and reproductive tissue banking areas. She has a master’s degree in biomedical science, from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist licensed by American Society of Clinical Pathology with 12 years of experience in reproductive medicine.</p><p>Unika’s passion for training and competency stemmed from the frustration she experienced in various labs where training was either non-existent or inadequate. Recognizing the crucial role of training and competency in maintaining a quality system and ensuring patient care, Unika embarked on a mission to bridge the gap in the industry.</p><p> </p><p>There are a few points Unika brought out about her journey, and lessons we can get from them. Listen to the full episode to learn more.</p><p> </p><p>·      <strong>The importance of having a robust training and competency program</strong></p><p>By prioritizing training and competency, you create a culture of quality and patient safety, continuous improvement, enable employees to perform at their best, and position your organization for long-term success.</p><p> </p><p>·      <strong>The importance of having a mentor who believed in her potential and pushed her to take on more challenging roles</strong>. <br> Finding mentors or coaches who can guide and support you in your journey can be invaluable. They can provide valuable insights, help shape your vision, and offer encouragement along the way.</p><p> </p><p>·      <strong>The importance of her being honest, open, and confident abo