Selling Laboratory Solutions with Natalia Unrath

What is your career background that makes you so suited to being an Interpath specialist?

As a qualified medical scientist, I spent three years in a hospital microbiology department developing a strong understanding of diagnostic testing and laboratory processes. This experience provided insight into the challenges healthcare professionals face in clinical settings.

I also hold a PhD in molecular microbiology, which deepened my knowledge of microbial genetics and genomics. In the biotech sector, I worked on a novel genomic bacterial identification service, allowing me to connect laboratory science with innovative solutions.

My combination of clinical experience, research expertise and biotech insight uniquely positions me to excel as an Interpath specialist, enabling me to drive impactful solutions in these critical areas for my clients.

Tell us about your role with Interpath and your area of expertise?

As an Account Manager, I specialise in selling science consumables across diverse sectors including hospitals, research institutions, universities and biotech companies.

My role involves understanding the unique needs of each client and providing tailored solutions that enhance their operations. I can leverage my scientific background to build strong relationships with clients, ensuring they have access to the latest products and technologies that can improve their work.

By staying informed about industry trends and advancements, I can better demonstrate the benefits of our offerings and help clients navigate their purchasing decisions. My expertise allows me to build strong relationships, ensuring clients receive the support they need to achieve their goals.

Ultimately, my commitment to customer satisfaction drives me to deliver exceptional service.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of clients and help them find solutions that meet their specific needs. I love learning about the different projects they’re working on and how our products can support their goals. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities for collaboration, which keeps things interesting.

I also appreciate being part of a team that values innovation and strives to stay at the forefront of the industry. It’s rewarding to see how our efforts can make a real impact on our clients work (and success), whether in a research or clinical setting.

Ultimately, it’s the relationships I build and the positive outcomes we achieve together that make my role fulfilling.

When you started with Interpath what most surprised you

When I started at Interpath, I was really surprised by the sheer variety of products we offer. I didn’t fully realise how broad our portfolio was until I saw it firsthand.

What also stood out to me was the complexity of the background work involved – from the way teams collaborate behind the scenes to the attention to detail required to deliver high quality service. It really gave me an appreciation for what goes into the service that we provide.

What are some of the challenges the market is facing?

One of the key challenges across healthcare, universities, research and biotech is the rapid pace of technological advancements. While innovation is exciting, it can be overwhelming for organisations to keep up with the latest developments, as well as integrate them into their processes and train staff accordingly.

Budget constraints are another challenge, especially in academia and healthcare, where funding doesn’t always match the need for cutting edge solutions. There’s also a growing need for more collaboration across different fields, but it can be tough to make those partnerships work because each sector often has its own priorities and timelines.

What do you expect the big industry trends to be in the future?

I expect a continued focus on personalised medicine in healthcare driven by advances in genomics and biotech. There’s also likely to be a rise in automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially in research and biotech, where faster data analysis and streamlined processes will help accelerate discoveries.

Sustainability will be a growing priority across all sectors, with universities, research institutions and biotech companies looking for greener solutions in both their operations and products.

Additionally, collaboration between academia and industry will likely increase as research funding pushes for more practical applications of scientific discoveries.

What’s the biggest challenge facing customers in the industry?

The biggest challenge for customers in the industry is often balancing innovation with tight budgets and regulatory requirements.

In healthcare, universities and biotech, there’s a constant need to adopt new technologies and methods to stay competitive but limited resources and strict regulations can slow down progress. For many, navigating these complex and evolving regulatory landscapes, while also trying to innovate is a significant hurdle.

Additionally, integrating new technologies and ensuring staff are properly trained to use them adds another layer of complexity.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned over the past year?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned over the past year is the importance of adaptability. Coming into a new role and industry, I’ve realised how crucial it is to stay flexible and open to learning, especially in a fast-paced environment where both customer needs and market conditions can change quickly.

Building strong relationships with clients also takes time and patience and I’ve learned that listening and understanding their challenges is key to offering real value. It’s been a reminder that success in this field requires both persistence and the ability to constantly grow.

Is there a message you’d like to share with your customers?

My main message to customers is that I’m here to support you and help find solutions that truly meet your needs. I’m committed to understanding your challenges and working with you to identify opportunities where our products can add real value.

I know how complex and fast-paced your industries can be and I want you to know that I’m not just here to sell but to partner with you in achieving your goals. Your success is our success and I’m excited to build strong, lasting relationships together.