Andrea McGonigle
General Manager, Healthcare & Life Sciences Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives, Google Cloud at Google
“I am most excited about the world of personalized medicine and diagnostic testing. When I think of the implications that technologies such as analytics and the cloud can have in this space, it brings us light years ahead in how we could treat patients, cure illness and lower costs in our healthcare system.”
Read Andrea’s full profile below
What do you do every day?
I look at the issues the Health & Life Science industry is facing and ask myself what we can do together to make an impact on the Healthy & Life Science industry.
Why do you love it?
I really believe in the company I work for and their mission. I love knowing the things that I do are making an impact to improve health & life sciences. I also love that this role allows me to excel at a national level but gives me the flexibility to be a good parent at the same time.
What were your moments of fear and challenges in your career?
Pharma layoffs have become a common occurrence in the past few years. 11 years at a company and to come in one day and find out it's your last day is a tough situation and it was one that I encountered. It's what you do in that moment that makes your stronger or leaves you behind to wither. It gave me time to focus on me and determine what I want to do with my life. Instead of jumping at the first opportunity, I made a short list of companies I would work for. I then put every effort into landing a role where I could share my passion, feel like I was making an impact and still have a work-life balance. What seemed at the time to be dark moment or challenge in my career, became a pivot point that helped me skyrocket to the next level. I have never looked back and realized it was one of the best things that ever happened to me.
What are some of the latest innovations in science that you are most excited about?
I am most excited about the world of personalized medicine and diagnostic testing. When I think of the implications that technologies such as analytics and the cloud can have in this space, it brings us light years ahead in how we could treat patients, cure illness and lower costs in our healthcare system.
Where did you grow up?
Upper Darby, PA
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
My favorite teacher was Dr. Shawn Margaret Fagan. She was young and energetic. She knew how to make learning fun.
Describe an experience where you adapted your approach to resolve a sticky situation.
My approach is always stick to the facts and remove emotions. There are many situations where I read an email or a decision is made and I want to blast a comment back or yell out, "you have got to be kidding me!" but I don't. I try to let those emails sit, wait to the next day and then take a very factual approach to my response. That helps to make a very high quality discussion where things are driven to results rather than on emotion.
What is your unique talent?
Calligraphy. Not many people do it, I taught myself but it is a dying art.
Tell us about your personal style.
I love to pick a color each season and revolve my outfits around a specific bag. Coral nails are my trademark nail color.
Is there a current book or book you love?
Lean In. I love it and created a book club with a group of women on it.
What is your favorite website or fun activity?
Guilty pleasure: General Hospital After a stressful day at work, I love to decompress after the kids go to bed and watch General.
Who inspires you?
My mom and dad. They are immigrants from Ireland.
What’s next for you?
I am very involved today in education at the grade school and college level. I love seeing the kids react to technology and I get inspired thinking I can make a difference in the lives of girls and boys and open their minds to a career in science or technology. I see myself doing something more formally in this space when I retire.
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