EATRIS Meets is an interview series that celebrates the amazing people in the EATRIS community. In this edition, we spoke with Lisa Marie Williams, Head of Administration at EATRIS.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I was born in the UK, but having English, Irish and Maltese grandparents, I always had an interest in life beyond the British Isles.
I studied German and Management at the University of Leeds. In the 30+ years since then, I have worn many different administration-shaped hats: roles in Export Sales Administration, Customer Service and Production Planning during 12 years with a Steel Wire Manufacturer, followed by 10 years of Medical Education Event Planning for a Global Orthopaedic Medical Device Manufacturer.
Setting up the EMEA headquarters of this company in Amsterdam was the driver for my husband and me to relocate to the Netherlands. Since 2016, my hat selection has been from various EATRIS seasonal ranges.
What is your role within EATRIS and what does a typical week look like for you?
I am the Head of Administration, steering a great team which provides administrative support to the Coordination and Support Office team(C&S) with all things related to HR, Finance, ICT, Travel, Events and Office Facilities.
A lot of my time is spent trying to keep up to speed with information about the many activities of the C&S team and the ever-growing portfolio of projects/initiatives, ensuring that we adapt our processes to remain efficient. I support my direct reports with the more complex/new things that may require additional workflows/SOPs. In a role this varied, I have long given up on the idea of a ‘’typical’’ week!
What has been the highlight of your EATRIS experience so far?
It’s tricky to pick just one highlight of almost 10 years with EATRIS, as there have been so many notable things and lots of growth– from great events we have organised for our team and community to our involvement with so many EC-funded grants (we participated in only 3 when I joined!). I guess the top highlight is being part of such a committed team from whom I continue to learn so much.
What is translational research for you?
Connecting the right people to exchange and build on ideas that could result in improved healthcare and deliver life-changing outcomes for many.
Why did you decide to work in the translational medicine field?
I didn’t actively seek to work in this field; however, a combination of my skills, previous experience and an interest in healthcare brought me into the world of EATRIS, and I am very thankful for that as it is an inspiring place to work.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be kinder to yourself, worry less, trust the universe. And hard work, integrity and treating people with respect will serve you well.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
I enjoy going to the cinema, being out in nature (as much as city life allows), listening to music, going to concerts and travelling (34 countries and counting). I am a die-hard fan of Duran Duran and am lucky they are still touring, so my ‘’Duranie’’ friends and I regularly get to combine seeing them in concert with exploring new places.
What would surprise people to know about you?
In my last company, I discovered to my surprise that I am quite resilient working in medical settings! I have observed several Knee and Hip Replacement surgeries (and managed not to faint, unlike the sales reps accompanying me!) and have also prepared cadaveric feet specimens for training workshops.
