Commercial partners can help non-profits, like the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, bring life-saving treatments to patients faster. That’s why the Hutch appointed “a scientific matchmaker” to connect scientists and businesses.
“Essentially, I pair up researchers and scientific innovations with companies and entrepreneurs who can partner to develop the technology into a commercial product,” said Nicole Robinson, vice president of industry relations and business development at Fred Hutch.
Robinson has her Ph.D. in cell physiology from the University of Chicago. Prior to Fred Hutch, Robinson’s work at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital resulted in over $60 million in licensing revenue.
We caught up with Robinson to learn how she keeps her demanding job and personal life in balance for this installment of Working Geek, a regular GeekWire feature. Continue reading for her answers to our questionnaire.
Current Location: Seattle – South Lake Union
Computer types: Mac
Mobile devices: iPhone
Favorite apps, cloud services and software tools: Anything Amazon (regular, PrimeNow, Fresh), NPR, OpenTable, Inteum, and until we recently purchased our home, anything realty-related (RedFin, Trulia, etc.)
Describe your workspace. Why does it work for you? Light-filled office overlooking Lake Union. Very spacious and open — and when I need to think, it is great to watch a few seaplanes land.
Your best advice for managing everyday work and life? Keep on top of everything all of the time, and keep it all on one calendar. Do what you can immediately. Do NOT procrastinate. Have a sense of urgency in all that you do.
Your preferred social network? How do you use it for business/work? LinkedIn. Connecting with new people.
Current number of unanswered emails in your inbox? None. Didn’t you read my answer above about managing everyday work and life?
Number of appointments/meetings on your calendar this week? 44 (but again, I keep everything on one calendar).
How do you run meetings? Be Brief, Be Bright, Be Gone (for anyone else who is Insights Discovery “red” you will totally get this).
Everyday work uniform? Dress and tights. Used to be little jackets, but this is Seattle, so I am totally casual now. I mean, not “jeans” casual, but I will get there someday.
How do you make time for family? Dates and drinks with my wonderful husband as much as I can. And dinner with the kiddos as much as I can. We try — we aren’t the best, but we always try to have Sunday dinners at home with our girls.
Best stress reliever? How do you unplug? Cooking and binge watching TV series (mostly Breaking Bad over and over again). Not usually at the same time, though.
What are you listening to? NPR. Does that count?
Daily reads? Favorite sites and newsletters? NYT, WSJ, Seattle Times, Timmerman Report.
Book on your nightstand (or e-reader)? “Fates and Furies” by Lauren Groff
Night owl or early riser? What are your sleep patterns? I’m a terrible sleeper. I go to bed early, but if I wake up before midnight, then I just stay up. So, early riser for sure!
Where do you get your best ideas? In meetings with other people who think creatively.
Whose work style would you want to learn more about or emulate? Anyone who can slow down a bit and take a moment to think.
