Sam grew up very aware that she felt different from the rest of her family, and she fully embraced this uniqueness. It only made sense that she would take an unexpected path and pursue a career no one else in her family had explored - a profession in the sciences. She first encountered the concept of biotechnology in Grade 11 through a teacher, and the idea captivated her from that moment onward. She pursued this passion by earning a BSc degree at the University of the Western Cape, and determined to deepen her expertise, she went on to complete a BTech degree in Biotechnology at Tshwane University of Technology.
Her first step into the real world of biotech was at Next Biosciences; little did she realise at the time that she would go on to build her entire career there. She knew she wanted to be in the lab but her first stint in the field would be in client services, which proved to be the ideal precursor to a lab-based role. Her experience there gave her a valuable perspective on the broader business, highlighting that no department operates in isolation - every team’s work creates a ripple effect throughout the organisation. Most importantly, she gained an insight that continues to guide her today: behind every lab sample is a real person, a truth that can easily be overlooked in the technical demands of scientific lab work. Six months in she had all the grounding she needed and assumed her new home in the lab.
“I just needed to get my foot in the door and from there see how I could carve out my career and get to where I aspired to be. When I came in to job shadow, seeing what everyone was doing, it all looked so hectic and far from anything I had experienced, I remember telling myself to just breathe!”
From the person who used to panic and overthink, constantly doubting and second-guessing herself, Sam has emerged as a self-assured and highly capable professional, now Lab Manager for the Next Biosciences Netcells Biobank division. With early leaders in the business demonstrating their utmost belief and confidence in her capabilities, Sam soon came to believe it too. She recalls how her manager entrusted her with a validation project that was still in progress - a complex task that took years to fully develop. Being trusted with such a significant responsibility made her realise she could meaningfully contribute to the team. This not only boosted her confidence but also equipped her with valuable skills that have supported her professional growth.
"I’ve always been a bit of a wallflower, preferring to stay out of the spotlight. But I’ve come to realise that if you’re always in the background, it’s hard to receive credit for your work when no one is aware of it."
Her next pivotal moment, one that cemented the trust her leaders had in her, was the unexpected offer to transition into a managerial position. From lab work to handling SOPs, meetings, day-to-day operations and documentation, fulfilling this role, Sam realises she's now also in a unique position to impact her team's professional journeys. Taking this responsibility to heart, she's committed to learning all she can about people and leadership, ensuring she empowers those around her. Dr Yvonne Holt has been her unwavering rock of support and a leader she deeply aspires to emulate. Sam is growing in her ability to offer the same warmth and genuine connection, both personally and professionally, to her own colleagues.
“We work as a team, always. We all make mistakes, I myself make mistakes, most important is to own up to our shortcomings, acknowledge when we are wrong, and be accountable. Be open to learning from your own and from other’s experiences. Having a teachable spirit is everything.”
Respectful, humble, resilient, always open to feedback and resonating with a quiet strength, Sam is embracing new opportunities to reach her full potential as a professional in the biotech space. To those considering this profession, Sam advises that although lab work can sometimes become repetitive, a genuine passion for the wider field is crucial to job satisfaction. Keeping up with ongoing research and developments not only sustains that passion but constantly reminds you of the meaningful impact your work has. True to her commitment, Sam continues to expand her knowledge through her part-time Master’s studies, determined to make an even greater difference in her field.
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