Our latest installment of #MeetTheTeam comes from our Professional Services department at Montrium. Gianna De Rubertis, our Director of Professional Services has been with Montrium since 2008 and comes from a lengthy career as an independent validation and compliance consultant. Gianna is one of the longest standing members of Montrium team, so we thought it would be fun to dive a little deeper into what gets her up in the morning.
1. What was the first project you ever worked on for a client at Montrium?
My first assignment was to coordinate the user acceptance testing (UAT) effort for an electronic data capture (EDC) system. It was my first time working on a Clinical project.
2. What do you enjoy most about working at Montrium?
I enjoy the people and the environment they create. The people who work here are very smart and we all strive for excellence. We are also a very multi-cultural group and this ethnic diversity brings character to the office. It’s a stimulating environment to work in, from both professional and social standpoints equally.
3. Stuck on a desert island, what 3 things would you bring with you?
My family (so I won't be lonely), music (so we can have a rockin’ beach party), and my toothbrush (I never travel without it).
4. What makes you get out of bed in the morning?
We have twin boys. When they wake up, everyone in and around the house wakes up too. I wish they came with a snooze button.
5. What is your proudest work achievement?
I left a comfortable job to work as an independent validation consultant. This is something I am proud of. It was a risky career decision, but it paid off because that was the stepping stone to where I am today. I met the founders of Montrium while working on consulting projects with them.
6. What do you enjoy most about your role at Montrium?
I really enjoy working on client-facing projects. Clients expect quality work and they ask challenging questions that require you to be up to speed with current regulations and industry best practices. Basically, they keep me in check and they push me to be top notch. Plus, every client is different, so that adds variety to my job.
7. Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
Oh boy, lots of people! There have been those horrible project managers who showed me what not to do. There have been those excellent subject matter experts who taught me the fundamentals of my field of work (and I still work with some of those people). But I would like to give credit to my grandfather. I adore him. Despite the numerous hardships he faced throughout his life, he maintains a positive spirit. He repeatedly reminds me of core values and lessons that help me be a better professional: Be respectful and you will be respected; Take pride in your work and your work will be recognized; Get the job done and be sure to enjoy the experience.
8. In your opinion, why is Montrium different from other organizations you have worked for?
It’s part of what I enjoy most about working at Montrium: the people and the environment they create. We’re not just co-workers here; we’re people that see each other every day and have developed genuine friendships with each other.
9. What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?
Nothing. Literally nothing. Life is quite hectic, so I really enjoy the privilege of being able to put my feet up and sip my cup of coffee with no interruptions.
10. Where is the best city you have visited?
Berlin, Germany. It has great history and, at the same time, a great modern vibe. If it was by the beach, I would move there.