The Women’s Issue
Robin Whitsell Founder and President, Whitsell Innovations, Inc.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, and raised in Chicago, Robin found her home in Chapel Hill with husband Sean 19 years ago. The couple, along with children Michela, 13, Francesca, 11, Gianna, 9, and Josiah, 6, are active members of the Chapel Hill Country Club. Before founding Whitsell Innovations, Inc. – a medical and scientific writing company – in 2006, Robin worked for both a large pharmaceutical company and a startup. She holds degrees in both physics and biophysics from Miami University and currently serves as president to a staff of 30 - in 11 different states - from her home in The Oaks neighborhood. Her day to day involves a lot of time on the phone as she supports clients like pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies in understanding the data they need to get therapies approved by agencies such as the FDA. “Luckily,” Robin says, “I have a treadmill desk and tend to walk and talk.”
I
“I work with the most amazing people. The people at my company – mostly women – were science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) rock stars before STEM was a buzzword. They inspire me to be a better scientist and a better leader. Some people have to put up with the B Team; I have to live up to the A Team. In my personal life, I have four kids and think it’s important for them to see how a woman can work hard and have a family. I am modeling for them what gender parity can look like. I also am lucky
enough to be married to my best friend. My husband is my partner in every way. Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg is credited with saying, ‘The most important career choice you’ll make is who you marry.’ This sentiment resonates with me in every way. Had I not chosen a partner who was supportive of my career and entrepreneurship, I don’t think we would be having this conversation today.” – LZK May/June 2016 chapelhillmagazine.com
47