We’re wrapping up the month in Austria, where we had the pleasure of speaking with Michaela Vancova, our Director of Business Development.
When did you join GCT and how long have you been with the company?
I joined in September 2024, so I have been with the company more than 2 years.
Which office are you based in?
I’m based in Austria.
Could you tell us more about your role and your professional background?
I am a chemical engineer by education and also hold a Master’s degree in Public Health. I bring over 20 years of experience in clinical research, having held various positions, including CRA, Senior CRA, Project Manager, Study Coordinator, and Site Network Director. Throughout my career, I have worked across sponsor companies, CROs, site networks, and vendors.
My experience covers virtually all aspects of clinical trials, giving me a comprehensive understanding of the expectations, requirements, and challenges faced by sponsors, vendors, and clinical research sites. It has also given me valuable insight into what makes a CRO truly successful.
At GCT, I currently serve as Business Development Director, where I use my broad industry experience to build relationships, identify new opportunities, and contribute to the company’s continued growth.
What aspects of GCT’s corporate culture are most important to you?
What I appreciate most is the wonderful spirit of collaboration across the globe. People are always willing to support one another, regardless of their location or role—and they do it with a smile. This kind of openness and willingness to help makes a real difference.
What motivates you to come to work each day?
Knowing that my job is not a meaningless sitting somewhere from 9 to 5, but there is a great mission behind – to support the trials which bring new treatments and therapies to patients who are waiting for them.
What do you think has enabled GCT to remain successful for 25 years?
I would say it is a combination of adaptability, extensive experience, strong organization, and stable, forward-thinking leadership. GCT has the ability to think outside the box, find creative solutions, and make the seemingly impossible possible! 😊
If you could describe GCT’s journey over the past 25 years in one word, what would it be — and why?
Achievement.
For a relatively small company to remain successful in such a highly competitive industry as clinical research for 25 years is truly remarkable. Maintaining independence alongside the industry’s big players, expanding into new regions and markets, and building a company where employees choose to stay for many years are all impressive accomplishments. To me, this is what a real achievement looks like.
What is something special about the people you work with at GCT?
Everyone I have had the pleasure of working with has been friendly, helpful, responsive, and, of course, polite. It is quite rare to be able to say this about virtually everyone in a company, and I think it says a lot about GCT and its people.
If GCT were a person, how would you describe its personality?
Creative, friendly, approachable, helpful, relaxed yet organized, professional, and understanding. Someone who knows what they are doing but never loses the human touch.
What is one thing your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m also a Pilates instructor and teach four to five classes every week.