Katja Kallio

BD Oncology offers a suite of solutions that help transform the entire oncology pathway, from prescription to preparation and administration. Using connected workflows, BD has focused on streamlined processes for oncologists, pharmacists, nurses, and technicians. 

And to help educate and support hospitals, pharmacies, and customers about BD Oncology is Territory Manager Katja Kallio and her team within BD Peripheral Interventional.

“My team and I have the responsibility of taking care of the customer from end-to-end,” noted Katja. “We are responsible for customers in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and of course, Finland, where I am located. I consider us ambassadors for helping customers understand our oncology diagnostic products, as well as listening to understand the changing needs of cancer diagnostics so we can recommend the right solution from our portfolio.”

Pride because of a focus on Purpose

What Katja enjoys the most about her role with BD is the level of pride that comes with it. Since joining BD in 2017, it took time to fully learn her position and just how powerful she can be as a conduit of information about BD’s vast range of products and solutions.

“I’m very proud of my work and the mission of our company. I love how much emphasis is placed on learning at BD. There is no limit to how much you can learn here. I also appreciate that BD is a global company, where I get to interact with colleagues from various countries, which gives me the gift of a deeper perspective than my own,” said Katja.

From optician to store manager to MedTech

Katja began her career as an optician, someone qualified to deliver eye examinations, and contact lens fittings, as well as make and repair eyeglasses and contact lenses, working for Instru Optiikka Oy, a Finnish-based eye care organization. She was promoted to store manager, and this is how she made the leap to sales.

“To be successful in sales I think you need to understand your tasks, but more importantly, listen and connect with your customers in a way that you build rapport and trust with them,” she said. “BD has a very large sales organization overall so if you need help or support, you just need to be courageous enough to ask for it. Sometimes what your customer is trying to solve is very complicated. Ask for help from your colleagues, leaders, and peers – we work as a team and are always willing to help one another here at BD.”

When she is not supporting customers, Katja can be found walking or running her two Whippet dogs daily. She also is heavily interested in and consumes dozens of audiobooks annually with topics ranging from Nordic crime stories to autobiographies and more.