De la bata a las ventas: cómo impulsar la ciencia desde fuera del laboratorio, con David Hueso

Is it possible to leave research and continue contributing directly to the advancement of science through sales? How do you manage the transition when you discover that the traditional laboratory isn't for you and that your future lies in the scientific sales sector? In this seventh episode of Science in Its Own Voice, Mónica J. Quinzo and Carolina Cárdenas Figueroa talk with David Hueso, a Chemistry graduate and current Sales Engineer at SGL. After 20 years visiting laboratories and advising on scientific equipment and materials, David humorously and humbly describes himself as a "non-professional chemist": a professional who understands the real needs of researchers and seeks to provide honest solutions, without filters or traditional sales stereotypes. Throughout this conversation, David shares his professional journey and personal evolution with us. We talked about the process of leaving academia, how to overcome the taboo surrounding sales in the scientific sector, the impact of building a personal brand with projects like "The Scientists' Newsletter," and a reality we all face daily: how to manage Imposter Syndrome and vulnerability in a high-profile role. An honest and empathetic conversation designed for scientists seeking viable and purposeful alternatives outside the traditional academic path. 🕒 What you'll learn in this episode: 00:00 Welcome: We introduce David Hueso and the purpose of the episode 03:08 His beginnings in science: Why did he choose Chemistry and what opportunities did he find? 05:06 Leaving the lab: The moment she discovered that teaching wasn't her path 05:46 Beyond academia: Bureaucracy and the challenges of research in Spain 08:06 Her first steps in sales: Family influence and the start of a new path 09:20 Reinventing herself professionally: Being different and managing resistance to sales 13:02 Breaking the taboo of selling: From seeing it as a deception to understanding it as a way to contribute 14:36 ​​Learning to sell: Books, networking, and the value of learning from others 19:48 Sales skills: What does a scientist need to work in sales? The Importance of Active Listening 24:41 Initial Fears When Entering the World of Scientific Sales 29:00 Active Listening: Returning to the Essence of Selling to Add Value 32:00 Trust as One of the Pillars of Sales Success 34:00 Communication and Sales: What is the Intrinsic Relationship Between These Two Concepts? 39:30 Personal Branding with Purpose: How and Why "The Scientists' Newsletter" Was Born 49:00 Managing Imposter Syndrome: How to Sell Confidently Without Knowing Everything 56:00 A Great Piece of Advice: What Today's David Would Tell the David Who Had Doubts in 2006 59:30 Speaking the Language of Our Audience to Connect Better and Secure More Opportunities 01:03:00 The Motto David Repeats to Himself to Continue Growing as a Sales Professional 01:06:00 Final Reflections 🎙️ About Science with Its Own Voice Our mission is to humanize science and empower professionals in the field to lead their careers through communication and personal branding. That's why we bring you narratives that connect knowledge and impact. A project led by Mónica J. Quinzo and Carolina Cárdenas Figueroa. 🔗 Connect with our guest David Hueso: LinkedIn:   / david-hueso   Subscribe to his Scientists' Newsletter: https://www.davidhueso.es/ Join the conversation! Subscribe so you don't miss our monthly talks. Share your ideas, questions, or reflections that arose while listening to the episode in the comments. You can also find us on: linkedin.com/company/ciencia-con-voz-propia instagram.com/cienciaconvozpropia https://open.spotify.com/show/04mBip4... And you can follow us on our personal social media accounts to learn how we promote science communication: Mónica:   / monicaquinzo     / monicascicomm   Carolina:   / caro_comscience     / carolinacardenasfi   #ScienceWithItsOwnVoice #ScienceCommunication #ScienceSales #ProfessionalReinvention #AlternativeScienceCareers