Today, we catch up with National Account Manager, Vanessa James, as part of a series of profiles introducing our talented sales team. Vanessa is making a big difference in our service to hospitals.

When did you join Chrysalis, Vanessa?

I joined in February 2024 and it’s been a whirlwind since then. I am gradually getting my head round how everything works and I must say, the rest of the team have been very supportive.

What’s your role at Chrysalis?

I am slightly different to the rest of the team in that I deal mostly with hospitals. I help self-pay teams and their patients to use our payment options and I support them throughout their journey with us. I don’t look for new business, my job is to help clinics to get the most out of their partnership with Chrysalis.

What did you do before joining Chrysalis?

I have been a National Account Manager for over eight years in different industries. It’s all about building and managing long term relationships and making life easier for customers.

What challenges have you found in your new role?

Rather than lots of smaller clinics, I work with a handful of large hospitals. The main challenge is that I deal with lots of different departments in each hospital and I have to build relationships with lots of different people. What’s good about it is that I get to know exactly how everything works and who to speak to about what. This can really help patients as it cuts down the time it takes to answer queries. Also each hospital has its own way of doing things so I have to learn what’s what and who’s who for every hospital I deal with.

How would you say you make a difference to your hospital contacts?

Now that I know everyone, they all know they can talk directly to me and we can iron out any questions or issues very quickly. All my contacts know that they can drop me an email or call me and I will sort things out for them. They know I am one person who they can get hold of and who can help them. This saves mistakes happening and makes things run more smoothly. Also I spend time training them on the payment options process with Chrysalis and help them to become more self-sufficient.

What do you like most about your job, Vanessa?

The people I deal with at hospitals are all lovely. I love the variety; I deal with all sorts of departments, from the central  finance teams to clinic administration teams. Most of all I love making patients happy. It’s amazing how much peace of mind comes from being able to get the treatment you want and being able to build the cost into your monthly budget. I also love the culture at Chrysalis. Everyone is super helpful and friendly, and I already feel part of the family. I feel the trust that is put in me to do my job well makes me go above and beyond to deliver and that’s a great feeling. In all honesty, this is the best job I’ve ever had; it makes me really happy.

Have you noticed any changes in the self-pay world since you started?

Well, even in the short space of time I have been here, I have noticed a steady increase in self-pay. Many patients want to get things dealt with and like having the option to spread the cost of a treatment. This has made the teams I deal with keen to understand more about what Chrysalis can do to help so that they can talk with confidence to their patients about the options they have.

Finally, Vanessa, what do like to do when you’re not at work?

I am a creative person and I paint portraits and do crafts. I am currently learning to crochet and I am also on a dressmaking course. It’s a direct contrast to my busy working days and I find it a great way to practice mindfulness and relax.