It all started on an ordinary day at the lab
I walked in, took a look around and saw the extent of what we were doing and, just as clearly, what we weren’t. One of our service gaps was with bacterial testing. These tests were essential but expensive and had to be sent far away because we didn’t have the resources locally. Handling them meant packing samples in cooler boxes, shipping them within a strict 48-hour window and covering the high costs of transport and testing. I couldn’t help but think, “Why are we going through all this when we could do it ourselves?” It just seemed unnecessary. Right then, I knew I wanted to find a way to make these tests happen here.
So I got to work quietly, not even mentioning it to management at first. I started researching what we’d need to pull this off – everything from equipment to chemicals – and began comparing prices from suppliers in Basra and Baghdad. I didn’t stop at just the lab essentials either; I looked into the whole set-up we’d need: air conditioning, refrigerators, counters, you name it. I did it all on my own, with my family cheering me on from the sidelines.
I took some annual leave and visited my old college a few times, diving into testing procedures and learning exactly which tests our company needed most. Piece by piece, I gathered every bit of information I could and put it all together in a spreadsheet: equipment costs, sample expenses, every little detail. With a friend’s help, I created a presentation to show management the potential savings and advantages of running these tests in our own lab. I went in feeling both nervous and excited, but their response was everything I’d hoped for: they were on board and saw the potential.
Most of my colleagues were right there with me, fully supportive. Others, though, weren’t so sure, saying management might never approve such an investment. But I believed in it, and I was so happy that my idea got the support of both my lab managers and the senior leaders in Iraq and Abu Dhabi. Having their backing encouraged even more of my colleagues, and together, we made it happen. Turning this idea into reality was incredibly rewarding for me.
My background research took around a year, and there were times I worried that management might not go for it, but I reminded myself that, no matter what, I’d given it my best. I was proud of how far I’d taken this idea, knowing that even if they didn’t approve it, they would see the value in what I was trying to do. But they did approve it, and that’s a feeling I can’t put into words. I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me along the way.
Persistence, patience and a real love for the work
Looking back now, I realise that persistence, patience and a real love for the work were what made this possible. When you’re passionate about something, you push through challenges and find a way to make it happen. Every time I look at this lab, I feel proud, knowing that it’s here because I believed in the idea and didn’t give up.
To anyone else with a big idea, I’d say this:
Stay committed to what you believe in, even if people doubt you. If you’re passionate and willing to put in the work, you can create something truly special. This bio lab will make a huge difference for our facility in Iraq, and we’re already seeing interest from major clients. I have no doubt that this is just the beginning.