Athanasia Durban has been with Striatech since the very beginning and has helped shape the company’s journey from a small start-up to a globally recognized name in vision research. As Sales Manager, she connects with researchers around the world, offering thoughtful guidance and tailored solutions. With a strong background in sales and a deep passion for communication, she brings clarity, persistence, and empathy to every interaction. Working across time zones and cultures, Athanasia focuses on building long-term partnerships that support scientific progress—one conversation at a time.

Professional Insights

What attracted you to Striatech and how has your role evolved over time?

What has always attracted me—both in general and specifically at Striatech—is working with people. I’ve been fascinated by human interaction and communication for as long as I can remember. I’ve been with Striatech since the very early days—practically since the company was in its infancy—and I’ve witnessed its incredible growth firsthand. Back when we had only a handful of customers, I could never have imagined how far we’d come. Seeing how much we’ve grown over the years and how well-known we’ve become fills me with pride and genuine joy.

Before joining Striatech, I already had extensive experience in sales, but working in the biotech field has been especially inspiring. The researchers we work with and the kinds of projects they’re involved in are fascinating. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the wide range of applications our products are used for—and to know that we’re helping to support scientists and innovators all over the world. Over time, my role has evolved from supporting early-stage sales to taking on more strategic responsibilities, helping shape the customer experience, and contributing to our continued growth.

What challenges have you faced in your role and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my role is working across global time zones. Many of our customers are spread out all over the world, which I find both challenging and rewarding. We aim to respond to customer inquiries and send out quotes within 12 to 24 hours – regardless of where the request comes from. Coordinating that across different time zones can be tricky at times, but fortunately, I have a lot of flexibility in how and when I work. That allows me to adapt to our clients’ schedules and maintain a high level of responsiveness, which is really important to me.

How do you engage the scientific community and customers with Striatech’s products?

It’s all about relationships. I take the time to listen to the specific challenges researchers face and help them see how our products can provide real solutions. The great thing about Striatech’s tools is that they speak for themselves—our job in sales and marketing is to make sure scientists know how easy-to-use and reliable they are. I also find it’s important to follow up regularly, ensuring they have the support they need and building long-term trust. Persistence is key here. Sometimes it takes a bit of time to convince researchers of the value we bring, but staying consistent and proactive makes all the difference.

What inspires your creativity and ideas for new sales projects?

A lot of my inspiration comes directly from interacting with researchers and potential customers. Hearing their stories and learning about their challenges helps me think about how we can approach new customers in a way that speaks directly to their needs. Networking plays a huge role here—it’s about keeping my finger on the pulse of what’s going on in the scientific community. And of course, my Greek heritage with its vibrant culture and energy often sneaks into my work, giving me that extra drive and enthusiasm when developing new approaches to reaching both existing and new customers.

Personal Insights

What drives you personally in your work and life?

What drives me is the desire to make a meaningful impact while staying true to myself and my family. I thrive on the challenge of helping researchers find solutions with our products that support them in achieving their goals. At the same time, I deeply value my family and the time spent with them. It’s this balance that keeps me going—the need to do purposeful work while also being present for my family. It’s not always easy, but managing the delicate balance between career and family life is what motivates me every day.

Outside of work, what inspires you or keeps you motivated?

Yoga is a big part of my life—it helps me stay centered and gives me time to focus on myself amidst the busyness of everyday life. It’s a great way to recharge, especially when balancing the demands of work and home life. I also find inspiration in my kids—they remind me to stay playful, curious, and adaptable. Whether it’s trying to fit in family time or focusing on their well-being, they’re always a source of motivation for me. And then there’s my natural extroverted energy—connecting with people keeps me going and inspires me to stay passionate about what I do.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work that helps you stay balanced?

Outside of work, I find my inspiration and motivation through a combination of mindfulness, connection, and nature. Yoga plays a key role for me, as it offers both a physical and mental reset. It’s a way to center myself, helping me find balance and clarity amidst the demands of daily life. Spending time with family is also incredibly important, whether we’re going on small excursions together or simply enjoying each other’s company. I find energy in sharing moments with friends as well, as I deeply value these connections and the shared joy they bring. Additionally, time outdoors, whether hiking, exploring new trails, or simply being immersed in nature, is essential for my well-being. These moments of mindfulness, connection, and nature recharge me, providing a foundation for resilience and a renewed sense of purpose in both my personal and professional life.

Who or what has been your greatest source of inspiration throughout your career?

Throughout my career, my greatest source of inspiration has come from a blend of my curiosity, the variety in my work, and the people around me. I’ve always been someone with diverse interests, passionate about learning and exploring new things. A role that allows me to engage with different tasks, connect with people, and continuously expand my skills—while also being family-friendly—is rare. But here at Striatech, I feel that I’m truly close to achieving this balance.

I also find incredible inspiration from children, especially in the way they approach life with playfulness and an “in-the-moment” mindset. Watching them reminds me of the importance of fully focusing on one thing at a time rather than trying to juggle everything all at once. This perspective has shaped my approach to work, reinforcing my commitment to being present and intentional in all that I do.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you wish you knew at the start?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my career is the importance of patience and persistence. Even though I worked throughout my studies, I was often impatient at the start, eager to make quick progress. Working with people, however, requires a careful balance, patience and knowing how much to probe without coming across as pushy. Patience isn’t my strongest trait, but I’ve become more relaxed over the years, learning not to take every setback personally. Instead, I see them as motivation to improve.

If I could advise my younger self, it would be: slow down, listen more, and trust that the right opportunities will come if you stay dedicated. Sales is a long game, and persistence truly pays off in the end.

How would you describe Striatech’s journey in three words?

Innovative, collaborative, fulfilling.

Want to meet the rest of the team?

Athanasia is just one of the people who shape Striatech. Curious to hear more stories? Dive into the rest of the interviews and get to know the team behind the work.