We sit down with Karen Hecht, Scientific Affairs Manager at AstaReal, to discuss her role in the company and her involvement with WIN (Women in Nutraceuticals). She emphasizes the importance of creativity in science and problem-solving, as well as the need for collaboration and multidisciplinary research projects. Karen also talks about AstaReal’s focus on manufacturing natural astaxanthin from algae and their investment in clinical studies. She highlights the progress made by WIN in promoting women’s leadership roles and closing the knowledge gap in women’s health research. Karen also shares her personal experience with mentors and the value of being comfortable with discomfort and continuous growth.