Never Say No: Building an Indispensable Career in Facilities with Robert Mack

Robert Mack, Director of Facilities and Laboratory Operations at Korro Bio, delivers a masterclass in building a resilient and strategic facilities career in the life sciences sector. With 18 years of experience spanning water and sewer work, accounting, auditing, battery manufacturing, and biotech lab operations, Robert shares how embracing chaos, never saying “no” early in your career, and stacking safety certifications can dramatically accelerate professional growth.Robert also unpacks the changing dynamics of the Massachusetts biotech market, the importance of safety leadership in lab environments, and how to position yourself as indispensable by owning OSHA, DOT, IATA, and waste certifications. From turning labs “upside down” to prioritize infrastructure correctly, to ending meetings early with pride, this episode delivers practical frameworks for facility professionals who want to lead strategically — and thrive in uncertainty. Takeaways:Don’t Say “That’s Not My Job”: Early in your career, say yes to opportunities outside your scope. Exposure builds skill, trust, and long-term leverage.Stack Safety Certifications Strategically: Start with OSHA 10, then OSHA 30, and expand into RCRA, DOT, and IATA. These credentials separate you quickly and make you indispensable.Own the Safety & Compliance Function: If you can sign permits, manage waste, oversee shipping, and lead safety committees, you become mission-critical to the organization.Get Everyone in the Same Room for Construction Projects: Avoid “meetings about meetings.” Bring design, construction, and facilities together to prevent costly miscommunication.Build the Infrastructure First: When planning labs, “turn it upside down.” Focus on HVAC, electrical, and core systems before getting lost in minor details.Become a Cross-Functional Bridge: Develop strong relationships with HR, finance, lab leadership, and executive teams. Facilities leaders filter and translate information both ways.Embrace Chaos as Training: Every build-out, shutdown, expansion, or decommissioning is a learning opportunity that strengthens long-term strategic value.Quote of the Show: “ You have to be humble enough to know that you don't know something, but proactive enough to go learn it.”Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobmack9/ Website: https://www.korrobio.com/