10 Questions with Oliver Goernhardt
Oliver Goernhardt is the CEO of Cytion LLC, where he leads the company’s U.S. operations with a focus on growth, talent and long-term impact in the biotech sector. OOliver Goernhardt is the CEO of Cytion LLC, where he leads the company’s U.S. operations with a focus on growth, talent and long-term impact in the biotech sector. Originally from Germany, he relocated to Sioux Falls in September 2024 to establish and expand Cytion’s presence in the United States. He is driven by a deep commitment to hard work and dedication, bringing a global perspective and a hands-on leadership style to his work. Outside of the office, Oliver enjoys exploring great restaurants, unwinding with red wine or coffee, and spending time with his family. He has been with his wife, Tina, for 24 years, and together they are raising their daughter, Vicky, who is nearly five years old.
1. For readers who may not know Cytion, how do you describe the company and its work?
Think of us as a library of biological samples. We manufacture and maintain standardized biological reference materials, specifically cell lines. Researchers around the world can select samples according to their project specifications and have them transferred from one of our three locations.
2. What is one lesson that has shaped your leadership style?
When it comes to talent, it’s worth looking for unicorns. Once you find them, invest in them and build loyalty chains. I intentionally make these relationships very personal and have had great success creating meaningful and productive career paths for individuals who become like family rather than just employees. There will be disappointments along the way, but the right person will outshine them and elevate the entire team.
3. How does the work Cytion does impact the average person?
Our impact is made indirectly through enabling our clients to do their work. Let me say this: Anything you get at a pharmacy has, at some point during its development, been tested on one of our products or one of our competitors’ products to make sure it is safe and effective. Anytime you pick up something that was prescribed to you, there is a realistic chance that our product was involved in its making.
4. What was your first impression of Sioux Falls?
I first visited the city in November 2023. The Falls Park lights had just been turned on, and a friend decided to show them to me. As we walked down Phillips Avenue and turned the corner toward the park, the lights appeared before me, and suddenly, it was Christmas. I thought, “This will be perfect. All I have to do is show this to my wife, and she will be fully on board with coming here.”
5. Why was it important for Cytion to invest in Chamber membership as you established a presence in Sioux Falls?
We wanted to get involved right away and help shape and support the path Sioux Falls and South Dakota are on. Connecting with other leaders and movers is a must if you want to have a say in what kind of world your kids and other dependents will live in. The Chamber, along with other organizations, has given us a kickstart on that.
6. What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
My favorite Disney princess is Tiana. I claim to only know these things as a father of an almost five-year-old daughter, but in reality I have been a huge Disney fan my entire life. Tiana specifically resonates with me because she is a self-made individual who accomplished her far-fetched dream through hard work.
7. What is something you are especially optimistic about right now?
Despite biotech just coming out of a bit of a dire strait, Cytion’s various expansion projects between Sioux Falls, Germany, and Canada are all going well and are on track. If we can accomplish this while our business sector is down, we are well positioned to achieve great things when the industry grows again.
8. What first drew you to the biotech industry?
The potential and longevity of the business sector. It has an ever-growing need and will impact all types of industries and aspects of life. Our industry helps cure diseases, make humans live longer, provide alternative food sources or other consumables, create the super computers of tomorrow, impact space exploration, and so much more.
9. What is your favorite thing about working and living in Sioux Falls?
Stephanie at Morrie’s. Tony at Crave. Lucas at Maribella. The team of the Washington Pavilion. All the people that help create good evenings and good memories for my friends and family.
10. What is a piece of advice you’ve received that has served you well?
If you want to be a leader – do not seek work-life balance. It will only hold you back. Instead, accept your work as part of your life. Work is no longer a burden when you live while you do it. And life will no longer be limited by work. I have had my four-year-old attend meetings and conferences. If that doesn’t align with a potential partner or client, then I am fine with doing business elsewhere.