3G: Growth, Grit, Gratitude

TL;DR: Celebrating 10 years at Novartis, reflecting on professional growth, embracing challenges and change, and expressing gratitude to colleagues and mentors for an incredible journey.

This month, I am reaching 10 years of unforgettable memories at 诺华 . It feels like it was yesterday when I strolled through the campus as a curious, wide-eyed young professional, and I was warmly greeted by my first boss, Ted . He was ahead of his time, embracing the "unboss" culture. I remember he picked me up on a warm August day, wearing shorts.

Growth: reflecting on the Journey

Looking back at my journey thus far, I cannot help but marvel at the incredible professional yet also personal transformation that has taken place over the past decade. From the first days, focusing on learning the ropes and finding my place within the organization, to the challenges that pushed me beyond my comfort zone such as moving to South Africa. Every step of the way has been an opportunity to learn and grow. For example, through the successful launch of medicines in emerging markets, which helps patients access to affordable treatments, to the fascinating world of clinical development and patient recruitment on clinical trials that translate scientific hypotheses to scientific knowledge. These milestones have been nothing short of exhilarating.

Throughout the years, I have had both fortunate and unfortunate experiences. I was blessed to climb the ladder, joining as a fresh postgraduate to getting promoted 3 times. Reaching the Director level within a span of 7 years was neither in the plan nor my goal. However, what helped was an advice I received from a former CEO of the company, Joe Jimenez , who was incredibly kind to meet with me one-on-one back in June 2015. The advice:

"Embrace lateral moves, not just linear ones"

Grit: perseverance and patience

While the topic of companies evolving to maintain their competitiveness is widely discussed, the significance of self-reinvention receives relatively less attention. In my perspective, periodically undergoing personal reinvention is crucial to ensure long-lasting success in one's career and to experience satisfaction in both professional and personal aspects of life. I had the privilege to experience that twice over the last 10 years; from Technology to Commercial to Drug Development.

Though, as we have seen with now billion-dollar Barbie movie, things are not always rosy in the real world. It's the realization that within big companies things can get messy, quickly. As I reflect on the numerous transformations the organisation has undergone and the skills I have taken pride in developing on those circumstances, my job has been affected on two occasions. Which meant those positions where no longer fitting into the new organizational structure, necessitating my search for a new role. This has worked in my favor on both occasions. Firstly, it allowed me to take time to rest and reflect, and secondly, it expanded the scope of my responsibilities. I have also come to understand the significance of adaptability in the face of change as Darwin once said:

"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change."

Importantly, I learned that none of this would have been possible without the unwavering contribution and dedication of my fantastic colleagues and mentors.

Gratitude: embracing all that makes our lives what they are

To my incredible colleagues, former colleagues, and partners – thank you for being the backbone of my journey. Your expertise, creativity, and camaraderie have been invaluable. I am grateful to have had such inspiring leaders who not only pushed me to excel professionally but also believed in my potential. Thank you for the encouragement, constructive feedback, and for always leading by example. Together, we have tackled obstacles and celebrated accomplishments, proving that a supportive work environment fosters growth and excellence. As Van Gogh once said:

Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.

Embracing new challenges has allowed me to evolve both professionally and personally.

Here's ?? to a decade of growth, grit, and gratitude that formed unforgettable memories, and to the next 10 years of this incredible professional adventure.

Personal: few words outside work

On a personal note, I am grateful to have a supporting family, living a purpose-driven life, feeling healthy and strong, and growing my side hassle on real estate.

#10YearWorkAnniversary #CareerMilestones #Gratitude #ProfessionalGrowth #Blessed

What other Gs will you add to make it a 5G? (the fastest wireless cellular technology presently. #smile)