Knowing Others is Intelligence; Knowing Yourself is True Wisdom

Meet Zuhdi Salameh, Senior Customer Engagement Manager- Pharmaceuticals Jordan, Zuhdi began his career as a Medical Sales Representative and has since risen to the role of Senior Customer Engagement Manager at Bayer Jordan.?In this blog, he reflects on his journey, emphasizing the importance of resilience, collaboration, and continuous growth, Zuhdi highlights how his team has turned challenges into opportunities, achieving remarkable success together. With a commitment to lifelong learning and personal development, he encourages others to take initiative in their careers, believing that together, we can accomplish extraordinary things

Graduating from Jordan University in 2006 and earning my master’s degree in marketing and management from Bradford University in 2008, I embarked on my professional journey in the healthcare field. Starting as a Medical Sales Representative, I have worked my way up to my current role, driven by a passion for people management, commercial development, and strategic planning.

Opportunities to share my journey don’t come around every day, so I’m excited to take a moment to reflect on the delightful highs and the valuable challenges I’ve faced along the way. Every experience has contributed to my growth, and I’m excited to share the valuable insights I've gained along the way with you!

Tough times never last, but tough people do

Over the past decade, we have encountered a variety of challenges in Jordan, the Middle East and all the world, from political shifts to the impact of COVID-19 and changing market dynamics. However, it is through these complexities that we have discovered our greatest success stories. By focusing on effective coaching, motivation, and management. I have focused on supporting my team's growth by providing ongoing encouragement and guidance.

The result? A cohesive group of committed individuals who not only support one another but also collaborate seamlessly to achieve their goals. Together, we have turned challenges into opportunities, demonstrating resilience and teamwork in the face of adversity. This journey has not only strengthened our team but has also set a shining example of what can be accomplished when we unite for a common purpose.

My strengths and talents are my title

Throughout my career, I have gained diverse experiences across various departments, including Marketing, Sales, Market Access, and Key Account Management. My multifaceted background has allowed me to contribute to Bayer’s success as a market leader in Jordan with several products.

We have successfully maintained our business with valuable products by effectively managing our distributors in Jordan. This strategic approach has allowed us to strengthen our market presence and ensure continued growth. We have witnessed the positive impact of collaboration and communication, which are essential to our success.

I am grateful to our Human Resources and Management Teams for their unwavering commitment to developing and empowering employees. Their support has provided me with valuable exposure and opportunities, enabling me to contribute meaningfully to our achievements.

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy are the noise before defeat

In Jordan, the balance between efficiency and customization is critical. After our integration with the MENA region, we faced new priorities that pushed us to optimize our resources effectively. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, we have achieved remarkable results even with limited resources. For instance, when I was appointed Sales Manager in 2016, our team of 13 FTEs achieved 40% less sales than today, with only 6 FTEs, demonstrating our resilience and strategic execution.

Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought

I joined Bayer in 2011 as a Key Account Specialist in Specialty Medicine, shortly after, we faced a significant hurdle when a critical product encountered issues that seemed overwhelming. At that time, the Key Account Management system was still in its infancy in our Levant region, and the situation appeared bleak. However, rather than give in to hopelessness, we took decisive action.

We established foundational strategies for Key Account Management, focusing on collaboration and monitoring our progress with a cross-functional team. Through innovative tactics and relentless relationship-building, we transformed our approach to the market. Within a year, we achieved a remarkable milestone by relisting our product under a separate code in the tender business—a testament to our perseverance and teamwork.

This success story did not stop there. Our efforts also paved the way for another significant achievement: within just six months, we managed to include a new product in the tender business with the Ministry of Health and other key accounts, a feat that had previously taken an average of one and a half years for any product.

Embracing Lifelong Learning: The Journey of Continuous Growth

While I have accumulated years of experience, attended numerous training sessions, and achieved significant milestones—including being recognized for various projects—the journey of personal and professional growth is ongoing. I firmly believe that there is always more to learn and strengths yet to be uncovered. As I strive to add value to my career each day, I encourage everyone to take the initiative in their development. After all, without proactive growth, our experiences can feel limited.

I am excited about the future and look forward to continuing to contribute to our team's success and the development of future leaders in the healthcare field.

Let us all strive for continuous improvement and remain committed to our collective goals. Together, we can achieve remarkable things!