I just wrapped up an incredible 5-year adventure at Takeda. I feel so blessed for the teams I had the privilege and honor to lead. It was truly an unforgettable experience and the most productive 5 years I had in my entire career.
While I am leaving Takeda, I know the friendships and relationships forged over the last five years will endure. I was truly fortunate to work alongside incredibly talented colleagues who taught me so much, provided incredible joy and friendship, shared invaluable feedback, and inspired me to give my best every day.
During my tenure, I had the privilege to lead some of the most talented and committed individual and teams of my career. We were also supported by exceptional partners. Together, we defined and implemented Data and Digital Transformation strategies for the various Global Corporate Functions. Technology platforms such as Workday, Workhuman and SuccessFactors were implemented globally. Launched a newly designed Takeda.com site and defined an ambitious strategy for People Analytics and deployed a well-being survey followed by annual employee experience surveys. Upgraded in-office technology (conference & board rooms). All while concurrently reimagining end to end global processes and significantly improving the stability and reliability of technology platforms. Most recently embarked on a visionary Digital Dexterity program fostering curiosity to radically enhance Takeda’s workforce ability and ambition to adopt emerging technologies.
A conversation with Lisa Bodell made me reflect on my time at Takeda as she asked why were my teams so productive these past 5 years? It is always helpful to work for a company with an inspiring purpose and guided by strong values. Second, I learned from Jon Couture to hire people smarter than myself. Having exceptional talent is fundamental. Third, during the pandemic, I fine-tuned my leadership style and was more authentic, vulnerable, and sharpened my three leadership Ts – Trust, Truth, and Transparency. I established an environment where teams felt empowered, inspired, and psychologically safe to challenge openly. My approach was to set a vision, remove obstacles, and genuinely care for my team as human beings not just as professionals. I wanted us to succeed as a team. And I define team not based on reporting hierarchy but on who is working together to achieve a common goal.
As I step away, I am taking time to refuel, focus on myself, and spend quality time with my family and friends before embarking on my next adventure. I am genuinely excited about the possibilities ahead. My next challenge will be to find a way to scale my transformational and people leadership experience. I have also been energized watching Emerson Foster's impact on the community.
My sincere thanks to everyone who was part of this journey. Here’s to the future and all the exciting adventures it holds! Stay tuned on what comes next! For now, I can share I am absolutely enjoying the present.
Well deserved recognition!!!