In 2020, my former team became part of Continuous Improvement, a global network focusing on automating repetitive tasks, analyzing data to gain insights and better understand root causes behind bottlenecks and other issues, and applying Lean Six Sigma methodology, to get the most out of our business processes. I started working with teammates from around the world, and even if it took some getting used to, our new, agile setup enabled us to bring our collaboration to the next level, not to mention making meaningful friendships with colleagues in other countries, or even continents. A year later I applied and got appointed as Regional Portfolio Manager, a role that came with all sorts of interesting new challenges, such as overseeing all of our projects in the region.
All of this took place in parallel with the pandemic, and while being stuck at home took a toll on all of us, I am glad to have been working for Roche in this period. Not only have I had job security and all the support I needed during these turbulent, extraordinary times, but it also felt great contributing to the success of a company fighting on the frontiers with its cutting-edge COVID-19 diagnostics. Roche was also among the first companies to adapt to the new normal after the pandemic. Since then, we have been encouraged to return to the office and meet in person, but also kept the flexibility of working from home up to four days per week.
I feel like the whole organization kept investing in me during the course of these past seven years, and lately, I’ve been feeling like it’s time to start giving back. I spend an increasing amount of time coaching and mentoring junior colleagues. I also took initiative in organizing volunteering activities, such as painting deprived elementary schools with colleagues as a team-building activity, or collecting donations for refugees from the war in Ukraine, to help our broader community. All of these activities have been made possible by leaders and colleagues who have been giving me all the trust and support to do the right thing.
