Growing up in a small Brazilian town, I was driven by curiosity. Numbers first fascinated me through science, then through economics and finance. After earning a degree in chemical engineering, I started working in management consulting, where I discovered finance as the language of business. This led me to financial services, pursuing an MBA, and the realization that finance can drive meaningful societal change.

When I first learned about Roche’s Finance Perspectives Programme, I felt an instant connection. It was a chance to combine my passion for science and finance to drive healthcare innovation and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. I took the leap and applied. When I received the acceptance, it felt like the start of an exciting new chapter filled with global opportunities and challenges that would define my career and purpose.

The programme was an exhilarating whirlwind of experiences. Over two years, I traversed countries and functions, diving into rotations that ranged from the valuation of drugs with the research and development department in Switzerland to driving customer segmentation and developing omnichannel marketing strategies in the United Kingdom.

Every rotation challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. In the commercial affiliate for Diagnostics in Belgium, I took on the demanding task of leading a local pricing strategy in a cross-functional project. This project had to compete for resources while addressing immediate, short-term priorities. After weeks of intense strategy sessions, we finally developed the pricing model that provided clear and actionable guidance. The sense of accomplishment was rewarding, and we celebrated our hard-earned success. 

The best part of the programme? The people. From coffee chats with mentors who shared decades of wisdom to brainstorming sessions with peers who became good friends, I discovered that Roche’s greatest strength lies in its diverse and collaborative culture. It’s a company where countless career paths can unfold, creating endless personal and professional growth opportunities. Working with colleagues from diverse backgrounds taught me to see challenges through fresh eyes. It was humbling to learn from their experiences and traditions, reminding me that empathy is as important in business as it is in life. 

Beyond the office, I also created memorable moments travelling around the world with my partner who accompanied me on this journey, and the friends I made along the way. These experiences served as a beautiful reminder that amidst professional challenges, life’s simplest moments can bring the greatest joy.

As I step into my new role at Roche, I carry the lessons, friendships, and memories from the Perspectives Programme. My next chapter is focused on generating analytics and insights for planning events and individual initiatives across Roche Divisions and Group. This is an opportunity to apply the skills I’ve honed to drive impactful outcomes for Roche, improving the company’s performance and competitiveness so we can continue creating a healthier future together.

To those considering this Perspectives Programme, my advice is simple: say yes to the adventure. Embrace the unknown, and trust that the challenges will shape you into a more resilient, thoughtful, and capable version of yourself. When I applied to the programme, I shared stories that reflected my authentic self—not just my achievements but also my curiosity and passion. So, be bold, be honest, and let your unique perspective shine.