Global Mobility QA with the MD of Johnson Johnson, CEE Viewpoint careers advice blog

Global Mobility QA with the MD of Johnson Johnson, CEE “Global mobility is changing the way we work. There’s a quiet revolution underway.” In our recent episode on Central Eastern Europe (CEE), we took a bird’s eye view of the situation on the ground in the healthcare and pharma industries, for those working in the region and others considering a move. In this episode, we burrow down deeper into what it’s like to take the plunge, with Canadian Gavin Wood, Managing Director of Johnson and Johnson CEE, who moved to Prague with his family in 2012. Gavin describes himself as “a big fan of global mobility” and is passionate about the new style of management emerging as candidates from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds come together in the international workplace. What was your route to Prague? I’ve been with Johnson Johnson (JJ) for 12 years, working in positions across the board â€" sales, marketing, market access, general management, strategy and new business development. About five years ago, we made the move from Canada to Germany and then, three years later, from Germany to the Czech Republic. It’s common for expats to spend two years on global assignments and then return back home again, but my wife and I have always loved travel and we’ve revelled in the opportunity to continue experiencing new countries, new cultures and new ways of thinking. What’s your role? I look after JJ Medical Devices in Central Eastern Europe. The company is formed of several individual business units, including Ethicon, Cordis and Biosense Webster, all of which manufacture medical devices used across a range of surgical procedures. At JJ, CEE is split into four regions â€" Poland; the Czech Republic and Slovakia; the Baltics, Romania and Hungary and then the South East region. I am responsible for around 350 employees, who are overseen by four General Managers â€" one for each region and three Business Unit Directors. You’ve worked in Canada, Germany and now CEE. What do you see as the most significant trends arising out of global mobility? Global mobility is changing the way we work. In the past, we looked for leaders who could implement and drive execution. But that’s no longer enough. Now we start from the ground up, targeting people with high energy and optimism, who are willing to challenge the status quo and embrace change. People who are passionate about providing innovative solutions for our customers. We develop leaders who are curious to learn, adaptable and can think strategically. They also have broad functional experience and are leaders who can draw out the best from diverse groups of people. When you put together individuals from a variety of backgrounds, they find different ways of achieving the same goal and that is very powerful. What do you look for in expat candidates? I’d say the most important quality for an expat coming into a local market is flexibility. He or she needs to be able to adapt to the local environment and learn about what matters most to the customer. You have to come with an open mind and be willing to immerse yourself in the culture, in order to really understand how people think. We look for individuals who are life-long learners, with strong team and collaboration skills, who genuinely care about the customer and are both focused and patient. In what types of roles are there opportunities for expat candidates in CEE? JJ is always looking for talented people and there are many opportunities for talented individuals who are willing to learn within the CEE organization. Opportunities in general management, market access, health economics and regulatory are there for the right candidates â€" those who are attracted to the JJ culture of great people, great training programmes and a commitment to giving employees broad work experience over the years. What do you like most about living in Prague? Prague is a beautiful city. It’s safe, culturally diverse and a great place to bring up children. Being here has opened up exciting work challenges for me and given my family a wonderful experience. Travelling around the world, as we have, has strengthened us as a family, so the rewards are not only professional, but personal. As you can tell, I’m a big fan of global mobility! Do you think you’ll return to Canada? When you leave your country and return after some time away, they often say it’s like putting a square peg back into a round hole, as your personal and cultural experiences help you to grow and evolve. Canada will always be home because of family connections, but it’s hard to say, right now, where my family and I will eventually settle down for the long term. Are you interested in moving to Central Eastern Europe? Or maybe you’re already there and would like to comment on your experience. 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