Working Life: Graham Morris from BMS
pharmafile | September 19, 2011 | News story | Sales and Marketing | Working Life
Bristol-Myers Squibb’s CV/Metabolics business unit director Graham Morris on how his field is changing and the best, and worst, things about his role.
How did you find your way into your most current role?
It was always part of ‘the plan’. Having spent several years with my family in Paris in two European brand leader roles, I always wanted to move back to a senior UK commercial role…and worked hard to ensure my stakeholders were aware of this!
How is your field changing?
The role has changed beyond recognition, and continues to do so. The massive and ongoing changes in the NHS, combined with the financial crisis, mean that our customers and their needs have changed significantly.
The need to demonstrate value, gain market access, succeed with less resources, and embrace the digital age make launching brands today a very challenging and exciting prospect.
What are the most enjoyable things about your role?
It is the people you work with that have the biggest impact on whether a role is enjoyable or not. More than anything, I enjoy seeing these people develop to meet their potential, and then getting promoted on to new challenges. Exceeding sales targets is also very enjoyable!
And the least enjoyable?
Things that impact people negatively, like re-structures, performance management and so on. These things have to be done: knowing you have done them to the best of your ability is important. And I hate missing sales targets.
What are the most common misconceptions about your field and the people who work within it?
Sadly most of the misconceptions come from outside the industry. Whilst the industry provides significant benefits to patients, employees and the economy, a small minority still perceive the industry as unethical.
Is there someone in your field who has inspired you or from whom you have learnt a lot?
I won’t embarrass them by naming them, but three of my previous bosses have proven excellent mentors and role models.
A great boss can be incredibly inspiring, and part of what drives me now is trying to be to others as good as these three were to me.
Similarly, is there someone (or something) outside your field who has been a big influence or source of inspiration for you?
I enjoy many sports, and think sport provides many lessons and role models.
What is the secret to a happy working life?
Having a happy non-working life!
You need a good balance between work and home; my home life keeps me grounded and also provides the motivation to be successful.
If you had advice for anyone starting out in your field now, what would it be?
Enjoy it, it is a great role!
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