I have looked at this quote for many years in a row. It was on a board as part of my office decor when I worked in a regional position. And I always felt it reflects my thinking. To be results driven has helped me navigate different roles and different challenges in different organizations.
There are many ways and many characteristics that can turn a manager into a great leader. For me, to be focused on results and still being able to build teams, develop people and simultaneously build relationships, has always been the most satisfying part of my job. I have been asked recently if I prefer numbers or people and for me the answer was obvious: People.
Why? Because managing people means managing relationships. And we do this every day of our lives, at work, at home, or with friends. If we are to summarize what is the most important thing to be successful; is to manage these relationships. And when in a certain moment of our career we are fortunate enough to be able to celebrate great achievements, with the people around you that is the ultimate achievement.
Innovation is a buzz word that we hear every day on the news. A word that many also associate to the pharmaceutical industry. When I joined Merck, in Portugal, Merck had never had a leader from its own nationality. Up until then, there had always been MDs from other nationalities. So as incredible as it may seem, having a Portuguese general manager in Portugal was innovative for Merck. And innovation can be many different things. The way we develop people can also be one of them. The way we had to adapt our interactions with all stakeholders for instance during pandemic times has also been a reflection of the innovation that we live and breed at Merck. Innovation is researching for the best solutions for our partners, patients and the people who take care of them. I am proud to say that at Merck, innovation has always fueled our curiosity of the centuries.
Since I joined the company in Portugal we have been able to get access to MS and Oncology patients in need in Portugal. And this is what makes me excited to go to work every day. The fact that we can make an actual difference in people’s lives. So, my advice is, if you ever find hurdles on your way, never give up because of bureaucracy. Assume a fair risk interval for the legal environment evolution and fully leverage the fantastic human power we have as long as exposed to competitive, well equipped and giving recognition environments.
Pedro Moura assumed the Management of Merck Portugal in 2017.
Pedro holds an MBA from Lisbon Catholic University, Portugal, accompanied by a Leadership and Strategy in Pharmaceuticals and Biotech Program from HARVARD University, as well as a degree in Hospital Pharmacy from Pharmacy University in Oporto.
His experience includes being Oncology Business Franchise Lead for EU5 and Western Europe for Merck Biopharma. Prior to joining Merck, Pedro was a Board member after serving as General Manager at GENERIS and before that serving in several roles at Rhône Poulenc Rorer.
