A Career Fueled by Purpose, People and Progress at Baxter
With nearly two decades of experience at Baxter, Manuel Ventosa López, Business Unit Head for Advanced Surgery Southern Europe and Country Lead for Spain, reflects on his career journey, what drives him and how his daily morning runs allow him to be the best version of himself in both his personal and professional life.
Question: How did your career path lead you to Baxter?
Manuel: I started working at big international companies, and while I appreciated the global exposure and experience, I realized that I wanted more purpose in my work. I had always found the healthcare industry to be the most fulfilling, in fact it was an industry that I had been attracted to since I was a kid.
I was the oldest of four siblings who were constantly in the primary care center with an ear infection, cough or cold – it's there that I realized I wanted to work in an industry that helps people. I was drawn to Baxter knowing that the work we do directly supports patients and impacts lives around the world.
Q: What’s the most fulfilling aspect of your work at Baxter? And what have you learned about yourself and the company after nearly two decades?
Manuel: Without a doubt, it's the mission. There's something powerful about knowing that everything we do – no matter the role – ultimately supports patient outcomes. It’s also incredibly rewarding to work with so many talented, committed people. There’s a collaborative spirit here that really stands out.
The people are truly what makes Baxter special. We have an outstanding product portfolio, but it's the people that make the difference. I’ve learned that when you need something, either support or guidance, people are there. There's a real sense of teamwork here that has kept me energized for all these years.
Q: What is the superpower you bring to your role at Baxter?
Manuel: I think my superpower is bringing people together and creating a culture of openness.
I value listening and learning from others, and I try to lead by example. It's important to stay curious, embrace new ideas, and foster a safe environment where people feel encouraged to speak up. That kind of collaboration leads to better solutions.
The best career advice I received was to "be open to feedback." We don't all have the same opinions or experiences, and that's a good thing. Listening to different perspectives, especially when they challenge your own, makes you a better leader, colleague and person.
Q: What does redefining healthcare delivery mean to you and the work you do?
Manuel: To me, it's about delivering care that’s smarter, more efficient and more human. That means using innovation, data and technology to improve outcomes and also includes evolving how we work – improving our operations, building stronger supply chains and supporting our teams to do their best work.
Q: What do you do outside of work to keep you grounded at work?
Manuel: Family time grounds me and reminds me of what is truly important in life. My family is my passion, especially my children. After many years of focusing on them, my children are older, and I’m now in a phase where I get to reconnect with my wife and it’s been such a joy.
I also try to stay as active as I can. I run about 30-45 minutes a day to clear my head and help me stay balanced. I enjoy running early in the morning when I have the city of Madrid to myself. This sense of alone time allows me to reflect and be the best version of myself so that I can continue to show up for people, listen and create space for them to grow.