How Curiosity Led to a Diverse Career Path
A willingness to take on new challenges has helped shape Guillermo's Baxter experience.
Q: Tell me about your current role at Baxter?
Guillermo: I oversee several different aspects of our U.S. Renal business— from our peritoneal dialysis (PD) product portfolio to customer relationships… I have a good mix of product specific work on the PD side, as well as macro responsibilities associated with the broader business.
Q: How did you end up in this role?
Guillermo: I don’t know that there’s a specific formula. I have a background in commercial banking. The reason I came to Baxter 13 years ago was because I was curious about the healthcare space, and this company that was—from an outsider’s perspective—really complex in terms of the number of therapies and products it sold, as well as the size and magnitude of the organization. I was hoping that would all allow for someone like me, who’s eager to learn, to gain exposure to different professional opportunities. I was right.
I’ve always been open to taking on new challenges and opportunities that might not have been seen as traditional next steps.
Q: What do you love most about your job right now?
Guillermo: Our mission to save and sustain lives. I don’t know if there are a lot of places where employees see the mission as clearly on a day-to-day basis as we do. There’s a very strong sense of service that comes along with the job. It’s fulfilling to come to work. When you’re handed a very difficult task, one that might test you, challenge you -- you know that if you get it right, it can help a lot of people. That makes it worth it.
Plus, our team is fantastic and makes the work extra enjoyable. There are a lot of people who will be able to grow, take on more responsibility at Baxter and keep driving growth for our business. We have a really fun dynamic to be a part of.
Q: What motivates you?
Guillermo: A few years ago, I was driving through my neighborhood when I saw a Baxter truck delivering product to an apartment building. I immediately pulled over and ran up to the driver, and while I completely spooked him, it was a good reminder that people who need our products live everywhere. They can be your neighbor, a family member, a teacher. That makes our work hit home for me, and is what motivates me to do work that will help empower patients to live the life they choose – not the one they think they must lead because of a disease they have.