Taking A Purpose-Driven Approach
As we celebrate the dedication and expertise of our team members, today we're shining a spotlight on Mario Gentileschi, Director, Strategic Portfolio & Market – Western Europe Pharma, who believes we are each the owners of our own development and career success. Mario has spent 17 remarkable years at Baxter and his story is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership, collaboration and continuous growth.
Mario's journey began in 2008, when he joined Baxter as a project analyst in the Commercial organization in Italy. At the time, he was drawn to the company's dedication to truly living its mission.
"I was impressed by the organization's commitment to making a positive impact in the world, and I saw this as an opportunity to be part of a team that shares my values," Mario recalled.
Throughout various roles during his tenure, Mario found that Baxter remained true to its purpose-driven approach, even in the face of change. "The core values and mission to Save and Sustain Lives have remained steadfast, and I have always felt a sense of pride and alignment with Baxter's goals," he said.
Empowerment, Collaboration and Impact
One of the things Mario enjoys most about working at Baxter is the empowerment he feels as a people and team leader.
"As a leader in my current role, I feel empowered to make a meaningful impact on the company's success by leading yearly business results, influencing strategic thinking, and contributing to the growth and development of my team members," he explained.
On his most recent leadership assignments, Mario was tasked with creating and leading a newly defined team for Medication Delivery and Acute Therapies in Italy and Greece. Afterwards and as part of his current responsibilities, he was entrusted to lead an international team responsible for Strategic Initiatives, Marketing and the Pharmacy Automation business for the Pharmaceuticals segment in Western Europe.
"This is a truly exciting and challenging experience for me, as I have the privilege of building and developing a team of talented individuals, working with them to drive business results and achieve key strategic objectives," he said. "It's a great opportunity to further develop my leadership skills while making a meaningful impact on my colleagues' success and the success of Baxter overall."
Supporting Professional Growth and Development
Mario credits his team for supporting his professional growth and development.
I've always found that I can learn so much from my colleagues, especially the people I've led in my team. By observing their strengths, I not only identify areas where I can improve myself, but I also build awareness of my own talents that make me a value-add to the organization.
Mario Gentileschi, Director, Strategic Portfolio & Market – Western Europe Pharma
Mario acknowledges the impact of his colleagues, including leaders who have been instrumental in his growth.
"I've learned that by working with people, you can always learn," he said. "If you are curious and humble enough to actively listen, you may be able to improve your skills by observing the skills of others."
Here are Mario's tips for a rewarding career:
- Be curious and ask for feedback
- Take risks and think about how much you want to put yourself in the center of the arena
- Remember that while major life decisions are important, the seemingly small, everyday choices can truly shape your success over time
- Seek fun in everything you do to ensure you're the best version of yourself at work