Let’s talk about a leader who values gratitude – caring for people – and building opportunities.

For 34 years, Joaquin Duato has worked for Johnson & Johnson, the world’s largest, most diversified healthcare products company. He is currently the Chairman and CEO of the 137-year-old firm.

Mr. Duato describes much of his success as never turning down an opportunity. He believed in the company and used new options to grow himself, his teams, and the company.

♦ “… when starting your career, the exact job isn’t what’s most important. The most important thing is that the company’s principles align with yours. Is it a place where you can be yourself? Will you have an opportunity to grow and develop professionally? Ultimately, does the company care about you?

When your values align with the company’s, you’ll find the work rewarding and motivating.

This is one reason why I’ve achieved what I have. I’m the first foreign-born CEO in the history of this 137-year-old company. Working at Johnson & Johnson has been more than a job. It is part of my identity. It is part of who I am.”

Duato further attributes J & J’s empowering leadership to the 130,000 incredible employees who work as a united team. He never misses an opportunity to express his gratitude and celebrate the people who work with him, often mentioning people by name:

♦ “…2023—a year in which we reinvested 18% of sales ($15 billion) into research and development, an all-time high for us. Our R&D leaders (John C. Reed and Ahmet Tezel, PhD) shared some of the many breakthrough health innovations advanced by this level of investment, including 17 innovative medicine approvals and first-time launches for 15 major new medical technologies…

We also reaffirmed our responsibility to do good. Our Global Corporate Affairs leader (Vanessa Broadhurst) shared how our continuing approach to global health equity will make a difference to patients, doctors, nurses, and communities around the world.”

♦ “Patients are our inspiration. Their stories give me an urgency to act.

In San Diego at American Society of Hematology meeting, I spoke with Valarie Traynham, a multiple myeloma patient and advocate about the progress that’s been made in treating the disease. For many, it has been life changing…

Black patients are disproportionately impacted by multiple myeloma. That’s why Valarie is one of the spokespeople for our “That’s My Word” campaign. By bringing together the Black patient community, care leaders, HCPs, and advocacy organizations, we hope to create better health outcomes.”

Gratitude to people and your work and building opportunities are leadership choices for success and happiness.

Thanks – Michael (he, him)

Please share my Daily with others.
This matters too – Trust in People Succeeds in Business.

#1485 (LinkedIn photo – Joaquin Duato – CEO – J & J)