Today was the hardest day I have ever had in my professional career. As of this morning I gave my notice to move on from my existing company PE, to a wonderful new opportunity working for NCP.
Almost four years ago to the date I was at a conference in Philadelphia when a man came up to me and started asking me about the products I was at the time selling for Covidien. I remember thinking this man was a physician and passionately giving him the overview of why our product was clinically better for chronically ill dialysis patients then anything out on the market. Only to find out this gentleman was CEO of National Vascular Partners. A company who at that time I (my naive 25 year old self) did not believe in their business model and how clinical care was provided to patients at the time. I told him so. I looked him square in the eye and said "How do you get up everyday and do your job, when these patients are sick and have limited options for care". Who would have known that assertive, unfiltered comment would end up being a direct introduction to a company and man that has impacted my professional life more then anyone else in my career. Without getting into details, that comment to this gentleman resulted in a chuckle for him and an eye roll for me. Yet two months later, the night I landed in Augusta, GA after not seeing JMS in almost 4 years I received an email on my blackberry from this gentleman. The email stated that his friend was looking for a VP of Business Development that wouldn't take no for an answer and had an unmatched passion for what they did. Apparently my assertive comment to this gentleman at that conference warranted him to think that this person might just be me.
I will be honest I deleted the email off my blackberry and had the most amazing weekend with JMS catching up for time lost. When I arrived in Boston after my blissful weekend and fired up my lap top the email from Larry was still there...with a job description. I opened it up and inside was the JD for VP of Business Development for PE. Looking for someone completely different then what my resume had to offer on paper. Yet, I decided it would be cool to be a VP at age 25 so why not have a conversation? To make a long story short I spoke to Barry Tanner our CEO for the first time on December 24th, 2009. My first question to him was what was his business model and if it compromised patient care in any way I was not interested. I got into the business of healthcare to make a difference and this was important to me. The answer to that question resulted in an hour and a half conversation with a man that I now consider to be my greatest mentor. By the end of the conversation Barry had peaked my interest. Things were going great at Covidien at this point in time and there was no reason to leave. Yet, Barry asked me if I would interview with the executive search firm in which I politely declined saying I was heading out on vacation that weekend. Barry asked where and my response was "Nashville...to visit at that time my "friend" John.". And so they say everything in life happens for a reason and that search firm just happened to be based out of Nashville. And with that comment I was on my way to Nashville to see John...and to formally interview with PE.
As the story goes I obviously moved on from a great company in Covidien with a rock star team that I still keep in contact with and miss each day. We were one of a kind VE-100. Then I went to work with PE and now today I move on from PE. But not after developing amazing relationships, and knowledge from some of the smartest people I know. In addition to an understanding of today's complexities of the health care market that has prepared me for my next move. As with Covidien I was not searching for a new position when I moved to PE, maybe it was luck that brought Larry Gladstone to me that cool November day in Philly. In the end PE came to me by chance. NCP is a similar story, I am a believer everything happens in life for a reason. Today is a bitter sweet day because I depart from a company I love, believe in, and has been patient and comforting to me for so long. I am sad to leave my team and the extremely intelligent people that have taught me all I know about the business of healthcare. My CEO has been a mentor and friend over the years and has taught me not only about the business of healthcare and business in general, but about the importance of balance and reiterating the importance of doing the right thing as a business person. PE has allowed JMS and I to be together, seen us through multiple moves, a marriage, and a baby all with kindness and support that is like that of a family. I am forever indebted to PE and Barry for all that I have learned. The opportunity that has come before me and our family would not have happened if it wasn't for Barry taking a chance on a young 25 year old with big ideas,passion, and a voice that was empowered to be heard.
I have learned so much over the past four years, and have become even more passionate about the healthcare market and what our company does and what my new company will do to make a positive impact both on cost, quality and access for those in need. I thank you PE for 4 wonderful years, I wouldn't be where I am today without you. I will forever be thankful for all you have provided me both on a personal and professional level.
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