Career Story: Angela Putylina, Janssen Pharmaceuticals

May 07, 2015

Professional MBA Marketing & Sales alumna

What stages in your life have had the greatest impact on you and why?

Two stages:

1. Starting to work for a French pharmaceutical company 15 years ago. Now I am in love with the health-care industry because medicines and doctors help people to become happier and healthier.
2. Studying for an MBA degree at WU Vienna as I love learning, practicing my skills, sharing new ideas, brainstorming and overcoming challenges.

How and why did you come to work for Johnson & Johnson?

I didn’t find the company because I was very busy (as always!), but headhunters made me visit J&J in 2011. At the reception, I saw J&J's credo and realized that the company had its own worthwhile mission and a strong sense of responsibility, so I felt I was on the right track! Also, I met kind, professional and confidence-inspiring people. Therefore, I joined J&J as a Marketing Manager to gain new experience in a leading health-care company with an innovative portfolio, to accelerate my professional development and to strike a better work-life balance. What has changed in your career as a result of your MBA degree? How did the program support you in reaching your career goals?

I think the Marketing & Sales program has improved my knowledge and background. While working on business cases and during brainstorming sessions, I have obtained many insights as to how best to approach my day-to-day work. In addition, I have learned to manage international teams more easily and more professionally and to lead them in a value-based manner.

Now, I am moving to a new start-up in Russia to lead a new therapeutic area. Thanks to my upcoming MBA degree I feel confident about building up a new business, hiring new people and promoting J&J's new product portfolio successfully. What has been your biggest professional/personal success?

I assume the fact that I have opened up new markets in the CIS countries over the past two years and created a new markets team is likely to be regarded as my big professional success, but the biggest one is yet to come in the very near future. 

As for my biggest personal achievement, I would like to mention studying for an MBA degree in Vienna. For me, the WU Executive Academy is a beautiful and comfortable place to become better, wiser and happier! What are your goals for the coming year?

I have my own 2030 strategy with short-term and long-term goals. In general, I would like to make my dreams come true by being ambitious and by challenging and supporting people. I am becoming a modern leader with my own approach. My goal is to better understand what patients really need so that I can make a positive difference in their lives.

In the coming year, I plan to introduce new pharmaceuticals for treating Russian patients with multiple sclerosis. What do you consider a “great luxury”?

To be with my family and friends, to talk to each other, to explore new countries/places in order to have fun and enjoy relations. What was the last book/movie you really enjoyed?

Recently, I very much enjoyed “The history of the Russian state” by Akunin. It was a brilliant read! I was proud of Russia's cultural history. I was sorry for its dramatic events, and I was discovering more about our neighbors so that now I understand them better and find it easier to forgive them.

The last performance I really loved was the legendary Russian rock opera “Yunona & Avos” by A. Rybnikov. Two generations in Russia grew up admiring this incomparable story about service to the fatherland and everlasting love. I am very happy that my children and my big lovely family shared my feelings and powerful impressions. How would you characterize your philosophy of leadership? Has it been influenced by a leadership role-model?

While I have leadership experience, it is too early to talk of my philosophy. :-)

As you can imagine, I am delighted that I have made some progress thanks to modules on leadership and international team management at WU Vienna. I am on the right track, and I strive to develop my current understanding by trying and trying again!

How do you recharge your batteries when you are not pursuing your demanding career?

Yoga helps me a lot to accumulate energy, become more tolerant and supportive. And I have a caring family who is a source of fun and relaxation.

If you could change places with anyone for a day, who would it be?

I would prefer to change places with a Tibetan Buddhist to have a new experience, keep silent, observe and meditate.

Why would you recommend the Professional MBA of the WU Executive Academy? What did you like the most?

For five reasons: because you can…

1. … fill gaps in your professional background. 
2. … update your business knowledge and acquire new skills. 
3. … meet professionals from different industries and get an opportunity to share ideas and learn from one another's experience.
4. … enjoy diverse professors, the professional and friendly WU staff, and perfect campus facilities.
5. … explore the amazing city that is Vienna and meet the friendly people living in Austria.

I liked points four and five the most because they exceeded my expectations!