As a global agency network in today’s interconnected world, we understand that celebrating our uniqueness while coming together to achieve common goals is key to organizational success. Michelle Ziekert, Managing Director, ECD, recently spent time in our Salerno office working alongside our global affiliate EVERSANA INTOUCH Healthware. The goal, in collaboration with the EVERSANA INTOUCH Healthware leadership team, was to continue to pair the unique cultures, talents and personalities of EVERSANA INTOUCH Healthware with those of greater EVERSANA INTOUCH.
Michelle’s time with our European colleagues was not just a business endeavor, but also a cultural exploration. She traveled by plane, train, automobile and on foot, navigating many stairs to reach our Italian headquarters. There, she walked in the footsteps of our international colleagues, enjoying a short-yet-sweet two-minute sprint to the office each day – and more than one exceptional pizza napoletana.
Once again, the global team put universal similarities and local nuances to the test while working on a global pitch opportunity. This collaborative pitch involved contributions across time zones, countries and offices, including stops in Salerno, Milan, the United Kingdom, New York City, Chicago and Kansas City before arriving at the client’s destination of San Francisco. The development of this work was a testament to the power of collaboration, and as Michelle recalls, “It is always so gratifying to see so many global disciplines come together to collaborate, drive business forward and, ultimately, make the kind of work that will improve patient outcomes.”
One highlight from Michelle’s time in Europe was the Future Fusion 25 summer event in Salerno, a memorable evening filled with conversation, great food and celebration. Her experience emphasized the importance of building personal connections inside our global organization, celebrating together, strengthening bonds and fostering our sense of unity.
Michelle’s journey to Europe was transformative. Her circle grew exponentially and globally and she became a more culturally aware citizen of the agency, reinforcing that we can celebrate our differences and still come together to achieve a common goal.
Navigating different time zones and overcoming language barriers may have caused Michelle to order food she did not expect and get on the wrong train once; however, these challenges also provided valuable lessons in communication and the importance of transparency and respect when working between time zones and finding mutually beneficial hours for collaboration.
This time in Europe had a lasting impact on Michelle’s professional and personal development. Professionally, her efforts played a role in fueling global growth for the agency. Personally, she connected with the part of herself that loves people and values human connections.
Michelle’s journey to Europe serves as a powerful reminder that by embracing cultural diversity, fostering collaboration and working toward a mission, we can create a more inclusive and successful global community and work environment. And, of course, we should always cherish the little moments, such as savoring a cup of coffee served “Salernitano style,” something Michelle will crave from this day forward.
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