A Man of Culture

What excites you about ophthalmology?

Sight is precious and people value it. Not too long ago, a study at Johns Hopkins validated that people considered vision loss as one of the worst health conditions that could befall them. Helping people see the world a little better or sharper makes it gratifying to go to work each day. I have been fortunate to be a part of that journey for over 30 years. And it has also been a lot of fun.

How else have you stayed motivated over those 30 years?

My journey with J&J began back in 1980; I moved into the field of ophthalmology in 1984 and that division was sold in 1995. Now, some 22 years later – having stayed in ophthalmology through that transitional period – I find myself in the fourth quarter of my career back with J&J. It’s been an exciting journey for me, both personally and professionally, and what motivates me now is the opportunity to really build a leading eye health company. Innovation is alive and well in the field of eye health, and to be with a quality company like J&J is really exciting. We made a major acquisition in the form of the AMO business and then, within 6–7 months, we made another acquisition in the field of dry eye – both of which demonstrate J&J’s commitment to eye care and prove that we’re bringing innovation and technology on a broad scale.

Eye health is probably one of the biggest segments in all healthcare and it grows at about 5–6 percent annually. But even though those demographics are exciting, it’s relatively underserved: about 50 percent of the world’s population could benefit from some form of vision correction yet only 10 percent are being treated. What a wonderful opportunity we have to narrow that down for patients, not only through technology but through truly partnering with ophthalmologists and optometrists around the world. Improving education through training and bringing value to practices with an overall focus on improving patient experience. They’re the kind of things that motivate me – it is a great time in our field.

Who has been your inspiration?

I think that everybody should have access to good mentors throughout life. I have been very fortunate; my father and brother have been my lifelong mentors. Professionally, two particular individuals in ophthalmology – John Gilbert, a retired executive from J&J, and Bill Link, who I met when I joined Chiron Vision – have taught me a great deal throughout my career and helped me grow and develop into who I am today. Bill and I have had a wonderful relationship, which has moved from him being my boss and then my mentor, to then being a colleague and a friend. Outside of ophthalmology, I admire people who aren’t afraid of taking risks, who think boldly and creatively about opportunities and who aren’t afraid to stretch themselves.

What important lessons have you learned from your competitors?

I think ophthalmology is blessed to have really good competitors – competition makes us all better. Alcon has been a formidable competitor and well-respected. Its marketing and commercial execution, as well as its focus and consistency through the years is certainly something to be admired.

Any advice for executives making their way up the ladder?

For me, it has always been about doing the best job you can in the role you currently have. Try not to be so obsessed with the next move or the move after that. Be less political and more focused on your performance and acting with integrity. J&J is a values-based company, where what you deliver and how you do it are equally weighted, which creates a culture that is certainly positive, and I do believe that culture trumps everything in a company.

What makes a good president and CEO?

Having a good team around you, and having the right culture. If you can develop the right culture in an organization, amazing things are possible. But it’s also important to recognize the value and importance of the team around you; your job as a leader is to remove impediments and allow people to be the best they can be.

Getting the whole organization – from the receptionist up to the CEOs office – rallied around a few vital objectives and breakthrough opportunities is really going to make a difference in the business. If you have that kind of focus and that kind of alignment from a culture that rewards productivity, has a strong sense of values and cherishes the individual, you’re likely to be successful.