Weekly Round-Up

 April 27–May 1, 2020

Looking back at the week and resharing thoughts, career tips, job openings, and the people and posts that inspired me.

Wellness + Time Off

Time spent working from home can often blur the lines between our home and professional lives, making it difficult to step away from computers and laptops and shut down for the day. It's easy to keep working when we're home anyway and not going anywhere but it's important to remember that just because we aren't commuting, and we're working in our sweats, doesn't mean we can't feel burnout. Burnout is still a very real thing and working during a crisis adds its own stressors to the equation. Just like we do when we're in an office, we need to be cognizant of our days and recognize when we need a mental health break, whether that be a walk around the neighborhood or a day to step away and shut down. Our team is prioritizing taking time off this week and we're all taking a day to step back and recharge, myself included. What are you doing for your well-being this week?

“I am trying to adhere to a strict schedule of leaving my computer by 6pm (ok, -ish), and going to work out and then make and eat dinner with my family. If I need to go back to the computer after that's fine, but creating that time, those boundaries, and doing something for my physical and mental health has been really helpful.” —Lisa Schneider

Virtual Candidate Experiences

We've been fortunate to be able to welcome new team members and leaders during this time, including Kym White who started with us on Monday as our new SVP and Chief Communications Officer—welcome Kym! It certainly hasn't gone unnoticed that onboarding in the age of COVID-19 is a very different experience. Still, we like to do everything we can to let our newest team members know that they are welcome and we're all excited to have them on #TeamCVS. Our team is thinking through new ways to personalize the remote orientation experience, to connect colleagues and help them network, and to get them outfitted with everything they need. What are some ways you're helping new hires feel welcomed and encouraged?

“One of my first college internships was under Kym White and I vividly recall her infectious positive energy and formidable "real-time" smarts. I learned things that summer that I still rely upon today. #TeamCVS made a very wise hire. Ad astra!” —Javier San Miguel

#careertips

• Prepare for virtual interviews: test your connection, dress the part, and plan to discuss your best work from home practices.

Being Resilient

One of the most difficult parts of where we are today, whether you're currently employed or not, is the uncertainty of what the future looks like. From a short-term viewpoint, the "future" is a moving target and the best way to exercise resiliency is to prioritize short-term goals with long-term gains like revisiting strategic work that previously we didn't have the time for. Developing skills and networks and better understanding our organizations and industries during slow periods is one way that we ensure continued growth of ourselves, our teams, and our organizations. That way, when a new normal does set in, we can look back on this time and feel like we utilized it to our advantage.

“Susan that’s full of positivity. Awesome way of looking at things.” —Pranav Jha

#careertips

• This is the time to be building your networks. Leveraging your networks is critical. Endorsements are key.
• Don't randomly reach out to individuals—use your networks. Who do you know that's connected? How do you get that informal introduction?

Job Opportunities

VP of FS Loyalty and Personalization Analytics

#HiringNow for a data-driven leader with a deep understanding of AI/ML, analytics, and data/reporting in the retail space. This VP level role is located in Boston, and will be leading a #CVSHealth team that is focused on turning big data into strategy that impacts retail customer behavior. Reach out to me directly if interested!

Analytics, Lead Data Engineering Architect

As a leader in analytics, join a cross-functional Personalization Lab within our Pharmacy Growth and Innovation group and collaborate with Data Scientists, Pharmacy business partners, and IT colleagues to execute on our data and analytic roadmap for Pharmacy Personalization.

Sr. Director, Trade Relations

Are you a leader in healthcare and pharmacy benefits management (PBM)? Join the #CVSHealth team in a high-profile leadership role and implement pharmaceutical procurement strategies that directly supply to the bottom line of a Fortune 8 organization.

Advisor, PBM and Clinical Product Analytics

Make a difference in the work that you do and be a part of our Analytics team where you'll be recognized for your talent and expertise in solving complex and challenging problems while contributing to the success of key strategic initiatives designed to improve the patient experience.

#careertips

• Recently laid off or furloughed? Take a moment to breathe, digest what has happened, and be mindful of how you are feeling. Then, find the companies that need you.
• Your social media presence is important and recruiters will take notice. Be mindful of what you're posting and continuously audit your social media accounts. 

Who Inspired Me This Week

Karen S. Lynch, EVP at CVS Health and President of our Aetna business unit, kicked off #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth by talking about the undertow of mental trauma that follows the #COVID19 wave.

Richard di Benedetto, President at Aetna International, linked to Aetna’s remote working and physical distancing support resources. 

Our Chief Digital Officer, Firdaus Bhathena, shared how MIT’s Love Lab is continuing the push for new #COVID19 vaccines.

EVP for CVS Health’s Specialty Pharmacy and Product Innovation Team, Prem Shah, shared about how #CVSHealth supports people managing complex and chronic conditions through new data.

CVS Health SVP for Payer Relations and Managed Care, Kevin Murphy shared how CVS Coram is helping hospitals handle #COVID19.