In a recent conversation with James Feliciano, former president of AbbVie Japan, we delved into the intricacies of leadership in the Japanese pharmaceutical industry. Feliciano, a seasoned industry veteran, shared valuable insights into his experiences, challenges, and successes.
Navigating the Abbott Separation and Building a New Identity
Feliciano’s tenure at AbbVie began shortly after the company’s separation from Abbott Laboratories. This separation presented a unique set of challenges, as the newly formed company needed to establish its own identity and strategic direction. “The separation was a significant event,” Feliciano explained. “We had to quickly adapt to a new organizational structure and corporate culture. It was a bit like starting a new company, but with the added complexity of inheriting an existing business.”
To navigate this transition, Feliciano emphasized the importance of clear communication, strong leadership, and a focus on employee morale. By effectively communicating the company’s vision and strategy, he was able to rally the team and maintain a sense of purpose.
Building Credibility and Uniting a Team
As a relatively new country manager, Feliciano also faced the challenge of establishing credibility within a large, established organization. “One of the biggest challenges was gaining credibility,” he explained. “The team was functioning autonomously, and I needed to quickly establish myself as a leader.”
To overcome this challenge, Feliciano adopted a listening-first approach. He spent significant time understanding the business, its challenges, and the aspirations of his team. “I believe in the 80/20 rule,” he said. “Spend 80% of your time listening and 20% talking. Ask clarifying questions and avoid rushing to conclusions.”
Feliciano shared a specific anecdote about a challenging situation early in his tenure. “There was a particular product launch that was facing significant hurdles. The team was feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. By actively listening to their concerns and providing guidance and support, I was able to help them overcome these challenges and successfully launch the product.”
Creating a Shared Vision and Driving Cultural Change
A key aspect of Feliciano’s leadership was the creation of a shared vision for the company. He introduced the “Five Year Focus,” a strategic plan that provided a clear direction for the organization. By involving the entire team in the development and implementation of this plan, Feliciano was able to foster a sense of ownership and shared purpose.
“The ‘Five Year Focus’ was more than just a strategic plan,” Feliciano explained. “It was a cultural transformation. By aligning the entire organization behind a common goal, we were able to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and enhance employee engagement.”
The “Five Year Focus” not only provided a roadmap for the business but also had a significant impact on the company culture. By setting clear goals and expectations, Feliciano was able to reduce uncertainty and increase employee engagement. Additionally, by investing in employee development and creating opportunities for growth, he was able to reduce turnover and increase productivity.
The buy-in from the leadership team was crucial to the success of the “Five Year Focus.” By aligning the leadership team behind the vision, Feliciano was able to ensure that the strategy was effectively implemented and that the company’s resources were focused on achieving its goals. This strong leadership alignment also helped to create a more positive and productive work environment, which in turn led to higher employee morale and lower turnover.
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on his career, Feliciano shared some valuable lessons for aspiring leaders:
- The Power of Listening: Active listening is essential for building trust and understanding.
- The Importance of Clarity: A clear vision and strategy can unite a team.
- The Value of Empathy: Understanding the perspectives of your team members is crucial.
- The Need for Patience: Building relationships and achieving results takes time.
- The Power of Empowerment: Empowering your team to take ownership of their work can lead to increased motivation and innovation.
- The Importance of Continuous Learning: Stay curious and keep learning, even as a seasoned leader.
Feliciano’s career at AbbVie is a testament to the power of strong leadership and a commitment to employee development. His insights offer valuable lessons for anyone aspiring to lead in today’s complex business environment.
