David Fredrickson: As I reflect on an incredible decade with AstraZeneca, what I feel most is gratitude

David Fredrickson, Executive Vice-President, Oncology Business at AstraZeneca, shared on LinkedIn:

“Do you remember what you were doing ten years ago today? It’s hard to believe it’s been that long, but I was starting my first day at AstraZeneca. I was also celebrating my son’s 9th birthday – and wow, just like that today he’s 19 and headed off to college in the fall.

There were many people who scratched their heads when I told them I would join AZ to lead a new group in the US called “Specialty Care,” which included oncology. Their view was understandable, and my choice was by no means without risk.

And yet, I was eager and excited and full of optimism. I came for the chance to help grow and build something new and meaningful for patients with cancer alongside a group of like-minded people, dreaming together of what was possible.

It is just staggering to reflect on how much has changed in ten years. Our oncology business today is nearly the size of the whole company back then! And the number of talented people I get to work with every day has also grown exponentially.

As I reflect today on an incredible decade with AZ, what I feel most is gratitude. Gratitude for the brilliant and inspirational colleagues past and present I’ve had the privilege to work alongside and gratitude to AZ for being a remarkable place for me to spend the last ten years of my life.

If you have the chance to take a risk and build something special from the ground up – take it. While people scratch their heads, keep yours focused on building the future.

Imagine everything we can accomplish in the next ten years.”

Source: David Fredrickson/LinkedIn