"I still get flashes of that same excitement as when I was a kid creating my own stuff."
Livio Udina, Senior Manager, Marketing Services, talks about taking a customer-centric approach to creativity, the rewards of creating designs that help patients, and finding joy along the way.
What’s your role at ConnectiveRx?
I am a Senior Manager in the Creative Services group. My responsibilities include developing and creating digital and print assets for the majority of the ConnectiveRx product lines. Additionally, I provide Mac IT support, photography, and light video services when needed, kind of like your ultimate utility Teammate.
What skill do you think is most important to success in your role?
Being in Creative Services, it’s no surprise that having an eye for all aspects of design is critical in outputting high quality and professional material. The one thing that gets overlooked in this position is the amount of knowledge you need working with various types of design applications throughout the day. Each application is unique and there are many techniques one must know to get projects completed effectively and efficiently. Some days I could be bouncing around 10 distinct creative applications--it can get crazy, but it’s fun!
What did you want to be as a child? Does the work you do now relate to your childhood aspirations?
Being a 90’s kid I idolized Michael Jordan so naturally, I wanted to play in the NBA. Clearly, that didn’t happen, but I was always intrigued by film, editing, and graphics which is what I went to college for. I believe the work I do now does relate to my aspirations because I still get to create and design, just in various forms. From creating an infographic to an Electronic Health Record banner, or designing a branded copay card with a microsite or hub portal, I get to use my creative skills to create and design these products. Depending on the job at hand, I still get flashes of that same excitement as when I was a kid creating my own stuff. My 13-year-old self would be proud but would still like to “Be Like Mike.”
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
After many rounds of brainstorming, drafting, revisions, and feedback, one rewarding part of my job is seeing the final product. One of the most rewarding aspects is realizing that the work or project that I created or helped build is being used in-market and gets into the hands of doctors and patients. I feel very honored to know that I am in some way helping healthcare practitioners message important, relevant information to patients that helps patients navigate their medication journey. It can’t get any better than that.
Which ConnectiveRx value resonates with you the most and why?
All of our values are equally important, but if I had to pick one value it would be Customer-Centric. Being Customer-Centric is what sets us apart from other organizations. Everybody is a customer whether it be external or internal. Having a Customer-Centric attitude helps develop great relationships and fulfills your customer’s needs, which is critical for success.
What brings you the most joy these days?
Living in the times that we are in right now, it is hard not to ignore the negative events that have occurred in this country and throughout the world. Whether it be the Covid pandemic, racial injustice, global warming, etc., joy seems to be a hard feeling to maintain. I’ve learned that simple things in life bring me joy, but most importantly, health. Joy is knowing that my family, friends, and colleagues are in good health and in good spirits. Being wise, taking care of yourself, and laughing a little along the way make all of us feel a bit more joyful.