Weekend Executive MBA Student Anu Kalaivanan

“Pursuing the Health Systems Management certificate gave me exposure to a wide range of topics across the health care ecosystem, providing me with a more holistic perspective of the influence of my work. Aside from facilitating access to award-winning faculty, the Fuqua network is an invaluable sounding board as I explore how to maximize my impact in the future health care business world."

Director, Global Market Access Strategy Lead
Takeda Pharmaceuticals

Weekend Executive MBA

Class of 2023

Industry:

Health Care

Prior Education:

Tufts University
BA, Economics, 2008

Hometown:
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Nationality:
India

Reflections

It has been inspiring to see many classmates pivot into new industries, new roles, and take on new challenges during the program. Some of these transitions were outcomes of deliberate steps, while others were passion projects that morphed into full-time roles. To me, these transitions emphasize the importance of being open to self-discovery, and taking on a growth mindset. Observing my classmates embark on new paths has given me courage to go forward with confidence when I may be outside of my comfort zone at work.

Before Fuqua

I led global market access strategy for pharmaceuticals in clinical development to enable optimal future payer reimbursement and patient access globally (US, EU, Japan). My role involved engagement with global R&D, commercial and regional teams in integrating clinical and real-world evidence needs, stakeholder engagement initiatives, and building value-based pricing recommendations.

After Fuqua

I transitioned to leading market access strategy for a launch product in a new therapeutic area while at Fuqua. My new role includes working with an expanded set of markets for successful payer negotiations and building lifecycle management strategies with global R&D and commercial teams. Post-Fuqua, I would like to pursue expanded commercial and strategy roles, leading teams within the health care space.

Five Tips for Managing Home, Family, School, and Work

  1. Set reasonable goals - learn to say no to others and yourself. Many come into the program with the expectation they will embark on every opportunity that is presented to them. Thankfully, supportive members of the Fuqua community help you stay realistic.
  2. Recognize that despite your prioritization techniques, there will be times when all the burners (family, school, and work) are on “high”. Remind yourself of the reasons you embarked on the program, consider trading off tasks (and delegating), and handle the rest in bite-sized chunks!
  3. Make time for people and things that “fill your cup” outside of school/work. These moments will renew energy and enthusiasm, as well as enhance productivity.
  4. Be deliberate and focused, whether at residency, at work, or with family and friends. This will help keep you as organized and efficient as possible.
  5. Self-reflect regularly while in the program to assess progress against goals, whether you need to modify or create new goals, or shift how you are approaching life, work, and school based on your experiences.