A Healthy Dose of Transferable Skills at Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA

Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A. offers a challenging and dynamic work environment that recognizes that veterans come with an added advantage: built-in leadership skills. The unique talents brought to company by its veteran employees create strong objectives, outline clear work plans, and help everyone remain focused on achieving the company’s goals - despite roadblocks and obstacles.

At Takeda, veterans are offered a broad range of benefits and programs, including a veteran-focused employee resource group, STRIVE (Supporting Troops and Inspiring Veteran Engagement). STRIVE provides the camaraderie of a military community and is the fastest-growing employee resource group in the company.

With 30,000 professionals, worldwide, the company is a global, innovation-driven pharmaceutical leader. For over 235 years, Takeda has maintained an unwavering dedication to put patients first, with a mission to strive towards better health and a brighter future for people worldwide through leading innovation in medicine.

While Takeda has a presence in more than 70 countries, its major United States locations are in Deerfield, IL; Cambridge, MA; San Diego, CA; and Brooklyn Park, MN.
Takeda is dedicated to a diverse and inclusive environment, seeking talent that aligns with its vision of empowerment, trust, and putting people first, as well as aligning with the company values.

###A Veteran Success: Bill Donatucci###

Bill Donatucci spent 10 years in the U.S. Army before separating as a captain. While in the Army, he was a CH47-D aviator, instructor pilot, and commander. At Takeda, he’s a senior district business manager, field sales, responsible for leading and managing a team of sales representatives. The former soldier is also an area lead for STRIVE.

“Our mission is to educate primary care and specialty providers on benefits of our medications and to impact prescribing behavior to ensure patients get the best treatment option while producing sales results,” Donatucci said.

“I rely on the leadership experiences I gained in the Army as I direct and interact with a variety of professionals with a broad range of social skills and challenges,” Donatucci said. “In my role, I often make quick decisions during ambiguous scenarios with little information, which is consistent with my experience in the military.”

Just as in the Army, communication at Takeda is a key to success for Donatucci. “My position provides me an opportunity to leverage my communication and presentation skills to engage people in many different venues, from large audiences to one-on-one crucial conversations,” he said.

As a district business manager with Takeda, Donatucci is empowered to lead and manage his district business as necessary, based on his understanding of the local marketplace, dynamic environment, and needs of his business. “With my military background, I was able to quickly engage many different personality types. The work ethic I formed in the military set me apart as a reliable, hard worker. These two things helped me create a successful track record.”

The former Army captain continues to learn and build his skill set at the company. “With Takeda’s support, I was able to further my education and earn my MBA,” he said. “Leveraging my education and highly successful sales foundation, I earned promotion to our managed care division. This role provides me the opportunity to work and contract with managed care and pharmacy directors, as well as long-term care organizations. I now have a solid understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and contracting side of our business.”

He’s also proud to be able to help and work with veterans at Takeda. “I am honored to be a part of the STRIVE Leadership Team,” he said. “As the East Area Lead, I drive field-based opportunities to engage veterans, partner with the community, and position Takeda as an employer of choice for veterans.”
Even after leaving the Army, Donatucci understands that his military experience is still paying dividends. “While I did not realize it as I transitioned to civilian life, the leadership skills, military experience, and hard work gained from my Army career gave me a solid foundation and unique perspective for a successful business career,” he said. “It has been a terrific experience and transition for me.”

Donatucci advised veterans to remember their value during the job hunt. “You have a lot to offer any corporate organization,” he said. “Understand that your work ethic, leadership, and communication skills, combined with your proven ability to quickly assess situations and formulate a plan, is invaluable to the business needs of today.”

But the work isn’t finished once the job is accepted. “When you hire on with a company,” Donatucci said, “find a mentor. Take time to assess the situation, listen, observe, and then act,” he said.
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