Rob Kowalski’s Post

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Chief People & Organization Officer (CHRO), Novartis

Sharing our stories is a powerful way to build inclusion and drive change. It also takes courage. I want to thank Paula for sharing her story and raising awareness this #DisabilityPrideMonth of non-apparent disabilities, which like juvenile arthritis are often hidden or invisible. In fact, did you know that 80% of disabilities are non-apparent, including chronic illnesses, sensory impairments and neurodiversity? Non-apparent disabilities are real, valid, and deserve understanding and accommodation. That’s why, at Novartis, we are committed to working with our dedicated Employee Resource Groups to learn more about the preferences, needs and lived experiences of those whose disabilities often go unseen, so we can consciously shape our systems, processes, and practices to ensure everyone has what they need to thrive. #DisabilityInclusion #ThriveTogether Hannah Perry Stephie Elms James Hollis [Video description: James Hollis and Paula Landmann seated in a Novartis boardroom having a conversation about Disability Inclusion]

Cécile Tardy-Srinivasan

Innovating Healthcare | Building Health Tech Ecosystems | Empowering Startups | Patient Advocate

3mo

Interestingly, your post Rob Kowalski and Paula's story prompted me to reflect on my own situation - I have a condition similar to Paula, for 25 years, and actually NEVER considered this as a disability. This disease is certainly one of my different 'features' or 'facets', and pushed me to develop adaptability, resilience and focus on what matters. It's also why I lead with authenticity, because I believe we should all be able to be ourselves, and leverage our different abilities. Btw, I started to share my story when I left corporate finance 8 years ago and I was no longer afraid this could negatively impact my career. It actually triggered the opposite (positive) effect on my career, and led me to healthcare innovation. Today I believe this "feature" is actually one of my best assets, fuels my drive for innovation, changing healthcare systems and impacting patients.

Stephie Elms

Head, Disability Equity & Neuroinclusion at Novartis

3mo

Thank you Rob Kowalski for your strong sponsorship of our disability equity and neuroinclusion activities! As we discussed last week, it is really important that senior role models like Paula Landmann openly discuss their own experiences of disability.

James Hollis

Talent Acquisition || ERG Lead || Neurodiversity Advocate & Speaker || Neurodivergent Analytics & Problem-Solving

3mo

Thank you for sharing Rob Kowalski! I could not agree more. I feel privileged to work for a company which recognizes that disabilities are often non-apparent but, as Paula cogently proves to us all, do not prevent you from pursuing a successful career aimed at changing patients' lives for the better.

Deepak Bisht

Environmental Sustainability & HSE Operations, Novartis

3mo

Thank you, Paula, for sharing your powerful story and inspiring us with your accomplishments. 🌟

Sanyin Siang

Thinkers50 Coaching Legend (Hall of Fame)| CEO, Board & Tech Advisor| Duke Engineering Professor| Leads Duke University Coach K Leadership & Ethics Ctr

3mo

Paula Landmann - thank you so much for sharing your own personal story and raising awareness for #DisabilityPrideMonth.

Shubham M.

Director Solution Delivery @ Novartis | Data-driven process workflow, BPM Expert

3mo

Glad to be a part of organisation with ‘empathy’ as its core. Heart-warming story to me !

Chetan Mallik

Global Capability Centre (GCC) Communications & Engagement Leader Passionate About Everything Tech! Work Philosophy: If I Spot A Story, Consider It Told.

3mo

Goosebump stuff Paula Landmann Inspiring!

Adéla Odrihocká

Award-winning Rare Disease Advocate | Disability advocacy & Consulting | Public speaker | Diversity & Inclusion | Medical translator & interpreter

3mo

Such an important topic to address! Thank you for discussing the dynamic aspects of living with a chronic condition and disability as well.

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Evan Beckman

Global Head of Translational Medicine at Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research (NIBR)

3mo

Thank you Paula Landmann for bravely sharing your story and inspiring others, and for the welcoming community and support here at Novartis.

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Jen Schwartz

Senior Scientist at Novartis I Green Team ERG I One Young World Ambassador I

3mo

Paula, so wonderful to see you continuing to share your story. And with James is even better!

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