For Swiss TPH alumna Cristin Connor, well-being is both personal and professional. The MBA in International Health Management at Swiss TPH sharpened her ability to see health through a global lens – one she now applies daily as she leads employee health and well-being initiatives at Johnson & Johnson.
Hello Cristin! Please introduce yourself.
As the Head of Employee Health & Well-Being for the Americas, I am responsible for the occupational health and well-being of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) employees across North and South America. My extensive nursing and exercise physiology training prepared me to manage workplace injuries, illness, and prevention strategies to reduce these cases. Work (and life) experience prepared me to manage and lead the amazing clinicians and support staff on my team. The MBA in International Health Management at Swiss TPH brought together business management essentials and the global view I needed to lead and champion our work every day!
Where does your enthusiasm for global health come from?
My nursing career took me all over the United States (US) and provided a thorough understanding of the US healthcare system. My passion to understand global health systems, alternative models of patient care, and financing of health systems, led me to Swiss TPH and my current role at J&J.
Why did you choose to study at Swiss TPH?
When I started in 2017, the Swiss TPH MBA program in International Health Management was unique in its curriculum and the only one of its kind. It provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: I was able to travel to Basel and connect in person with global MBA students.
Can you share a memorable moment from your time at Swiss TPH?
The most memorable moment was my return to Basel after an extended delay caused by COVID-19 travel restrictions. We were just beginning to grasp the full scope of the global pandemic, and it was clear to all of us how relevant global health management had become – exactly what we had been preparing for in our MBA program: taking a systems view and a holistic approach to health leadership, management and resolving global health issues.
And, I can’t help but remember the many fun evenings I shared with my fellow MBA students reflecting on and discussing the similarities and differences across our many cultures.
Looking back, what has been the biggest impact of your education at Swiss TPH on your life and career?
The biggest impact has been gaining the ability to see my work through a global lens and approaching my team with a visionary and global perspective that drives optimal outcomes for our employees. Many occupational safety practices are grounded in US research and policies, but practices from outside the US provide a new perspective on implementing health, safety and well-being programs in the workplace, given the unique healthcare reimbursement systems, workers’ compensation and workplace leave programs in place.
Another highlight was connecting with professionals from all over the world, many of whom I have stayed in touch with since graduating.
Describe a project or initiative you have been involved in since graduating that you are particularly proud of.
I am rewarded by my work every day and grateful for my exceptional team, peers, and leadership at J&J who provide us the opportunity to impact the health and safety of our employees. The most rewarding aspect of my role is leading my team! Currently, we are pushing toward the expansion of an electronic medical record system throughout Latin America. This project is critical for improving clinical efficiency, ensuring data privacy and upgrading the employee experience in our on-site clinics. The data analytics derived from this system will take our approach to workplace health and well-being to the next level and provide global insights on our impact.
What advice would you offer to current students who are navigating their career paths?
Recognize that career growth takes time and experience. If you push through work as an individual and alienate your team and peers, your efforts are unlikely to resonate and deliver the change you were aiming for. Be patient, focus on partnerships, and work with your stakeholders to ensure your work delivers to those you serve in the workplace. These actions may lead to transformative change.
If you could inspire one change in the world, big or small, what would it be?
Regular movement, access to quality nutrition and adequate recovery time impact a company's bottom line! The best ideas come from a fresh mind and healthy body.
Reach out to Cristin Connor on LinkedIn.