Career On Purpose: A Merck Podcast

This episode of Merck’s Career on Purpose introduces Project AdVAnce, a groundbreaking initiative at Merck’s new robotics-enabled facility in West Point, Pennsylvania. Key leaders Vincent Sanfiorenzo, Senior Director of Lab Systems and Sample Management; Kristin Geddes, Principal Scientist; and Erin Hein, also a Principal Scientist; discuss how this project is transforming laboratory spaces and da...

In this episode of Career on Purpose, Betsy Powlus, Associate Director in Merck’s Manufacturing Division, shares her journey of taking bold career leaps over her 21 years at the company. Inspired by her mother's battle with breast cancer, Betsy joined Merck to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients.    Betsy discusses the supportive culture at Merck, emphasizing the importance of me...

This episode of Career on Purpose shines a light on a dimension of diversity that most people can’t see, hear, or, in many cases, even imagine – neurodiversity.     Our guest for this episode is Michael Golub, Director of AI Ethics and Compliance at Merck. Michael also co-leads the Dyslexic Thinkers Community, a sub-community of the Merck’s capABILITY Network – the employee resource group committe...

On this episode of Career on Purpose, we’re joined by Leonardo Costa, Global Head of Safety, Efficacy, and Licensing – Global Regulatory at Merck. During this episode, Leo shares his career journey from South America to the U.S., beginning with his interest in veterinary medicine, which initially stemmed from his grandfather's farming background. Leo then talks about his move to the pharmaceutical...

On this episode of Career on Purpose, Hayley Ludwig, Associate Director, Oncology Key Accounts, and Claire McSorley, Associate Director, Medicare Account Executive at Merck, join the podcast to discuss their personal experiences with breast cancer and the support they have received while working at Merck.    McSorley and Ludwig discuss their role in creating Breast Friends, a division of Merck's W...

On this episode of Career on Purpose, we're joined by Erika Belsaas, a senior specialist in engineering and Global Lead of Merck’s Rainbow Alliance – the employee resource group (EBRG) focused on supporting individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. At many large companies, diversity, equity and inclusion (or DE&I) programs can be performative, check-the-box empty promises. Not at Merck. As a member...

On this episode of Career on Purpose, we're joined by Celeste Warren, Merck’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and Vice President Global Diversity and Inclusion Center of Excellence at Merck.  At Merck, inclusion and belonging are just words – it’s a critical part of our culture at every level of the company. As Chief D&I Officer, Celeste shares her journey from nearly a decade in consume...

What does diversity mean? While many think of the differences we can see, most forget those we can’t. On this episode of Career on Purpose, we're joined by Alyssa Kobela, Associate Principal Scientist at Merck and a lead member of the company’s capABILITY Network – the employee resource group committed to creating a safe and empathetic space for Merck colleagues with disabilities and their allies....

On this episode of Career on Purpose, we speak with Pernille Fredslund, who works as Director, Business Practices, International Marketing in the company’s Denmark location. During the podcast, Pernille details her experiences and career growth during her 27 years at the company. She highlights the importance of embracing change, mentorship, and networking, while sharing her firsthand experience e...

On the debut episode of Merck’s Career On Purpose podcast, we explore the transformative “Skills-First” program at Merck. This unique initiative helps attract, develop, attract, advance, and retain talented individuals who don’t have a four-year degree. Episode guests include Ngozi Motilewa, Enterprise HR Lead, Skills-First Diversity Talent Initiative at Merck; and Robert Roberson, Enterprise Shar...