I haven’t blogged in awhile. It’s a combination of writer’s block and being extremely busy. While the busy thing probably won’t change, I need to figure a way to break through this writer’s block. I’m going to try writing about something I haven’t been able to stop thinking about and hopefully you will find it interesting.

One reason I’ve been so busy is because I recently accompanied my NGO, Direct Relief International, on a visit to GSK for previously planned meetings. While I was nothing but a fly on the wall during the meetings, there were three reasons why this trip was so wonderful for me:

1. I was able to cure some of my homesickness by eating all of my favorite Philly foods and spending time with my wonderful family and my INCREDIBLY AWESOME GSK colleagues.
2. I got a chance to see GSK and Direct Relief in a different light and this gave me a few ideas to help me with my assignment.
3. Most importantly, and I know this is going to sound cheesy and like I drank the corporate kool-aid, I got to hear Andrew Witty’s most recent employee broadcast.

I don’t think any further explanation is needed for the first reason, although I’m sure I gained 15 lbs. in one week by eating cheesesteaks, water ice, tastykakes and my family’s home cooking.

The opportunity to be a visitor at home, meaning to be an “outsider” and see GSK from that perspective was incredible. As an observer, I watched how GSK interacted with an NGO who receives their support and I watched how the NGO interacted with the organization that provides support. I learned that they don’t always speak the same language and I can help Direct Relief achieve some of their goals by helping them craft their communications with a business audience in mind. However, it was also great to see the GSK representatives so genuinely interested in the good work that Direct Relief does. It showed that doing good and Corporate Social Responsibility is not just “bolt-on activity”, as Andrew would say.

And, speaking of Andrew, his employee broadcast was motivating. Lucky for me I happened to be at GSK when he was doing his employee broadcast.  In my communications “day job” at GSK I have seen and worked on many of his broadcasts and while I have always found him to be a great speaker, this broadcast was by far his best. He touched on the topic of reputation that I blogged about earlier and spoke about being a great leader and manager at GSK. He said all of the things I have been thinking and his honesty and candidness was refreshing. The broadcast reaffirmed for me why I have chosen to work at GSK and left me energized to return to my assignment. So, to my GSK peeps, if you haven’t seen the broadcast I highly recommend you take the time to view it.

Whew, I feel like I finally broke through the block. Until next time.

Categories: North America