Dave Webber The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
How would you describe PCMG to someone in no more than 20 words?
“A highly effective and motivated organisation focused on promoting outsourcing best practice with extensive opportunities to network with industry colleagues.”
What attracted you to join PCMG as a member and how did it happen?
“I was alerted to the existence of PCMG by a colleague. At my first meeting around 25 years ago there were 5 people in attendance.”
What benefit did you gain from joining the committee?
“The networking opportunities have been by far the biggest benefit of my membership of PCMG along with gaining considerable in depth knowledge through the workshops, webinars and annual Assembly. I know that I have made numerous contacts who I can get in touch with to understand their perspectives and experience and to share what has worked well and not so well for them. This has been invaluable as I have gained experience and taken on positions of increasing responsibility.”
What experiences weren’t you expecting before you joined the Committee which proved useful in the workplace?
“Again, it’s the networking that has been extremely useful. People in the PCMG are very willing to share their experiences whilst respecting the boundaries of confidentiality and commercial sensitivity. Many of these contacts have become trusted friends over the years who I have turned to for advice and recommendations on a wide range of subjects. At least two of my career moves have come about as a direct result of my contacts within PCMG.”
How has membership of the Committee changed your working perspectives?
“It has taught me that the issues I have encountered are common place across the industry and we are all striving to overcome many of the same hurdles. Hence sharing information and experiences is extremely valuable. I have also learned that in many cases there isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer but something that meets the need of your own organisation and needs at the time.”
What are the major changes in the outsourcing landscape that are affecting members of PCMG?
“The outsourcing landscape gets ever more complex with increasing regulation, pressures to deliver faster and do more with less, and with the ever increasing array of external service providers that play a key role in project delivery. The introduction of AI is something that will inevitably change the landscape and an area that we need to be responsive to and adapt accordingly.”
What piece of advice would you give someone considering putting themselves forward for a place on the PCMG Committee?
“Don’t hesitate, you wont regret it. My involvement in the PCMG committee on and off for more than 20 years has been extremely rewarding and I have learned a lot from the many talented and motivated individuals I have worked with. It’s easy to sit back and enjoy the benefits of membership without giving anything back. However the organisation will only continue to go from strength to strength with the addition of new committee members with fresh ideas, new perspectives and a passion and drive to make PCMG the best it can be.”