FROM ANALYTICS TO ADVOCACY

With Dr. Ewa J. Kleczyk

Ewa J. Kleczyk, PhD, is a highly accomplished professional in healthcare analytics and data curation with two decades of experience. As the Senior Vice President of Commercial Analytics & Data Curation at Target RWE, she leads the delivery of cutting-edge real-world data solutions crucial for drug development and commercialization in the healthcare industry.

Dr. Kleczyk is renowned for her leadership in healthcare analytics and operations, establishing high-performing teams and delivering innovative solutions. She is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and has made significant contributions through publications and board memberships.

Dr. Kleczyk's dedication to mentoring women leaders in healthcare has earned her numerous awards. She has been recognized for her exceptional contributions, including being a finalist at the Women in IT Awards and receiving the Global Champion for Women in Healthcare Leadership recognition. Recently, she has been recognized with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her leadership and mentoring involvement.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Kleczyk actively engages in community service, serves on the Community Cancer Council, and promotes education as a respected member of the faculty at the University of Maine. She holds a Doctorate Degree in Agricultural & Applied Economics and is recognized for her diverse background, enriching her contributions to the healthcare industry.

Dr. Kleczyk, we’re so honored to have you grace our Building Her Dream Magazine cover. We always like to ask our guests about their dream. If you could wake up and have the perfect dream life, what would it look like?

In my dream, I find myself blissfully residing in my picturesque lake house nestled in the serene beauty of Maine. Surrounded by nature's tranquility, I have the luxury of abundant time to immerse myself in my true passions: writing captivating books and imparting knowledge as a dedicated professor at a nearby local university.

What adds an extra sprinkle of magic to this dream is the freedom to jet off to Poland whenever my heart desires, allowing me to spend time with my family as well as explore new horizons and experience the wonders of my home country.

I realize that I am already partially living my dream, relishing the quietude and inspiration that the lake house offers while actively engaging with the vibrant academic community at the college.

The fulfillment of my aspirations is unfolding before my eyes, making each moment at the lake house a cherished step towards the embodiment of my most cherished dreams.

Thank you for sharing that beautiful dream. So, tell us what inspired you to do the great work you do.

My engagement primarily revolves around the professional sphere, and I also get the chance to support women in their career advancement and professional development. It is of great importance to me that women have a prominent presence at the "table" in boardrooms and executive positions, particularly in STEM fields.

I’m sure you’ve faced many challenges along your journey. What’s one?

Facing shyness and grappling with the difficulty of speaking up or promoting myself has been a personal challenge. However, I have made significant progress by consistently pushing myself beyond my comfort zone and engaging in activities that demand selfexpression. These efforts have contributed to my personal growth and enabled me to accomplish many of my career goals.

Many of us can relate to that. How do you keep yourself motivated and inspired when things don’t go as planned?

The inevitability of unexpected challenges is a constant reality. As a leader, adaptability and unwavering focus on the objective play pivotal roles. My greatest strength lies in perseverance, which has consistently aided me on my path. Additionally, recognizing that certain aspects are transient and will eventually subside has been a crucial aspect of my journey.

You mentioned that you are shy. How do you handle networking and other activities that require you to be extroverted?

I participate in community gatherings, proactively seek opportunities to address conferences where I can expand my network, and push my boundaries by engaging in social events like happy hours and local meetups. Additionally, volunteering has proven to be an excellent method for meeting new people and acquiring valuable skills that benefit my professional growth.

Observing my past employees thrive and evolve into skilled professionals and leaders has been the most gratifying aspect of my role as a leader and executive. Facilitating the growth of others in their careers and aiding them in discovering their unique paths has brought immense pride to me.

Do you think it's possible to maintain a healthy work-life balance? If so, how do you do it?

Achieving work-life balance in all aspects of our lives is a challenging endeavor. It requires a conscious and careful effort, with a focus on planning activities that yield the desired results. Personally, I often find it challenging to prioritize self-care, but I have adopted certain strategies to ensure I take time for myself. These include planning vacations, scheduling relaxing spa sessions, and setting aside time for regular exercise to maintain a sense of well-being.

How often do you get to take a vacation?

What has been the most rewarding experience for you throughout your career?

Time off is very important. I try to take a day every month to myself but it is not always as simple and easy as one would think. I love going to Maine and spending time at our lake house, where I can relax, slow down and just be me.

You’ve been in business for a long time. What have you learned about yourself throughout your journey?

I fail daily but also grow professionally and progress my goals forward. This is the most important part of my journey as a leader, mentor and community advocate.

What do you believe are the most important skills that an introvert needs to develop?

Perseverance. Stick with your mission and continue the journey. It might not be perfect, but continued progress will get you to the goal.

Yes, done is better than perfect. What advice would you give to other introverted women who are just getting started?

I encourage you to take the leap. Life is a journey, and each endeavor presents an opportunity for personal growth. Begin with small steps, devise a solid plan, and remain committed to it. Challenges in your career or business are indicators of significant progress. Embrace the ability to adapt and alter your course when necessary to ensure continuous advancement.

Thank you for taking the time to share your story, Dr. Kleczyk.

If you want to learn more about Dr. Ewa J. Kleczyk, you can visit her LinkedIn here: www.linkedin.com/in/ewakleczyk

INTROVERTS CAN HAVE A SIMPLE