At BMS, we believe that company culture is a living, breathing force. And just as we remain dedicated to delivering innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases, we are equally committed to evolving our culture so that it serves each of our colleagues. Taking a deep dive into our culture, we sat down with Jamaal Sebastian-Barnes, Vice President of Talent and Culture. Learn what drew him to BMS, why he finds our culture unique, initiatives that are underway for 2025, and why now is an exciting time to join BMS.
Thanks for joining us, Jamaal. What first inspired you to pursue a career in talent management, and how has that initial spark of inspiration evolved?
I first started my career in the nonprofit space, focusing on youth development in the Boston area. In that role, I learned that exceptional performance for organizations is unlocked by having exceptional people in the right roles with the right skills and capabilities to meet the moment. This journey brought me to where I am today, asking and answering questions that sit at the nexus of organizational performance and human potential.
When did you know that joining BMS was the right decision?
On my first day. I remember walking onto campus and seeing the fundamental question that we ask ourselves day in and day out at BMS, which is: Who are you working for? The opportunity to do really powerful work—centered on our patients, the people we care about, our loved ones, the folks who inspire us to show up and support the millions of patients that we serve around the world—resonated deeply with me.
I think it resonates with our over 30,000 colleagues around the world, too. Because Who are you working for? is a motivating point for us. When I saw it on the walls of our campus in Princeton and began to speak to colleagues, I realized that it’s not just a theoretical question. It’s one that inspires our organization. It was in that moment when I realized fully that I was in the right place.
From a leadership perspective, how is BMS continuing to evolve the culture so that everyone is empowered?
Your biggest advocate—and the person with the greatest awareness of your own skills and capabilities—is you. To support you on your journey, we have introduced platforms that allow you to hone your skills and also understand the capabilities needed for various roles across the organization. Doing so empowers you to create a development plan that supports your growth.
In addition, we know that the conversations between managers and employees are absolutely critical. That’s why we emphasize performance coaching. We see it as integral to our colleagues’ growth and our ability to advance outcomes for the enterprise and the patients we serve around the world.
What would you say to candidates who may not have considered a career in the pharmaceutical space? Why should they put BMS at the top of their list?
When I was in the tech industry and transitioned into the pharmaceutical space, the biggest questions that I asked myself were: Is it even feasible? Can I make that transition? And my response to you is yes, you can. Your skills are invaluable and can be applied in a variety of settings. We are an organization that is focused on innovation and compassion, for our patients and for our people. And if that resonates with you, then we want to hear from you.
In 2025 and beyond, how will culture at BMS continue to both serve patients and help colleagues ignite their passion for serving patients?
As we move forward, our patient-centric culture is fundamental. In 2025 and beyond, we will continue to support our employees in how they bring their best selves to work. We want them to have the psychological safety, space for innovation, and ability to think creatively about their work, so that they can deliver for patients who need us.
What sets BMS apart from other organizations, and why is now an exciting time to join the organization?
When I think across industries—and I’ve had the great fortune of working in five—what I find unique is our willingness to try things differently. We’re an organization that’s over 140 years old, yet we don't rely on the phrase “We’ve always done it like this.” It’s that hunger for doing something new, seeking to constantly innovate—and doing so with great people, smart and passionate individuals—that makes our culture so distinct.
Now is a career-defining time to join an organization that's deeply passionate about people, that’s on the cutting edge of science for our patients, and is ultimately advancing meaningful outcomes for individuals around the world. We need your skills. We need your desire to continue to advance medicine for patients. Come join us.
