a Career with purpose
I'm Cindy Carlisle, Chief Human Resources Officer at Baxter. When people ask me what motivates me in my career, the answer is simple: making a meaningful impact on people's lives while helping others reach their full potential.
Throughout my career, I've been driven by a passion for developing talent, fostering authentic connections, and creating environments where people can do their best work. What makes Baxter especially meaningful to me is the opportunity to combine those passions with our Mission of improving outcomes for patients around the world. Knowing that the work we do ultimately touches and improves lives is both inspiring and deeply rewarding.
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when purpose brings clarity
Recently, I spent a day helping our teams move new beds into a Midwest hospital. Hearing nurses talk about what those beds would mean for their patients brought our Mission to life for me.
It reminded me why I encourage people to look beyond a job description when they’re considering where to work. Try to get close to the impact your work can have. That’s often when the purpose becomes clear.
when purpose becomes personal
Not long after this experience, I visited a family member in the hospital and saw her resting in a Baxter bed. In that moment, our work was no longer something I talked about as a leader. Someone I love was receiving care supported by the work our teams do every day.
Suddenly, Baxter's Mission to Save and Sustain Lives wasn't just a statement. It had become part of my own family's story.
“This is an opportunity for you to do the best work of your life.”
Cindy Carlisle
EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer
“Baxter offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while growing personally and professionally. Employees can build new skills, work with people who are deeply committed to the Mission and contribute to products and solutions that help improve patient care around the world.”
Culture is how we deliver our mission
When people ask how we prioritize culture, my answer is simple: culture is part of how we deliver our Mission. It shapes how we work together, how we make decisions and how we navigate change. The way we treat one another matters. The way we collaborate matters. The way we lead through change matters.
That's why our core values of CARE deeply, ACT boldly, and OWN our impact are so important to me. I've seen these behaviors reflected in countless interactions across the company. When people genuinely care about one another, challenge themselves to find better solutions, and take ownership of their work, everyone benefits, including the patients and customers who depend on us.
Find a Mentor
Early in my career, I benefited from a mentor who saw something in me that I hadn't yet seen in myself. The conversations we had shaped how I thought about my career and opened my eyes to possibilities I hadn't considered.
It's one of the reasons I encourage you to seek out mentors. Look for someone whose skills, experiences, or perspective you admire. The best mentors don't tell you what to do. They help you learn more about yourself and expand how you think about your future.
your next step could be sideways
Some of my most valuable career experiences have come through lateral moves. They helped me understand different parts of the business and learn from people with different perspectives.
When people ask me how to grow their careers, I often tell them not to focus only on titles. Look for experiences that expand what you know and help you contribute in new ways. A new project or team can open up possibilities, too.
Uniquely You
A fresh perspective can change the direction of an entire conversation. In fact, your perspective may be exactly what helps move an idea forward!
You have something important to contribute, and sometimes all it takes is the courage to speak up. Different backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking help teams see opportunities and challenges in new ways. Even the experiences you gain outside your current role can shape how you contribute and create impact at work.
What's Next?
If there's one thing I've learned, it's this: be open to possibility. The experiences that can shape your career are often the ones you never saw coming.
A career built on purpose isn't always a straight line. It grows through new experiences, new relationships, and opportunities to learn. Your path may take you across roles, projects, teams, and new areas of expertise, but each step offers a chance to grow while contributing to work that matters.
I'm excited about what's ahead for Baxter and for the people who choose to build their careers here. Maybe your next mentor, challenge, or opportunity is waiting here, too.
Best,
Cindy