Client Solutions Executive Career Q&A with Dmitri

Clarkston Client Solutions Executive Dmitri shares his experience and background with the firm, and his own advice for stewards new to Clarkston or looking to join.

How long have you been with Clarkston?

I joined Clarkston about 7 years ago. Prior to joining Clarkston, I spent over 8 years in the various sectors of the pharmaceutical industry (generics, consumer products, biotech, and vaccines) primarily working in the quality, laboratory, and technology space.

What is your role at Clarkston?

I currently serve as a Client Solutions Executive, which focuses on ensuring successful project set up for existing and prospective clients. This encompasses all activities from initial discovery of client’s needs all the way to project planning (scope, resources, timeline, and cost) and initiation. In addition, I serve as the lead for the Generics Industry subvertical, a community of industry experts focused on staying current with the latest industry trends and events.

Tell us about a new skill you’ve developed recently.

Most recently, I’ve been mastering the skills necessary to lead large global projects through the disruption caused by the pandemic. Such projects are challenging enough already, but the sudden onset of the pandemic required a different approach to managing risks and issues, project resources, and approach to project execution.

If you had to choose, which of Clarkston’s core values do you feel resonates with you the most?

The Clarkston’s core value that I associate closest with is the Industry Expertise. I have successfully completed numerous number of projects focused on improvements of Quality, IT and Laboratory operations, across various industry sectors: R&D, Clinical, CTDO, Generics, Consumer Products, Cell & Gene Therapy, Biotech, and Vaccines. The broad experience allows me to fully understand the business needs of a client and structure a project to solve the need in the best possible way.

Which internal initiatives, communities, or projects are you involved in at Clarkston?

I am a member of several communities and initiatives at Clarkston. As a lead of the Generics community, I serve an active role with the goal of connecting industry experts in order to learn from each other and stay current with the latest trends. Additionally, I am an active participant of the Quality and Compliance community, LIMS Group, and the local NJ office.

What advice would you give to someone starting at Clarkston?

My advice to a new Clarkston steward would be to try to fully immerse themselves in all aspects of Clarkston’s culture. From joining the communities to learning from fellow stewards on the project to learning new skills through Clarkston’s Labs, there is a lot of opportunity for growth no matter whether you are just joining the workforce or come with 30+ years of experience.