Klara Csizmadia – Fueled by the impact of our purpose and contributions

Outside work, I find happiness in nature, creativity, and discovery. Whether I am exploring new cities or wandering the peaceful forests around Budapest with my family, travel and nature recharge me. One of my favorite pastimes is mushroom foraging, especially in autumn, when the forests come alive with vibrant colors and textures. I see mushrooms not just as ingredients, but as the dazzling jewelry of the forest floor. There is something magical about walking quietly beneath the trees, hunting for these small, colorful treasures that only reveal themselves to those who take the time to look.

I have a deep passion for creating things with my hands. Knitting brings me calm and satisfaction, and I am thrilled to recently learn crocheting through the Green Community at our office. One of my quirkiest and most beloved hobbies is designing earrings made from used coffee capsules. There is always a new technique or craft to learn, and my next adventure is furniture restoration. I can’t wait to see what I will create next.

My career journey

Creativity, curiosity, and care shape not only my personal life but also my career. After more than a decade in finance roles across the oil and telecom industries as well as Roche, I felt the need for a change. While I enjoyed using my mathematical and logical skills, I was ready for more purposeful work that felt more human. That is when I had the opportunity to join the Global External Collaborations Enablement Team (formerly the External Engagement Coordination Team) as an External Engagement Coordination Partner. I haven’t looked back since.

This role has been a turning point for me. Each day brings new challenges and excitement. I coordinate and oversee the full administrative journey behind medical events where healthcare professionals are engaged at standalone gatherings or large conferences. It is a process rich with detail from gathering information and navigating approvals to contracts, logistics, invoicing, and reporting. Every event is different. Every project teaches me something new, and every successful outcome brings a deep sense of fulfillment.

What truly fuels me, though, is the impact. I feel a strong connection to Roche’s purpose and in knowing that the work I do behind the scenes contributes, even indirectly, to improving lives. When I hear that a medical event went smoothly or that our support made a difference for stakeholders, I feel proud of the part I played. One particularly special memory was hosting our team’s face-to-face meeting in Budapest. I helped plan and coordinate the entire gathering for our international colleagues, and although it had its share of roadblocks (as any big event does!), the result was a joyful, productive, and unforgettable two days together.

Working in such an inclusive, global team is a privilege. I learnt so much not only from the professional expertise of my colleagues but also from their cultures, traditions, and even their kitchens! I love swapping recipes and stories during lunch. Hearing about their countries’ spices, dishes, and customs brings a whole new flavor to our workdays.

What inspires me most at work are the Global Medical Director colleagues I support. Their dedication to advancing science and serving our company’s broader vision motivates me to bring my best to the table every day. It is a reminder that excellence happens not in isolation, but in partnership with every role, detail, and person contributing to a greater purpose.

Even on tough days, my motivation remains strong. The purpose behind our work keeps me going forward. I believe any challenge can be resolved. It is just a matter of creating a resolution plan and not being afraid to ask for help. I feel deeply grateful to be part of a culture that values learning, openness, and mission-driven work.

My RSS high-5!

It is not only RSS’s birthday this year, but my 5th birthday at Roche (July 21) 😊. My RSS high-five goes to all of the RSS people who went through the five-year journey, contributed to the numerous transformation projects besides their daily tasks, and remained successful throughout the challenges!