Rowland Zhu 

We are the creators of possible: Driving transformative change

For Thomas Walker, it’s an exciting time to be at BD working within the Integrated Diagnostic Solutions (IDS) business. You see, Thomas loves to study and evaluate things to truly understand them – which is likely why he is so effective at his role as Diagnostic Solutions Consulting Manager for the UK and Ireland.

“I lead a small but great team of people who help our commercial customers better understand their complex microbiology and lab diagnostic solutions needs. We typically work with C-suite members, finance and procurement leaders, and others to assist their organizations with transformative end-to-end solutions, which then helps improve patient safety across care settings,” explained Thomas.

Solutions-focused People Leader Finds the Right Fit at BD

In addition to working side-by-side with customers to drive value for the National Health Services (NHS) pathology services overall, Thomas is passionate about connecting with people, leading them, and leaning more into Servant Leadership.

“I’m energized by building solutions-focused teams, as well as helping associates develop professionally. It’s a big passion for me. I really enjoy working within a highly matrixed organization and supporting cross-functional teams. My role at BD is the perfect fit for me in so many ways,” said Thomas.

Thomas graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from Northumbria University in 2008 and joined BD in 2020 after a series of sales roles and point-of-care jobs across several well-known healthcare companies. He said it was a connection with a former co-worker – who had previously worked for BD -- that would eventually lead him to the organization.

“Although I had these great experiences throughout my career with various companies, when I interviewed with Bruce (Bruce Caldwell, the Country Business Leader for IDS), the conversation made me feel like I was right at home – so familiar and really the kind of company and culture I had been looking for throughout my career. Our business area is in such a high growth mode – there are so many opportunities for us to really help shape the diagnostic landscape globally – it’s incredible,” said Thomas.

BD = People who Give Possibilities Purpose

When Thomas reflects on many of the organizational strengths of BD, one of the first things that comes to mind other than the strong emphasis on Servant Leadership is Growth Mindset.

“While our organization has so many different businesses and areas of focus, we all are united in our Purpose of advancing the world of health^TM, and really stressing the importance of taking a Growth Mindset in all we do. I think this is clearly seen by our customers too, which gives them the confidence in our abilities to help transform their approach or business,” said Thomas.

When Thomas is not at work, he is often found spending time with his family, his wife Louise and two daughters. He might also be found watching motorsports or perhaps even with a wrench in hand taking apart a motorbike – an interest his father, who served in the infantry with the British Army Coldstream Guards, helped foster.