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Le Thanh Man: Finding The Role I Was Meant For

The Sanofi role I didn’t get, helped me find the one I was meant for

Le Thanh Man, Customer Engagement Manager for Sanofi Vaccines in Vietnam, reveals how early rejection became the catalyst for a decade of intentional growth, and how Sanofi's career development resources helped him build the career he'd always envisioned.

My journey at Sanofi has never been a straight line. There have been many highs that have lifted me and lows that have humbled me. And there have been times when I gave my best, yet results fell short of expectations. But that only spurred me on.

But through it all, I've learned to embrace each moment, every success, and every setback, as part of my growth. Every time I chose to keep going, something within me changed.

Finding my path through persistence

I started at Sanofi in 2015 as a Medical Representative. At that time, a lot of pharmacy graduates in Vietnam, including me, hoped to work here – it felt like a place where you could see science making a real difference for people.

I genuinely enjoyed connecting with healthcare professionals and translating complex scientific data into meaningful benefits for patients. But during a temporary assignment covering for a colleague on maternity leave, I had my first taste of marketing. I was drawn to the idea of transforming field insights into strategic brand decisions.

Soon after, I applied for a full-time marketing role. I didn't get the job. The feedback was honest: I wasn't experienced enough to have strategic view the role required.

What happened next left a lasting impression. The manager who turned me down didn't just say "no" and walk away; she offered her time and expert advice. We had a long conversation where she clearly outlined what I needed to develop: strategic thinking, digital marketing capabilities, and omnichannel knowledge. Her feedback was specific, constructive, and encouraging. Even after that conversation, she continued to coach me over the years.

That feedback became my roadmap. I threw myself into building the capabilities I lacked.

Building skills through Sanofi's career development program

It was at this point that I discovered the true power of working in a place that invests in its people. My managers were aware of my aspirations and actively supported my development, even though there wasn't an immediate role available.

I was nominated for internal development programs like Evolve and Inside Out. Evolve helped me understand my inner motivations and build coaching skills. Inside Out strengthened my resilience and taught me how to manage pressure – skills I still rely on today.

The most valuable lessons came through hands-on experience in cross-functional projects. My manager deliberately assigned me tasks to build my marketing capabilities. I worked on brand planning initiatives, supported product launches, and collaborated with marketing teams on strategic development.

My confidence grew as the organization recognized my contributions. I received the Sanofi Hero Awards in 2016 and 2018 – signals that the company recognized my potential.

In 2021, I was given the opportunity to step into a people management role as Area Manager for the Vaccines team. It motivated me to develop my leadership and strategic thinking further. Although I remained in Sales, I knew I was steadily moving closer to my goal. I gained real-world experience in digital marketing, implemented omnichannel solutions, and made strategic decisions that shaped business outcomes.

When preparation meets opportunity

In October 2024, everything aligned. Sanofi created the Customer Engagement Manager role as part of our shift toward more customer-centric strategies. It was a perfect fit, blending my Sales background with the Marketing skills I had spent years developing.

The role focuses on understanding the whole customer journey and creating meaningful, multi-channel touchpoints. My weekly responsibilities include orchestrating impactful engagements from healthcare professionals to the public to enhance brand visibility, collaborating with key opinion leaders to drive advocacy and credibility, developing engaging training materials to empower stakeholders, and contributing to strategic brand initiatives.

What excites me most is how this role brings everything together. My field experience enables me to understand the needs of healthcare professionals. My management background allows me to coordinate complex projects. My marketing skills finally have a proper home.

Throughout this journey, what struck me most about Sanofi is the unwavering support I've received from colleagues. People often credit my persistence and resilience, but I couldn't have stayed motivated without being surrounded by great people in an environment that encourages growth.

My next aspiration? To become a Customer Engagement Lead, developing others whilst continuing to grow. At Sanofi, this feels not only possible but natural.

Advice for the journey

To anyone whose career path hasn't been liner: don't lose heart. Many incredible careers aren’t. The road may be winding, but each twist and turn is shaping you into someone stronger and more well-rounded. Ultimately, it's perseverance, not pace, that paves the way for breakthroughs.

When you face rejection, ask the tricky question: "What do I need to improve?" Then be systematic about building those capabilities. Make the most of every training, every cross-functional project, and every development opportunity your company offers.

Most importantly, I strive to find joy in everything I do, especially during challenging or unfamiliar moments. When things feel uncomfortable or overwhelming, I remind myself of my motivation: to grow, to help others succeed, and to bring value to our customers. I focus on the small wins, the people I get to support, and the impact I'm making.

That early rejection didn't stop me. It propelled me forward. Sometimes, the best opportunities come to those who turn setbacks into stepping stones.

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