Julian Narchet is a marketing and mass communications professional, and a Communications Manager at the University of Miami. He has extensive experience in customer service, market research, academic research, research administration, social media, public relations, and event management. He is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others through cooperation with non-profits and healthcare organizations.
Julian, Thank you for doing this. Tell me about your best and worst days at work.
My best days involve seeing my work come to life, whether in the form of content going live or speaking to a new group about the research project I work on and getting immediate interest and sign-ups from new participants. In marketing/communications, a lot of work can sometimes go unnoticed, so it is always great to see an impact. There aren’t many bad days, but I would say those involve getting bogged down by multiple projects, poor results from a recent campaign, or rapidly approaching deadlines. However, I feel there is always a light at the end of the tunnel with those days because with those deadlines comes a new opportunity to see my work in action again.
What are the projects that you most enjoy working on?
I work as a Communications Manager for the All of Us Research Program in my current role. I really enjoy speaking engagements with audiences and sparking their interest in the research program. Our research program aims to push healthcare forward for generations to come, so it is great to see people get involved and truly contribute to the future of healthcare.
What was the biggest ‘a-ha’ moment in your career?
In my career, my biggest a-ha moment was realizing my passion for the healthcare industry. Over the years, from interning at a hospital system to a public relations agency to now joining the University of Miami, I continually stepped further into the healthcare realm and increasingly became happier with my work.
What has been the most important part of your professional journey?
The most important part for me was realizing how much relationships matter. Whether the relationships are with clients, partners, coworkers, or managers, I believe having a strong relationship with those around you makes work more enjoyable and easier. It’s always great when I can pick up the phone and call someone in a department I rarely work with, but we already have a rapport, and we are happy to help each other out with whatever the issue may be.
What risks is your industry facing?
An obvious threat to the healthcare industry is the current pandemic we all face, COVID-19. The rampant spread of COVID has forced us to stop seeing research participants on-site at times which greatly hinders the research program for short periods of time. I believe COVID has also created or added to the distrust that some have for the healthcare industry as a whole. We have to work to earn the community’s trust and show that those who work in healthcare genuinely have their best interests at heart.
What would you do with unlimited resources?
Two causes that mean a lot to me are making healthcare and education available to everyone. With unlimited resources, it would be great to find a way to make high-quality and safe environments available to people from all walks of life where they can get a great education or the healthcare they may need.
When was the last time you totally lost yourself in doing something?
Occasionally that will happen with my work, and I need to remind myself to take a break or call it a day. As I’m sure many others can relate to, working from home has been an adjustment. I have personally embraced it, but I also have to remind myself that I don’t have to start working the second I wake up, I can take lunch breaks longer than 15 minutes, and that I don’t have to work all these extra hours just because I’m home and I feel that “I might as well.” It’s easy to assume that working from home can lead to a lack of productiveness but for some like myself, it’s important to remind yourself to take breaks and call it a day at an appropriate time.
What do you do when you’re not at work?
When I am not working, some of my interests include watching sports, movies, exercising, or gaming. I am a big soccer and football fan and somewhat of a movie buff. I am always interested in watching a good new movie or re-watching an old favorite.
How do you feel you make a difference in the world?
I feel lucky to be in my current role as part of a research program truly aiming to change the future of healthcare. Raising awareness and spreading the word about the All of Us Research Program is extremely rewarding. Every research participant who signs up contributes to a better future for healthcare where treatment can be tailored to each individual. This tailored approach can lead to better outcomes for patients from all walks of life in the future. It’s gratifying to contribute to this unique research program that will genuinely make a difference in the world and the future of healthcare.
