Jajuana Patrick
Express Scripts
St. Louis, MO
Lafayette High School
Stevens Institute of Business and Arts, AAS, Business Administration
National Louis University, BS, Business Management
Fontbonne University, MBA
Organizational Development Network
St. Louis Organizational Development Network
Association for Talent Development (ATD)
Society for Human Resource Management
Scripts Masters
In short, what do you do?
As an Organizational Development practitioner, I have the pleasure of helping Express Scripts corporate client groups and Canadian team leaders drive individual, team, and organization effectiveness. A large part of my role is being a strategic partner who can help address organizational challenges and solve business problems. I harness my passion for people to implement solutions with long-term results through strategic business processes and planning.
You have an impressive 16 year career with organizations like Reinsurance Group, Caleres and Lumiere. What professional experience/lessons have been most helpful in your role at Express Scripts?
Yes, while these companies are diverse and vastly different in every faucet, I’ve had some amazing experiences at each and I’ve been able to apply the following lessons learned here at Express Scripts:
- Putting people first
- Recognizing the importance and impact of top talent and critical roles
- Learning to lead peers and managing up
- The ability to influence no matter the position
- The ability to apply past learnings to new experiences
- Change requires some flexibility
- You can apply new methods while preserving the company culture
- You are in charge of your own work-life balance
Why was it important for you to continue your education and earn your MBA?
For me, continuing my education was a personal goal. I always knew I would be on a learning journey for the rest of my life. As a life-long learner, I believe education gives people the skills and tools they need to navigate the world in an informed manner.
I have very broad professional and personal interest, so the decision to earn my MBA was sort of an epiphany. When I was younger and deciding on my career choice, I thought I could dabble in a few areas at the same time. That’s when I decided that the commonality in all of those choices led to a focus in Business. Pursuing my MBA taught me breath in core business functions and gave me a greater understanding of how business processes are created and implemented across an organization.
What are some of your key takeaways from membership in organizations like Scripts Master’s and the St. Louis Organizational Development Network?
Scripts Master’s has helped me become a more confident speaker all while gaining leadership skills to become a stronger leader in all areas of my life.
The St. Louis OD Network has provided me the opportunity to upskill my skills through various learning experiences, idea sharing and leveraging best practices. I also get a chance to interact and network with my professional peers which has led to some informal mentoring.
What are your favorite family destinations/landmarks in St. Louis?
My family and I love food, different experiences and the outdoors. We enjoy combining all three loves and look forward annually to attending the St. Louis Greek Fest, Fair St. Louis, Uncorked and the Taste of St. Louis. We also like to spend our time in the Central West End, Delmar Loop, Downtown St. Louis and Forest Park.
