A day in the life of Dan Tovar
Photos Louis Canadas
Words Matthieu Morge-Zucconi
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The medical director talks to us about the pharmaceutical industry, family life and CrossFit.
"My daily routine is that of a simple man and loving father of three," says Dan Tovar, 44, as he welcomes us into the flat he shares with his wife and children. A pharmacist by training, he began working as a university professor and researcher, then medical director of a laboratory - and is one of our most loyal customers, by the way. A simple man and a loving father, with a lot to tell! Let’s learn more about his daily routine.
Can you tell us about yourself?
I'm 44 years old and was born in Spain, where I grew up. I came to France when I was in secondary school, and then stayed for university. I have dual nationality, two cultures and am bilingual. Although I trained to become a pharmacist, I have never worked as one as I quickly wanted to go into research and teaching. So, I did my doctoral thesis, before becoming a lecturer and researcher at the University of Toulouse. I worked there for five years before deciding to change careers as I was eager to learn more about the specific effects my work had on patients' health.. In 2008, I joined a pharmaceutical company to work in the medical affairs sector. I started in the field in south-western France, before moving to the head office in Paris in 2010.I was the medical director here until recently, but I'm departing to take on a new challenge.
What do you like most about this job?
I really enjoy the way in which science and business are interconnected: it is essential for me to provide solutions to medical problems, while ensuring that the company remains successful. The idea is to bring a medical perspective to business, which makes it extremely ethical. The field I work in is rather constrained, as you can't sell medicine like computers or shoes, but I really like the idea of helping patients. I also particularly enjoy management and leadership, and guiding a team towards a specific goal. I often read books on the subject of management and have learned a lot from great leaders.
What is this new challenge you spoke about?
I'll be joining the management committee of another laboratory, which will allow me to continue learning more about business, management and leadership. I need to constantly challenge myself, whether this means changing my professional situation, taking up new challenges, confronting difficult issues or experiencing new things. It's actually very exciting!
You also have another occupation: that of a father. How does being a father affect your daily routine?
I have three children: a girl who is 18, and two boys ages 10 and 7. I try to arrange my schedule so that I can spend time with them, especially the two youngest. I usually take them to school every other day. I try not to come home from work too late, because I like to go over their homework and have dinner with them. At the weekends, I spend a lot of time with them, watching rugby and regularly attending their matches.
Do you play sports?
It’s hard for me to find time to run during the week, so you can definitely call me a weekend runner! I run the same 45-minute circuit in the Bois de Boulogne every weekend. And, since the beginning of the school year, I have been taking CrossFit classes twice a week in the morning, which start at around 7:00. I really enjoy it because it's extremely varied and different every time. I’ve done a lot of team sports and CrossFit has a collective feel to it: we are a group of people from different backgrounds who endure together.
What time do you begin your day?
I don’t sleep much. I wake up at around 5 am and immediately make a cup of coffee. I’m a huge coffee drinker! Then I work, or read, until 7 am. I really enjoy this time by myself when everyone is asleep. My alone time is extremely vital. Then I take my shower, and at 7:30 I wake everyone up. The house then comes to life, with the kids getting ready and out the door to school!
Speaking of showers, what products do you use?
I have progressively found my go-to products: Horace toothbrush, Marvis whitening toothpaste, and Ren Skincare cream. Little by little, as the Horace range expands, I adopt the brand’s products. I'm not complicated. What I like about Horace is that the range is simple and there aren't hundreds of choices. I use face cleanser and cream every day, face scrub every other day and now cedar shower gel, which I really like. I also can’t wait to try the deodorant, and hair gel!
What hair gel do you currently use?
I have very curly and frizzy hair, which I don't like, so I use gel. At the moment, I use an American Crew gel, which works really well.
What is your working day like?
I drive to the office, arriving at around 9 am. I often work non-stop until 7pm, eating a light lunch, and most often a salad in front of my computer! I leave for home around 7 pm and spend the evening with my family. And, if necessary, I'll work from home again after dinner.
Do you find it easy to switch off once you get home?
My family would say no (laughs)! I really love my work. Yet, I'm able to maintain a healthy work-life balance. When I'm working, I'm fully dedicated to what I do. But I like to come home and enjoy a glass of white wine while cooking, and spend time with my family. In order, my passions are my children, my job, and Bruce Springsteen! I'm a huge fan. Everyone who knows me well knows that!
You spoke to us earlier about a new challenge and what it represents for you. How do you see your future?
I see myself going into business management. I've always had a very academic and well-defined career path. However, as I get older, I may decide to try my hand at something else, like becoming an entrepreneur. I’m really interested in entrepreneurship at the moment. I love creating things. I truly enjoyed spending two years managing a medical team, drawing up strategies, recruiting talent, training people, then moving on to other projects. It's not only great to grow an idea, but also to help people grow!