Senior Director, End User Services – Caidya
Not many people can say they’ve grown alongside a company for two decades — through transformations, technology revolutions, and global expansion. But Naim Salija, Senior Director of End User Services at Caidya, can.
On December 1, Naim celebrates 20 years of dedication, leadership, and impact. His journey is a story of passion, resilience, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the mission and people of Caidya.
We sat down with Naim to look back on the moments that shaped him, the milestones that made him proud, and the future he’s excited to help build. His answers — a blend of humility, humor, and heart — reflect exactly why he is such a deeply respected colleague across the company.
Let’s start with a moment. Can you share your very first memory at Caidya — the moment you thought, “I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be”?
My very first memory of Caidya takes me back to the day I walked into the office for the first time. There was a sense of energy and purpose in the air. I remember thinking, This is more than a job; this is a mission. From that moment, I felt I was exactly where I was meant to be. It wasn’t just about technology or processes, it was about contributing to something that truly matters: improving lives through clinical research.
What made that first impression even stronger was the warmth and professionalism of the Swiss team and management. Their support and leadership set the tone for a culture built on trust, collaboration, and excellence. That feeling has stayed with me for 20 years and is rooted in what makes Caidya special: a culture that truly is the best place to work.
Twenty years is a rare milestone. What kept you inspired to stay and grow with Caidya for two decades?
Two things have kept me inspired: the people and the purpose. I’ve had the privilege of working with colleagues who challenge me to think differently, innovate, and grow every single day. That sense of purpose is powerful. It’s what makes every challenge worth it and every success meaningful.
Part of that inspiration has also come from opportunities to collaborate internationally, travelling with Swiss colleagues three times to Kosovo and Albania. These experiences strengthened relationships and reminded me how global teamwork drives innovation.
Albania (Caidya Swiss Office 2016/ 2017)
The world — and technology — has transformed dramatically in 20 years. What has changed most about the way we work? And what has stayed the same?
The transformation has been incredible. When I started, many processes were manual, and collaboration was mostly local. Today, we operate in a fully digital, global environment where technology enables speed, accuracy, and connectivity like never before.
But what hasn’t changed is our commitment to quality and integrity. Those values have been our anchor through every evolution and continue to define who we are.
People make the journey meaningful. Who shaped your career here, and what lessons did they share that still guide you today?
I’ve been fortunate to learn from exceptional leaders and mentors. One piece of advice that has guided me throughout my career is: “Lead with empathy, but never compromise on excellence.” That balance, understanding people while driving results, has shaped my leadership style and helped me build strong, resilient teams.
In your role, your team touches every employee’s daily experience. What does that responsibility mean to you?
In my current role as Senior Director, End User Services, our team touches every employee’s daily experience. That’s a huge responsibility because technology isn’t just about systems, it’s about enabling people to do their best work.
Over the years, I’ve supported and managed a wide range of critical platforms, starting with DMSys V5.0, SAS, Citrix, SAP, Impact CTMS, and evolving into Microsoft 365 and beyond. Each system plays a vital role in keeping our organisation connected and productive.
I see my mission as creating an environment where employees feel supported, empowered, and connected. When we get it right, it impacts productivity, morale, and ultimately the success of the organisation.
Tell us a moment of pride — a project, an initiative, or a challenge overcome that made you think, “This is why I love working here.”
Based in Switzerland, I had the privilege of leading End User Services and delivering Swiss-quality support to employees across the globe. This was a high-stakes initiative with tight timelines and complex technical challenges, but I saw it as an opportunity to raise the standard of user experience worldwide.
From Switzerland, I coordinated teams across multiple regions, ensuring alignment, collaboration, and zero disruption. Leading End User Services meant not only managing technology but also championing the human side of IT, making sure every employee felt supported and empowered.
The moment that stands out most was hearing feedback from employees worldwide: “This makes my work so much easier.” That simple statement captured the essence of why I do what I do: creating solutions that empower people. Delivering Swiss-quality support on a global scale reaffirmed my belief that technology, when done right, is a catalyst for progress.
You’ve often said you’re proud to work at Caidya. What does that pride look like for you?
For me, pride is in the everyday wins, when an employee says, “You made my job easier,” or when a project delivers real impact. It’s also in knowing that we set the standard for excellence and innovation. Pride is walking into a meeting and feeling confident that we’re making a difference.
Supporting a global workforce demands both empathy and excellence. What leadership values guide your approach?
Empathy, transparency, and accountability are my guiding principles. Empathy helps me understand challenges and support my team. Transparency builds trust, people need to know the why behind decisions. And accountability ensures we deliver on our promises. These values create a culture where people feel respected and motivated.
If you could write a message to your Day-1 self at Caidya, what would it say?
I would tell myself: “Be curious, be bold, and never stop learning. The journey will be challenging, but every challenge will make you stronger. Embrace change, because it will lead to growth.”
When you look forward, what excites you most about the future of Caidya and your role in shaping it?
I’m excited about the future, especially how AI and automation will transform the way we work. Not as buzzwords, but as tools to make work smarter and more human. The future is about blending technology with empathy, and I’m proud to be part of shaping that.
After 20 years, what’s the one thing you are most grateful for?
What I’m most grateful for after 20 years at Caidya are the relationships. Technology evolves, systems change, and projects come and go, but the people remain the heart of everything we do. The friendships, the trust, and the shared experiences have been the foundation of my journey.
Celebrating 20 years is more than marking time — it’s honoring commitment, impact, and the people who elevate an organization. Naim’s passion for helping others, his thoughtful leadership, and his belief in Caidya’s mission have touched countless colleagues around the world.
On behalf of everyone at Caidya:
Thank you, Naim, for your dedication, your kindness, your leadership — and for 20 remarkable years. We can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes you.