Beyond HR policy: how daily commitment builds a thriving, curious organization.

“I would describe my career journey as steady, varied, exciting, and meaningful. So what I sought in every position I've had, whether in human resources or working in various functions, has been I've really approached my jobs with what can I learn? You know, how can it be meaningful to me? I've always been interested in increased contributions, like how can I make the most of this opportunity? How can I learn the most that I can? When you think of the term lifelong learner, that's a really good way to describe me. I'm just an endlessly curious person.”

This quote encapsulates her personal philosophy of continuous learning and curiosity that guides her career and approach to HR.

“And our mission includes reversing disease and disability. It's a very profound and highly ambitious mission. So with that, how do we set the culture to make sure that we achieve that in all sorts of ways? Like, how do we— communicate with each other in a way that helps us achieve our mission? It all goes to achieving our mission.”

This highlights the importance of aligning culture directly with a company's ambitious mission and how communication plays a role.

“And I was able to, with great support from senior leadership, great support within the human resources function and the leaders there, and great support from just a fabulous team, we built out really intentional strategies on making sure that our opportunities were available maybe to people who hadn't considered our company. And with that, I continue to this day to hear from people who graduated from programs who are now doctors, who are now directors, senior directors, and who have stayed within biotech and the sciences, professors who are making a phenomenal impact.”

This demonstrates the long-term, positive impact of intentional DEI and talent acquisition strategies on individuals' careers and the broader industry.

“I think that it's really important to stay very open to other perspectives. I think what I've tried to do is have a good foundation myself, but have people around me who I can learn from. Also being very open, I would say, in my role and in prior roles, being really open and curious as to what can I learn in this moment from somebody else, and being very open and saying, gosh, I would love some help in how to do this, or tell me why, or help me understand.”

This emphasizes the value of humility, openness, and continuous learning from others as key traits for effective leadership.