Day Two
8:30 am Registration & Networking
Improving Belonging in the Life Sciences Industry
9:50 am Defining DE&I Panel
Synopsis
With the new administration, Biosecure Act, “Buy American” Initiatives, DE&I controversy, there are lots of changes HR professionals need to navigate in the everevolving environment. This session will aim to get a pulse check on the current industry context and how this might impact HRs priorities going forward.
10:10 am Action: How Are You Going to Evolve Your Belonging Strategy in Line with Your Business Needs?
Synopsis
This is a roundtable discussion to put together an action plan to take back to your organization.
11:00 am Networking Break
Track A – Leading Through Challenges
Leading Through Challenge & Change
10:50 am Discover: Leading Through Business Changes: An HR Perspective on Change Agility
Synopsis
- Importance of HR professionals having a strong understanding of business operations and inner workings
- Strategies for anticipating and preparing for potential business shifts, including developing multiple scenarios
- Experiences in restructuring organizations, managing talent, and building leadership development programs
- Lessons learned in navigating mergers, acquisitions, and going public – the importance of data-driven decision making and strong partnerships with executive leadership
- Creating inclusive, empowering cultures that foster employee growth and development
- Practical insights on compensation, job architecture, and performance management approaches that support organizational agility
11:10 am Discover: Navigating Periods of Emotional Downturn
Synopsis
- How can we keep employees engaged through unfavourable times?
- Overcommunicate with employees and build compromises with senior leadership
- How EMD Serono is managing change, communicating effectively with employees, and preparing leaders to navigate emotional journeys during organizational transformations
11:30 am Discover: Maintaining Employee Engagement & Motivation During Organizational Challenges
Synopsis
- How can we prevent an environment of fear and job insecurity among employees?
- Learn specific initiatives implemented to foster employee engagement and maintain a positive company culture during this period of transition
- Hear Intellia’s empathetic approach they are taking, to support impacted employees and keep the remaining workforce inspired, motivated, and excited about the company’s future plans
11:50 am Develop: How Else Can We Keep Our Employees Motivated Through Periods of Downturn?
Synopsis
This is a Q&A session designed to help you understand the ‘how’
12:10 pm Action: How Are You Going to Keep Your Employees Motivated Through Periods of Downturn or Change?
Synopsis
This is a roundtable discussion to put together an action plan to take back to your organization.
Track B – Mastering Acquisition
Mastering Acquisition & Commercialization to Create a Stable Future
10:50 am Discover: Navigating the Transition from Clinical-Stage to Commercial Biotech: Lessons Learned
Synopsis
• How can we navigate difficulties in accepting the shift towards commercialization? • Addressing these challenges through change management efforts • How Springworks Therapeutics navigated ambiguity in determining the right time and size for building out teams like marketing and sales, and the importance of starting commercial preparations earlier than expected
11:10 am Discover: Merging Cultures & Fostering Belonging: A Case Study on Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics’ Organizational Transformation
Synopsis
- How can we break out of an ‘us versus them’ mentality?
- Invest significant resources to address the top challenges: communication, collaboration, and team/organizational belonging
- How Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics rolled out a company-wide initiative with over 50% employee participation focusing including employee interviews, an engagement survey, and an executive offsite which has successfully built collaboration, teamwork, communication, and a sense of connection
11:30 am Discover: Managing & Mastering Change During Acquisition
Synopsis
- How can we manage team morale, communication, and unify the cultures of different organizations involved in acquisitions?
- Emphasise the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, be agile in responding to business needs, and positioning HR as an avenue for open communication and feedback during this transitionary period
- Listen to Calliditas lessons learned and bumps along the road during the merging of three separate organizations
11:50 am Develop: How Else Can We Ensure a Smooth Acquisition?
Synopsis
This is a Q&A session designed to help you understand the ‘how’.
12:10 pm Action: How Are You Going to Ensure a Smooth Acquisition?
Synopsis
This is a roundtable discussion to put together an action plan to take back to your organization.
1:00 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Speed Learning
Synopsis
In this quick-fire session, each table will be hosted by an HR leader who will share the secrets of their most high-impact LEAP; you will then get the opportunity to question the host before moving on to your next table.
Company culture – Employee Driven & Management Sponsored Approach
Lori Escobedo
Chief People & Administrative Officer
Dewpoint Therapeutics
Supporting Employee Well-Being
Alison Hardgrove
Chief People Officer Human Resources
Abeona Therapeutics
Enhancing Employee Engagement with
Training
Alyssa Ozimek-Maier
Head of Human Resources
Photys Therapeutics
Incentives in R&D to Recognize Achievements
Selene Li
Board Secretary, Former Head of HR, US
Legend Biotech
Agile People Operations: Driving Strategic Change Without Losing the Human Element
Anna Goranson
Chief People Officer
Terray Therapeutics
Compassionate Leadership: Supporting the Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Amanda Belcher
Vice President Human Resources
Sarah Cannon Research Institute