2024 ARCHIVES

Talent in Biopharma Leadership Workshop

August 20, 2024 ALL TIMES EDT

In biopharmaceuticals, talent is arguably a business’s greatest asset - and its best differentiator. Prioritizing and connecting your people strategy is essential to accomplishing your commercial objectives.

Join us for this exclusive gathering of 125+ biopharmaceutical stakeholders - talent acquisition and HR leaders, corporate executives, divisional managers, investors and allied business partners to learn, network and tackle the challenges of hiring and retaining top-tier talent. This single-day event combines industry-led panel discussions and presentations with engaging networking sessions to create collaborative environments for talent leaders to foster meaningful connections, discover actionable insights, and leverage real-world experiences to improve existing and implement new talent strategies necessary to achieve business objectives.

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Day 1

Tuesday, August 20

Registration and Morning Coffee9:00 am

9:30 am

Co-Chairperson's Opening Remarks

Niamh Alix, Chief Human Resources Officer, Prime Medicine Inc.

9:30 am

Co-Chairperson's Opening Remarks

Mara Strandlund, Chief People Officer, National Resilience Inc.

9:35 am

MARKET STRATEGY PRESENTATION: Talent R&D—Understanding the Biopharma Industry's Workforce Challenges

Timothy Oyer, Senior Vice President, RPO Solutions, Advanced RPO

While massive shifts are underway across the world of work, the biopharmaceutical industry is fighting through its fair share of talent scarcity, recruitment, and retention challenges. These are problems that must be solved in order to develop a strategic business agenda that prioritizes scalability, speed, and innovation in an accelerated digital environment. Today’s talent decisions will have a lasting impact on whether your organization thrives or simply survives tomorrow.

9:45 am

PANEL DISCUSSION: The Power of Your Brand and Culture

PANEL MODERATOR:

Benjamin P Locwin, PhD, Executive, Subject Matter Expert, Life Sciences, Black Diamond Networks

In today's dynamic recruitment landscape, staying ahead requires adapting to change and embracing innovation. Achieving acquisition objectives demands actionable strategies and diligent execution. Prioritizing meaningful DEI initiatives fosters inclusivity and equity. Cultivating an impactful culture strategy fuels growth and fosters a supportive environment. Success lies in constant evaluation, adaptation, and commitment to organizational values and goals.

PANELISTS:

Melanie Manning, Chief People Officer, Seismic Therapeutic

Abbey Wolff, Director & Human Resources Business Partner, R&D & ExM, Servier Pharmaceuticals

Philip Vanek, CTO, Gamma Biosciences

10:25 am PANEL DISCUSSION:

Building Agility into Your Acquisition Strategies

PANEL MODERATOR:

Ryan Feeney, Director of Business Development, Advanced RPO

Navigating a rapidly right-sizing industry demands adept recruitment adjustments and strategic maneuvers. Companies must comprehend industry dynamics, adapting recruitment approaches locally and internationally. Emphasizing geographic advantages aids in talent attraction. Meanwhile, in the competitive acquisition arena, winning strategies encompass robust employer branding, enticing incentives, and the fostering of growth opportunities. Success hinges on agile adaptation and savvy talent acquisition amidst industry flux.

PANELISTS:

Mara Strandlund, Chief People Officer, National Resilience Inc.

Jessica D Davis, Principal, Investments, Avant Bio

Jo-Ellen Petrone, Global Talent Acquisition Leader, Lantheus

11:05 amNetworking Coffee Break

11:30 am PANEL DISCUSSION:

Prioritizing Talent Retention and Build Strategies

PANEL MODERATOR:

Niamh Alix, Chief Human Resources Officer, Prime Medicine Inc.

Navigating organizational growth demands adaptability and expert guidance. Transitioning from clinical to commercial necessitates strategic shifts towards marketing and distribution. Managing a hybrid workforce requires technology-enabled collaboration and clear communication. Retaining talent long-term involves fostering a positive work culture, offering growth opportunities, and promoting work-life balance alongside compensation. Balancing these elements ensures sustainable growth and a thriving organizational ecosystem.

PANELISTS:

Ran Zheng, CEO, Landmark Bio

Angela Consani, CEO & Founder, Bioscience Core Skills Institute

Adam J. Thomas, Chief People and Experience Officer, MOMA Therapeutics

Courtney Paynter, Senior Director, Talent Management and Organizational Excellence, AbbVie

Networking Lunch12:10 pm

1:00 pm

Chairperson's Remarks

Mara Strandlund, Chief People Officer, National Resilience Inc.

1:05 pmFIRESIDE CHAT: Connecting Academia, Science, Business and Community

This candid dialogue between two nationally recognized leaders in biotechnology education providea insight into how Massachusetts and North Carolina are creating and enhancing life science talent. Highlighting initiatives like BioConnects NE, Pathmaker (MA) and BioWork (NC) programs, this discussion describes successful methods of engaging industry, academia, government, and the non-profit sector to realize the full potential of regional life science ecosystems. Challenges and areas for improvement will be highlighted.

Interviewee

Jared Auclair, PhD, Co-Lead, BioConnects New England; Associate Teaching Professor, Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Northeastern University

Interviewee

Russ Read, Executive Director, National Center Biotechnology Workforce, Forsyth Tech

Interviewed By:

Karla Talanian, Founder, Longview Workforce Advising

1:30 pm PANEL DISCUSSION:

Building & Retaining Your Skilled Technical Workforce

PANEL MODERATOR:

Karla Talanian, Founder, Longview Workforce Advising

Skilled technicians are key to building and sustaining any biopharma manufacturing organization. What are the best practices for recruiting new workers? How can companies improve retention rates in their technical workforce? What are the best options for upskilling technicians with high potential? This panel provides a comprehensive overview of training providers and how your company can find the right partner to efficiently grow and develop your technical workforce.

PANELISTS:

Sunny Schwartz, CEO, Massachusetts Biotechnology Educational Foundation

Mariluci Bladon, Chair of Biotechnology, Middlesex Community College

John Doyle, Education Director, Gloucester Biotechnology Academy

Michelle Lewis, PhD, Executive Director Biopharmaceuticals Education & Training, Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET)

Michael Stanger, Senior Clinical Lab Manager, Northeastern University

2:10 pm

PANEL DISCUSSION: Approaches to Identify and Develop Existing Talent

PANEL MODERATOR:

Tony Martignetti, Founder/Chief Inspiration Officer, Inspired Purpose Partners

In navigating effective leadership and employee management, it's crucial to identify leadership gaps, leverage employee strengths, and foster cohesion across multiple sites. Achieving unity of purpose ensures everyone's onboard, impacting retention positively. Real-life case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of role pivots in retaining talent. By focusing on these aspects, organizations can cultivate engaged teams, driving productivity and success while maintaining a satisfied and committed workforce.

PANELISTS:

Lindsay Cox, SHRM-CP, Director, Talent, Biohaven Pharma

Larry Marcin, Vice President, Chemistry & Site Lead, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Katherine Sellers, Director, Biology & Metabolism, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

David A. Pirman, PhD, Vice President, Biology & Biochemistry, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Networking Coffee Break2:50 pm

3:10 pm PANEL DISCUSSION:

Balancing and Implementing Right and Downsizing Strategies

PANEL MODERATOR:

Michael L Gamble, President, Taylor Strategy Partners

Navigating change in biotechs involves predicting trends, defining right-sizing versus downsizing, and pre-planning for outcomes. Companies must balance retention and termination packages during workforce adjustments, while leaders should plan for team changes, including their own roles. After changes, maintaining company culture is crucial. By addressing these aspects strategically, biotechs can adapt to challenges and emerge stronger while supporting their employees through transitions.

PANELISTS:

Patrick Lucy, President and CEO, RoslinCT US