Schedule:
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
- 7:30 - 8:00 AM | Networking & Breakfast
- 8:00 - 9:00 AM | Program Discussion
- 9:00 - 9:30 AM | Networking
Program Overview:
In today’s unpredictable biotech climate, HR leaders are often tasked with managing rapid growth or difficult downsizing—both of which bring unique challenges. This session will bring together Rachel Williams, former Vice President at DermTech, and Nancy Lundy, Vice President, People & Culture at Crinetics, to share insights on how to plan for and execute major organizational changes effectively.
Discussion topics will include:
Preparing for Workforce Reductions
- Balancing business needs while appreciating the humanity of a layoff
- Best practices for legal, compliance, and communication planning
- Lessons learned—what worked, what didn’t, and unexpected challenges
- Resources that support employees during transitions
Preparing for Rapid Growth
- Talent impact—career advancement, burnout, and operating in ambiguity
- Talent acquisition—hiring and onboarding to meet growth demands
- International hiring—strategically scaling and operating globally
This session will provide best practices, lessons learned, and practical strategies to help HR professionals navigate growth and workforce changes while protecting culture and supporting employees.
Pre-Event Pulse Survey – Share Your Insights!
To help shape the conversatoin and ensure the discussion reflects the realties of our biotech HR community, please take a brief pulse survey before the event:
SURVEY
This survey will provide insight into how HR teams are managing layoffs and rapid growth, the resources they rely on, and the biggest challenges they face. The results will be used to guide the discussion and provide relevant data points during the session.
Tickets:
- LifeHR Member- No Cost (Use Discount Code- LifeHRMember)
- HR Professional (Non-Member)- $50.00
To attend all future programs complimentarily, consider becoming a LifeHR Member!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Allison or Phyllis at info@lifehr.org
**This session is open to HR professionals only. Vendors must be LifeHR Vendor Members to attend.
Presenter Bios:
Rachel Williams
Rachel Williams is a human resources executive, coach, facilitator, and certified meditation teacher. She has spent two decades in the HR field, starting out in coaching and leadership development, with the past 10 years in broader HR leadership roles as Sr. Director Talent at Dexcom and VP People at DermTech. Rachel leads her teams with a mantra of "more human at work" and believes in HR as a guiding force in elevating humanity at work. She received a bachelor’s degree in International Business from Marquette University, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation from the International Coach Federation and is currently enrolled in UC Berkeley’s inaugural Transformative Chief Human Resource Officer program. She created and co-leads Rest & Root, a women's retreat to teach and inspire achievement without burnout. Rachel loves to hike and travel with her two amazing teenage kiddos as often as possible.
Nancy Lundy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-lundy-ma-acc/
Detailed bio coming soon.
