Authentic Leadership Strategies for Building a Compassionate Workplace with Britt Byers, EVP, Human Resources North America at Kyowa Kirin

This episode features an interview with Britt Byers, Executive Vice President of Human Resources North America at Kyowa Kirin. With three decades of experience, Britt has held senior roles in Pharmaceuticals like Sanofi and Novartis, as well as in financial services at Bank of America. She has deep expertise in R&D and global functions as well as Shared Service leadership with oversight for HR Operations.

In this episode, Shawn and Britt discuss the importance of authentic and inclusive leadership, strategies for easing employee anxieties, and the power of showing kindness in the workplace.

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“Before you react to something in a meeting or a conversation, or if someone's upset, just be there in the moment. You might have a difference of opinion, but you're just creating a space for the conversation. But it is on leaders, I think, to create the tone that you're not numb to what's happening. You can’t not mention something. Otherwise, you just don't look genuine. You don't look like there's a leader you can trust who's just not acknowledging something that could be an awful environment.” – Britt Byers

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Episode Timestamps:

*(02:54): Getting to know Britt

*(14:34): The shift from financial services to pharmaceuticals

*(18:10): The importance of meaningful work 

*(23:01): Leadership themes and enterprise leadership

*(27:51): The importance of being kind in the workplace

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Links:

Connect with Britt on LinkedIn

Learn more about Kyowa Kirin

Follow Kyowa Kirin on LinkedIn

Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn

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