A fresh start

Starting a new job is always a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Eight months ago, I joined 荷商葛蘭素史克藥廠 , eager to dive into my new role as Head of Leadership Development and Learning. I knew I had a lot to learn about biopharma. I did all the obvious preparation, re-reading books like The First 90 Days and drawing from other sources of inspiration to build out my onboarding plan.

From day one, I felt supported by many of my new colleagues, who played a crucial role in my onboarding experience.

My manager, was great at helping me to prioritise the right people and teams to connect with. These introductions paved the way for me to form strong connections and helped me to understand how GSK operates. My peers were equally supportive, inviting me to the right forums and discussions that broadened my understanding of what was in our team's scope, and what priorities and deliverables we had a stake in. They were patient with my endless newbie questions. Undoubtedly there were moments of calibration to get us all on the same page. The People and Organisational Effectiveness teams that support our R&D, Supply Chain and Commercial teams were likewise instrumental in this process. They provided me with opportunities to engage with different parts of the business, which has accelerated my understanding of the L&D landscape and expanded my connection with a larger community of practice. And of course my own team were eager to help me land on my feet by understanding what strengths and skills they bring to the table, and what deliverables they were responsible for. I started to see that GSK values collaboration and connection, and this was evident in the way my colleagues supported me in those early days.

Despite the pressure that comes starting a new job, I was keen to get involved in volunteering.

I discovered that one of my teammates was already starting to organize a volunteering event (we call them Together Days) and she invited me to work on the project with her. We spent a day with our HR colleagues at Boston Manor Park, a beautiful spot behind our old office, doing grounds maintenance and garden work at various locations. The day was about bringing the HR team together in a meaningful way, while also giving back to the community. I experienced the supportive and inclusive culture at GSK was able to form new social connections. I could also see the company's commitment to community and employee well-being, reinforcing my appreciation for GSK’s values.

I inherited a side gig from a colleague who as about to go on an extended leave of absence: be a Change Champion for the HQ relocation.

This proved to be another pivotal experience in my journey. I knew when I signed on that GSK would be moving offices from the Brentford to Central London. I had to endure a more difficult commute for a few months, and eventually it would get better. The Change Champion initiative was set up to support colleagues in the months leading up to and during the relocation. Being part of the Change Champion community allowed me to extend my network in a new way as all HQ-based teams across all businesses and functions were represented. I was instantly .connected with colleagues across various departments who were all navigating this major transition. My role involved cascading information, sharing useful content through our social channels, and keeping an eye on feedback and sentiment from our teams. More than three thousand employees would be affected by this move and the change curve that would follow. It was a bit of extra work but turned out to be a great opportunity for me to support others in our HR team. It became a mission to ease the transition by providing useful tips and fostering a sense of community, we're all in this together! We moved into our new HQ on New Oxford Street in July 2024.

Looking back at the year so far, I find myself pondering the question: How long does it take to get to know a company?

In just eight months, I have had a fresh start at GSK, where my initial excitement has transformed into a deeper connection with the company and my new colleagues. Support from my manager, teammates, and the wider HR team has been instrumental in my integration. Volunteering activities and my inherited Change Champion gig have given me additional opportunities for expanding my network. Each experience has brought me closer to the heart of GSK, helping me to understand how things work here, and what truly matters. In a relatively short time, I've built meaningful relationships and developed a genuine appreciation for GSK's culture and values. While the journey of truly getting to know a company continues, these first eight months have laid a solid foundation.

As I think back to two decades in financial services, I remember moments even in my final years where I was still learning more about HSBC. And perhaps the same will be true here at GSK, where I hope I continue to grow with the company in the years to come.