Starting a New Beginning

There’s a story that is going to be written...of two animal health companies that come together during one of the most challenging times in recent history. And the leaders sitting around our tables will influence this story – from our values and vision to the engagement of our teams. The shadow of our leadership tables is absolutely critical, especially now.

This week I was fortunate to be virtually surrounded by the 100 influential leadership tables of the new Elanco – the integrated leadership that includes the new colleagues who will join us next week from Bayer Animal Health. Bringing such a group together days before closing an acquisition, you might think we’d be focused on strategy details and logistics. But our time was spent on building vision, values, culture and relationships. Getting these fundamental givens right are what matter most. And what will see us through.

I’ve already witnessed it when I look at how these leaders have dug deep over the last few months. I’m confident this team will continue to do significant things. The journey has already been an eventful one:

• Elanco spun out of Lilly less than two years ago and continue to stand up our own business.
• We’re in a volatile stock market.
• Not one – but two - once-in-a-century pandemics hit – African Swine Fever in our livestock sector and COVID-19.

But that didn’t slow our leaders down as they worked to make the acquisition of Bayer Animal Health to be a reality soon, to benefit veterinarians, farmers and pet owners.

During these times of pandemics, uncertainty and divide, everyone stayed focused. They became even more connected even though we were physically apart. To see our company's engagement score climb during this time, along with the resolution and resilience of leaders in both Elanco and Bayer Animal Health, speaks to these three very important differentiators for the newly combined company:

1.      Values – Most of us aren’t even in the office, but our leaders found ways to connect with each other and customers virtually and drive our integration planning over the finish line. Excellence, Integrity and Respect were on display more than ever in this last quarter. They are high value people with stamina, drive and trust for those working next to them.

2.      Vision - They kept the vision in front of them – building a global independent, customer-centered, purpose-driven animal health company that brings the comfort of a pet and the nutrition of animal protein to a world that needs it right now. We don’t need to be in the office to see our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life written on the walls. It is alive and well in the hearts of the Elanco team.

3.      Milestones –Our team executed with laser focus, never forgetting the vision. A focus on only doing what is most important right now and the task in front of them. Delivering with purpose, good judgement, speed and discipline. One milestone at a time.

As we embark on a new era over the next couple of days, weeks and months, our 100 leadership tables will keep writing this story. They will do it with values, vision and one milestone at time. It’s a new beginning, where we’re going to write the positive ending of this amazing story - at a time when our world has never needed a change for the better more.