Enhancing Commercial Acumen in HR: Insights from the LEAP HRBP Searchlight Academy Workshop
Tapping into Biopharma Trends with Karen Lewis
Karen Lewis, the Chief People Officer at Apellis Pharmaceuticals, brought her 20 years of experience to the table at the LEAP HRBP Searchlight Academy workshop. Having held significant leadership roles at industry giants such as Biogen, BMS, and Amazon, Lewis was the perfect speaker to discuss ‘Building Commercial Acumen in the HRBP Role to Help Support Current and Future Product Launches.’ The workshop aimed to provide insights into the biopharma landscape, familiarize attendees with go-to-market planning, and highlight the pivotal role of HR in product launches, while also spotlighting potential pitfalls.
Major Takeaways from the Session
1. Market Research and Feasibility Assessment: Lewis emphasized the importance of thorough research and understanding of market opportunities before diving into product development. This means a deep dive into the competitive landscape, unique differentiation factors, patient acceptance, and the intricacies of reimbursement systems.
2. Navigating a Changing Regulatory Landscape: The changing nature of regulations, especially in the pharmaceutical domain, calls for proactive preparation. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act, which was mentioned in the discussion, is set to benefit Medicare but may affect pharmaceutical profits. Adapting to such shifts is crucial for sustained success.
3. Global Reimbursement Considerations: Reimbursement structures differ globally. Hence, it’s essential to generate evidence showcasing your product’s uniqueness and economic advantage, ensuring alignment with your profitability strategy.
4. Building a Commercial Ecosystem: Lewis highlighted the need to create a commercial ecosystem around a product. This involves tapping the target patient community, enlightening healthcare professionals, and forging collaborations with healthcare systems.
Feedback and Reflections
Attendees lauded the practical insights shared during the workshop. Many emphasized the need for being more planful, particularly when expanding sales forces, while understanding the intricacies of commercial aspects and stakeholders. One participant remarked on the significance of “having a backbone” in decision-making, while others underscored the importance of an enriching new employee experience. The complexities tied to inflation in European Union countries were also noted.
Overwhelmingly, participants expressed gratitude for the real-world knowledge shared during the session. “Loved this session! Very real world,” mentioned one attendee, while another appreciated the “pre-read and discussion.” The consensus was clear: Karen Lewis was indeed “phenomenal,” and the workshop offered an outstanding learning experience.
With such workshops, HR professionals are better equipped to support business strategies and adapt to the dynamic commercial world. Kudos to Karen Lewis and the Searchlight team for illuminating the path!
