Being a kind leader in times of uncertainty and transformation

Danny Lin, Baringa

I'm here with Paul Rama, North America supply chain planning lead at Haleon, discussing how business has changed over time, the challenge of finding the right balance as a leader, and the role of kindness in getting this balance correct. 
Hello Paul, can you briefly explain what Haleon does and what you do? 

Paul Rama, Haleon

Hi Danny, thank you for taking the time, it's good to be with you. 

So Haleon is an everyday healthcare company. We operate across the globe, about 11 billion in size, 25,000 employees, you know we operate 24 sites, 200 CMOs, 80 distribution centers, and about 2,000 suppliers. Haleon was formed in July of 2022 and brought together from the heritage and brands of three different pharma companies which were Novartis, Pfizer, and GSK. Now I'm particularly proud of our purpose, which is to deliver everyday health with humanity. In terms of my role, I joined Haleon about 18 months ago and proudly lead the North America NTEN planning team, a team of 70 plus individuals. 

Danny Lin, Baringa

You've been working in business for the last 30 years, how have dynamics of work changed during this time? 

Paul Rama, Haleon

You know I think the dynamics of work have changed considerably and the number of variables that we must manage have grown exponentially, specifically driven by the speed of change and level of disruption. And the variables I refer to are not just limited to our professional lives, but personal lives as well. And I think the lines between those two worlds have gradually blurred. We're more connected than we have ever been, which also makes it more difficult to disconnect. 

Danny Lin, Baringa

I guess the COVID pandemic has fundamentally changed the relationship between work and life. Is that blurring here to stay?

Paul Rama, Haleon

In my estimation it’s here to stay, Danny. I believe many people have gone through the process of reimagining what balance means to them. I certainly know I have. The folks I've spoken to most about this and have really thought about what balance means to them have done so, but with deep connection to purpose and meaning. I think most folks are still trying to figure that out. If you'll forgive the cliche, their new normal.

Danny Lin, Baringa

So that certainly impacts the way people work today and those that have experienced it are learning to cope. What about the impact of these changes to people entering the workforce?

Paul Rama, Haleon

You know when I began my career and even as I progressed, I didn't have to cope with nearly what I think is as many distractions as folks entering the workforce today. Whether it's social, geopolitical, environmental, economic, or other concerns, we seem to exist in an uninterrupted cycle of news and delivery of information. At the very least, it makes it a heck of a lot more difficult to maintain focus and discipline. 

Danny Lin, Baringa

And so switching gears for a minute, as a leader in this environment, this new environment creates challenges for the way people need to manage. What are some of these challenges in your mind? 

Paul Rama, Haleon

I think the challenges are born of what I just described, Danny. When you lead larger teams and considering the challenges with supply chain disruptions, particularly over the last three plus years, keeping teams focused, energized, and engaged has been somewhat challenging.

Danny Lin, Baringa 

Absolutely. What about the need for social responsibility on reflecting society i your teams? Why is it getting this balance important for businesses and for Haleon? 

Paul Rama, Haleon

Look, I think it's an imperative. My experience has proven that the most diverse teams have not only provided me with the most fulfilling professional experiences, but also the best business results. And as a person with a diverse personal background, it's a personal priority for me to build a team that reflects the best in how society looks. And so for me, it's a deep personal priority. 

Danny Lin, Baringa

So given this blurring, what practically do leaders need to do to take care of people at work? 

Paul Rama, Haleon

For me, it's a very simple equation, actually. I think continuing to lean on empathy, caring for the whole person and not just a professional, and over communicating. I try to operate and manage with candor, courage, and clarity. And I think it's something that for us has worked well, and we will continue to lean on those principles. 

Danny Lin, Baringa 

So being kind is key to making this balance. Why do you think that is? What's the difference between being kind and being nice?

Paul Rama, Haleon

Well, I consider them compatible and should coexist. But kindness sits for me on a higher moral scale. And what distinguishes it is intentionally having another person's best interest at heart. And it really manifests itself through actions and not words.

Danny Lin, Baringa

And what about the focus on the bottom line? How do you get the balance right between care and profitability? And how do you make this puzzle fit together? 

Paul Rama, Haleon

I think they're complementary, and they're not mutually exclusive. There's no downside for, at any level, for genuinely caring about people. I would suggest that in fact, long term, there's a bottom line benefit as well. But I think the two intentions can be mutually exclusive. But ultimately, I think they're very complementary. And there's no downside for genuinely caring about people and taking care of them.

Danny Lin, Baringa 

Could being kind ever be an ever being as absolving people from your targets?

Paul Rama, Haleon

I guess I suppose it could be. I mean, it hasn't been my personal experience at Haleon. I'm very fortunate to lead a very mature and highly committed team that operates with a performance mindset and easily and fluidly balances caring with business objectives. So I haven't seen that present itself as a conflict in my experience at Haleon. I've been very fortunate in that matter.

Danny Lin, Baringa

Fantastic. Well, thanks again Paul for your time and for the partnership you've shared with us over the last year as we work together and also for sharing your thoughts today. 

Paul Rama, Haleon

It was good to be with you, Danny. Thank you. Have a great day.