Navigating IPOs and Divestitures: Insights from Serena Filson on HR Leadership

In this episode of the Built by People Podcast, Serena, an HR executive, shares her career journey from Johnson and Johnson to her current role at Serara. Discussing her experiences, she highlights the challenges and strategies involved in taking a company public and managing a major divestiture from a private equity environment. Serena discusses the necessity of quickly adapting to new compliance requirements, creating job architectures, and administering stock plans. She emphasizes the importance of leadership support, transparent communication, and the ability to prioritize effectively. Serena offers key takeaways for HR professionals, including the importance of defining 'good enough,' being open to learning, and understanding that adjustments are part of the process.

00:00 Introduction to the Built by People Podcast

00:39 Meet Serena: Career Journey and Early Experiences

01:52 Challenges of Going Public During COVID-19

03:20 Building a Robust HR Structure

05:38 Implementing Compliance and Equity Plans

09:11 Lessons from the LifeScan Divestiture

12:18 Key Learnings for HR Professionals

13:51 Parting Advice and Final Thoughts