In this episode of the Think Factory Podcast, Amy Francis, Global HR Business Partner at GSK, discusses her 25-year career within the organization and how working across HR operations, systems, global process ownership, and strategic business partnering shaped her approach to leadership. Amy shares how her experience leading global Workday processes across more than 100 countries taught her the importance of curiosity, understanding local practices, and listening before trying to change or standardize a process. She also explores the HR business partner’s role as a translator between business goals, employees, and leaders, emphasizing that trust and strong relationships are essential to influencing decisions and navigating change. Amy discusses the value of being a “jack of all trades,” explaining how broad experience builds judgment, helps leaders recognize what they do and do not know, and allows them to connect with the right experts. She also shares lessons from large-scale technology transformations and how organizations can approach AI by first mapping and understanding their processes, identifying where human judgment and empathy are needed, and then determining what can be automated. Looking ahead, Amy encourages professionals to step outside their comfort zones, raise their hands for opportunities, and recognize that even seemingly small assignments can build credibility, demonstrate potential, and open doors to future growth.
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