Episode Summary
What does it truly mean to be a strategic HR leader—and how do you prove your value without falling back on jargon? In this episode of Built by People, host Dave D’Angelo sits down with Andy Dawson, seasoned global HR executive and current Head of People at BVI. With a career spanning military service, tech, biotech, and global healthcare organizations like Eli Lilly and Novartis, Andy brings decades of insight into how HR can (and should) enable business success.
Andy shares two powerful, career-defining moments—from a pivotal leadership development assessment in Switzerland to leading a high-stakes organizational relocation that impacted hundreds. Along the way, he reflects on tough leadership challenges, how to navigate toxic dynamics, and the importance of building trusted support networks.
Whether you're a rising HR leader or a seasoned executive, Andy’s hard-earned lessons around communication, adaptability, and people-first decision-making offer actionable insights you can apply today.
Key Timestamps
[00:10] – Andy’s global career journey: from military service to multinational HR leadership
[03:15] – A defining moment: articulating HR’s value beyond the buzzwords
[05:14] – Leading a company-wide relocation—how HR can drive strategic change
[06:58] – Navigating the people impact of large-scale business decisions
[08:46] – Facing leadership conflict and knowing when it’s time to walk away
[11:29] – Andy’s legacy: HR as a business enabler, not a back-office function
[13:06] – Final advice: stay pragmatic, avoid judgment, and support the HR community
Actionable Takeaways
Define HR's value in plain language – Avoid overusing jargon and focus on how your work drives business results.
Lead with empathy during change – Communicate clearly, prioritize people, and engage leaders early during transitions.
Build your support circle – Develop a trusted network of mentors and peers who can guide you through difficult decisions.
Know when to walk away – Sometimes stepping away is the boldest leadership move you can make.
Focus on what’s right for your organization – Avoid copy-paste HR solutions. Tailor your approach to your company’s unique needs.
Champion community in HR – Support each other. The role is demanding—collaboration makes it sustainable.
Our Sponsor
Previ is an employer network that provides private pricing for employees. Joining the Previ network allows employees to save on necessities they already pay for, such as cell phone service and insurance. Previ saves the average employee $2,200/year. Join at no cost to the company.
