Summary:
Jessica Wagner Keliher is a seasoned HR executive and executive leadership coach across biotech and life sciences, previously serving as Chief People Officer at Cartesian Therapeutics and SVP of Talent Management at Novavax. Her core belief: kindness—practiced with intention—is a leadership advantage under pressure.
Leading change will cost you something—but it doesn’t have to cost you yourself. In this conversation, we unpack how Jess stepped into the head of HR role after a traumatic leadership exodus, co-created mission, vision, and values with the entire company, and learned to protect herself, her energy, and the work while navigating resistance.
We get specific about building your tribe (early adopters and converted skeptics), pre-briefing known critics, and using intentional kindness and relationships to earn the benefit of the doubt in high-stakes moments.
Chapters:
00:00 – The real cost of leading change (why it hurts and how to carry it)
03:00 – The messy moment: leadership exits, new CEO, and an HR rookie in the hot seat
06:00 – Mission → Values → Practices: co-creating culture with employees
09:00 – Into the spotlight: facilitating offsites and all-hands with shaky knees and steady relationships
15:00 – Protect yourself, energy, and work: perspective as armor
21:00 – Tactical support: executive coach, mentors, and your inner circle
27:00 – Navigating constraints: honesty, boundaries, and mutual clarity
28:30 – Connect with Jess + closing thoughts
Host Alexa Beavers: linkedin.com/in/alexabeaverspmp
Guest Jessica Wagner Keliher: linkedin.com/in/jessicakeliher
Executive Producer Shannon Cornelison: linkedin.com/in/shannon-cornelison-9aa8b8248
Creative Advisor Dr. Jim Kanichirayil: linkedin.com/in/drjimk
Music Credit: "Lost in Dreams" by Kulakovka
