Lisa Paul: Implementing an Effective HR Strategy that Drives Effective and Meaningful Change

In the HR landscape, there are leaders, and then there are changemakers. Lisa Paul, the Chief People Officer of Pulmonx Corporation, undoubtedly falls into the second category. Lisa’s journey into HR leadership began nearly four decades ago when she became an HR Manager for a technology company at just 27. This early experience particularly during challenging times fueled her passion for HR and led he to join a dynamic HR consulting firm, where she gained extensive exposure across various industries and company sizes.

Lisa has had the privilege of working for world-class technology companies renowned for their exceptional HR development programs. These experiences not only honed her skills but also expanded her professional network. Her involvement with the Northern California Human Resources Association, where she eventually served as president, further enriched her journey.

Drawn by the opportunity to contribute to life-changing solutions, Lisa later, transitioned to the medical device industry. Joining Pulmonx Corporation has allowed her to leverage her HR expertise to build a purpose-driven organization dedicated to positively impacting people’s lives.

The Distinctive Work Culture at Pulmonx

Pulmonx Corporation takes immense pride in its culture, which is deeply rooted in its mission to improve the lives of patients with COPD. As Lisa states, “We are driven by a mission to provide innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for those we serve. To foster this culture, we have established multiple communication channels that allow us to share our stories, celebrate accomplishments, and disseminate valuable tools and resources.” These channels ensure that every team member stays connected to the mission and feels a part of the collective success.

Further, Lisa also encourages a collaborative environment where ideas and feedback are freely exchanged, strengthening their commitment to patient-centric care and continuous improvement. “By maintaining this strong sense of purpose and open communication, we cultivate a workplace where employees are motivated and empowered to make a meaningful impact every day,” Lisa noted..

Performance Management, Aligned with Pulmonx’s Goals

At Pulmonx, the performance management approach is thoughtfully designed to closely align with the team goals and values by emphasizing both results and behaviors. The focus is on the “what”—the specific achievements and contributions of each employee—and the “how”— these results are achieved, based on the core leadership competencies.

The program provides balanced feedback, highlighting 2-3 areas of strength and 2-3 areas for development. This dual focus ensures that the employees not only meet their objectives but also embody the values and leadership qualities that are essential to the company’s success. As Lisa shares, ”By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and alignment with our core values, we empower our team to drive Pulmonx’s mission forward while growing personally and professionally.”.

Emerging Trends within the Medical Device and Technology Sectors

In a rapidly evolving medical device and technology landscape, several emerging HR trends are set to shape the future:

1. Continuous Learning: Establishing a culture of lifelong learning is essential for developing innovative solutions and improving patient outcomes.
2. Digital Transformation: Leveraging digital tools in HR processes enhances efficiency and engagement through technology-driven core processes, recruitment, reporting, and virtual training.
3. Employee Wellbeing: Prioritizing physical, mental, and emotional health boosts productivity and job satisfaction, leading to better patient care.
4. Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting diverse perspectives drives innovation and better serves the diverse patient population.

Lisa elucidates, “Focusing on these trends will help us navigate future challenges and opportunities, ultimately enhancing patient care.”

The Impact of HR Technology on Employee Engagement and Productivity

Pulmonx Corporation is dedicated to leveraging digital technologies to enhance HR operations and improve efficiency, engagement, and productivity. The company streamlined operations by automating core processes, improving recruitment, enhancing reporting, and providing virtual training to enhance the employee experience. The key focus areas include:

1. Alignment and Automation: Streamlining processes for greater efficiency.
2. Data Accessibility: Provide accessible data to enable better decision-making.
3. Global Service Delivery: Supporting the workforce with eLearning and engagement tools.

These technologies are set to significantly enhance employee engagement and productivity, reflecting Pulmonx’s dedication to creating a more efficient and connected workplace.

Navigate the Regulatory Landscape within the Medical Device Industry

In navigating the regulatory landscape within the medical device industry from an HR perspective, Lisa ensures that all employees receive comprehensive training on relevant regulations and compliance requirements. She maintains high standards for adherence to these regulations and continuously updates Pulmonx’s training programs to reflect any changes in the regulatory environment. Lisa emphasizes fostering a culture of accountability and vigilance, encouraging employees to stay informed, and upholding the highest standards of compliance in their daily operations.

Unlocking Diversity and Inclusion’s Power

Pulmonx has taken a comprehensive approach with multiple initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion. The company organizes fun and engaging activities focused on wellbeing to foster a sense of community among employees worldwide. It has also enhanced its communication efforts to ensure everyone feels informed and included, regardless of their location. Further, it has implemented targeted diversity outreach programs to attract and retain a diverse workforce.

Lisa explains, “Our upcoming employee survey is expected to provide more detailed insights into the impact of these initiatives. Additionally, we have made significant strides in gender equality across the company.” She further emphasizes that the company’s workforce is composed of 51% male and 49% female employees, with similar progress reflected in the leadership roles.

Finding and Nurturing the Future Leaders

At Pulmonx, the key executives identify and nurture future leaders through scenario planning and targeted action plans. Given the team’s multifaceted roles, they focus on developing skills that align with their strategic goals, ensuring the employees are prepared for both current and future challenges.

The Future Roadmap for Pulmonx

Lisa’s long-term vision is crystal clear: she aspires to align her talent strategy with the company’s growth and innovation goals. Her focal areas include:

• Identify Key Talent: Pinpoint the skills needed to achieve the strategic objectives.
• Invest in development: Focus on training programs that build these essential skills.
• Cultivate a Growth Culture: Create an environment that supports continuous talent development.

“This approach will ensure our HR efforts drive the company’s success and commercial scaling,” asserts Lisa.