Johanna Lucas, who leads BioMarin’s Talent Acquisition team, says the close connections she forms with many of the individuals who join the company often starting during the recruitment process.

Those relationships and an admiration for the people her team helps bring through the company’s doors are among the main drivers of her long tenure at BioMarin, according to Johanna.

“Even after 10 years, I continue to be amazed and delighted by my colleagues,” Johanna says. “Their never-ending capacity for hard work, impressive brainpower and willingness to help solve the hard problems we face are incredible. The excellence of the people at BioMarin motivates me to operate at my best.”

We interviewed Johanna, who is Executive Director of Talent Acquisition, as part of a new series highlighting “The DNA of BioMarin” – our people. Drawing inspiration from the four bases that constitute DNA – A (adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine) and G (guanine) – we’ve asked employees to reflect on the role that Aspiration, Translation, Connection and Gratitude play in their everyday work.

Read on to learn more about Johanna and her role at BioMarin.

ASPIRATION
How did you get your start in the biopharma industry? What do you aspire to accomplish through your work at BioMarin and in your career?

I moved to California from Boston as an IT recruiter during the dot-com days. What was a boom when I arrived was followed by the bust, but it afforded me the opportunity to try out new things, including opening a bakery, which I loved. Shortly after, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I knew that I could help her by returning to recruiting and working with people who were experts in the field of oncology. I approached the organization that made one of the medicines that my sister was on and got hired. I ultimately became the head of R&D recruiting there.

I felt such a strong tie to that company because of the role it played in my sister’s life, but when an opportunity came up in 2014 to join BioMarin and lead Talent Acquisition, I was intrigued by the company’s reputation for addressing rare conditions that had often been overlooked by the industry. My interviews sealed the deal – the people I spoke with demonstrated genuine passion for both patients and science.

The reason I joined the industry and then later made the move to BioMarin is the same reason that I stay. I aspire to help the people we serve through the work that I do, and to inspire my team to do the same.

TRANSLATION
How does your role translate into impact for the patient communities BioMarin is working to support?

My team and I hire exceptional individuals who work together to deliver breakthrough medicines to patients. As front-line representatives of BioMarin, it is our responsibility to embody the gravity of the work we do, to share the vibrant culture of the organization and to ensure the people we recruit have the skills to help advance our purpose.

When searching for new hires, we follow the lead of the hiring manager in describing the important characteristics for the role and think about the capabilities needed to thrive here, including the BioMarin 8. As the company has grown and evolved, we continue to value an entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit. We hold ourselves accountable for forging paths with creativity and agility, believing that passion, commitment and strong decision-making can change lives. I am proud of my team and the crucial role we play in ensuring we have the right people to shape this culture and deliver for those who are counting on us.

CONNECTION
What role does connection play in your work at BioMarin?

Our efforts to hire some of the most talented people in our industry rely on close collaboration with leaders, hiring managers and the extended People team, in addition to Finance, Legal, external vendors and the candidates who seek to join us, among other key stakeholders. Every aspect of developing and providing medicines requires the tight orchestration of a matrixed team, and recruiting is no different. Each member of the Talent Acquisition team relies on our ability to connect with others to bring dedicated professionals to BioMarin.

GRATITUDE
Tell us about something you’re grateful for in your career, and why.

A couple of years ago I took family leave to take care of my mom. As soon as my manager heard of my situation, she worked to clear my priorities, and I was on leave the next day. I couldn’t believe that she and the People team had put together such an incredible support system to care for me and my family while I was out.

My return to work happened in fits and starts. My manager made it clear that my leave didn’t have to happen in one big chunk and in fact, there were times that I had to return home to continue my mom’s care. The People Leadership Team and the Talent Acquisition team all advanced my priorities whenever I couldn’t, and we tabled the things that could wait until I fully returned.

Being part of such a supportive environment is incredibly meaningful and a big part of what keeps me here.