Boss Class: Tracey Franklin interview

This episode explores the challenges and strategies of scaling a company's culture during rapid growth, using Moderna's experience during the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study. Against the backdrop of Moderna's explosive growth from 800 to over 4000 employees and expansion from one to seventeen countries, the conversation centers on the Chief Human Resources Officer's approach to managing this transformation. More significantly, the company codified its culture into twelve core "mindsets," emphasizing urgency, speed, and a results-oriented approach, which were integrated into hiring processes and performance reviews. For instance, the interview process incorporated assessments and detailed discussions around these mindsets to ensure cultural fit. The discussion also highlighted the importance of in-person interactions for building relationships and understanding team dynamics, despite the initial reliance on virtual hiring during the pandemic. Ultimately, the episode reveals how Moderna's deliberate approach to cultural development, including team incentives and transparent feedback mechanisms, fostered a sense of belonging and high employee engagement, even within a demanding and fast-paced environment. This offers valuable insights for companies navigating rapid growth and seeking to maintain a strong, cohesive culture.