#23. Dendreon’s Head of Human Resources Phil Dana: Cultivating Purpose Within Your Team

In this episode, Darren Reinke chats with Phil Dana, Head of Human Resources at Dendreon. Phil shares how the lessons he learned in the military and in construction have benefited him in his HR career, the importance of cultivating purpose within your team and organization, and why he intentionally surrounds himself with those smarter than him.

 Dendreon is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company and pioneer in the development of immunotherapy. Dendreon’s flagship product, PROVENGE, was the first FDA-approved immunotherapy made from a patient’s own immune cells. More than 40,000 men with advanced prostate cancer have been prescribed PROVENGE in the U.S. since 2010. 

 Show Notes:

• How Phil Ventured from the Navy Into Human Resources [1:06]
• How the Perception of HR Has Evolved Over Time [4:01]
• Why People and Culture Are Having Major Implications on Business Strategy [6:39]
• How Phil Creates a Thriving Culture in a Less Structured Environment [8:07]
• Why Creating an Authentic True North Serves as an Anchor for Your Company [10:38]
• The Key Steps Phil Takes to Create Individualized Purpose Within His Team [12:49]
• How You Can Create Your Own Sense of Purpose Regardless of Occupation [17:18]
• Why You Should Instill the Mindset of Lifelong Learning Within Your Team [20:19]
• Why Phil Enjoys Being the Dumbest Guy in the Room [22:53]
• The Crucial Skillsets Phil Looks for Before Making a Hiring Decision [26:32]
• How Phil Evaluates Peoples' Team Ability and the Importance of Hard Work [30:07]

Links:

Phil’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/militarytalent/

Dendreon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dendreon/