ELEVATE: The Art of Managing Up with Debra Vasques Bruneau

Debra Bruneau, Executive Vice-President of Human Resources at JSR Life Sciences, shares practical tools and real-world insights for mastering the art of managing up and influencing leadership. Drawing on 20+ years of HR experience, Debra reveals how to communicate effectively, build trust with senior leaders, and ensure your voice is heard—whether in a one-on-one, a boardroom, or a virtual meeting.

What You’ll Learn:

- What “managing up” really means—and why it’s essential at every level

- How to tailor communication styles to different leadership personalities

- Strategies for increasing visibility and self-advocacy without self-promotion

- How to align your goals with broader business objectives

- Tips for resilience and assertiveness in high-pressure conversations

Top Quote: “Respond, don’t react. Whether it’s an email or a meeting, taking a pause can change the whole tone of your communication.”

About Debra:

Debra Bruneau is a global Human Resources executive with over 20 years of comprehensive experience partnering with C-suite leaders. Proven transformative and innovative leader with demonstrated success building high performing culture, business transformation, and talent strategies. Highly successful in analyzing existing practices and identifying opportunities to address gaps and enhance employee engagement and retention. A trusted advisor, able to influence executive decision making, facilitate change, and strengthen global cross-functional productivity. Key contributor to the business strategy by creating value through people. Industry experience in life sciences, semi-conductor, consumer products, high-tech, manufacturing, and non-profit with a proven track record of success building best-in-class enterprise-scale programs in both public and private companies.

About the Elevate Series:

"Elevate: Women Leading the Way in Pharma Outsourcing" is a speaker series designed to empower women professionals in the pharmaceutical outsourcing industry. Featuring candid conversations with accomplished women leaders, the series offers insights, strategies, and inspiration to help you advance your career and navigate challenges in this dynamic field.

If you'd like to share your insights on the Elevate series or learn more about Vector Talent, ⁠get in touch⁠.

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