Awkward Silences Research Ops 2.0, Episode 4: Building Enduring Systems Amidst Constant Change
Sep 30, 2025
Lexi Brights, Director of Research at Workday, emphasizes the evolution of change management in research operations, highlighting the need for adaptability. Kaylee Dankner, Senior Research Operations Manager at LinkedIn, shares insights on reorganizing research initiatives for improved flexibility and forecasting. They discuss prioritizing problems over solutions to maintain focus, the emotional impact of layoffs, and the importance of learning business strategy to anticipate shifts. Together, they explore building resilient systems amidst constant change in a rapidly evolving field.
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Design Systems To Be Living Things
- Systems must stay alive and keep evolving or they die as contexts change quickly.
- Stopping updates makes processes outdated within weeks or months.
Change Is The Core Job
- Change isn't occasional; it's often the core responsibility of ops professionals.
- Effective ops work anticipates, adapts, and avoids overreacting to every change.
Layoffs Felt Personal And Devastating
- Carolyn Morgan described layoffs as the worst days of her employment and life.
- The emotional impact affected both those laid off and those who stayed behind.
