Rebecca Price With Grace

Welcome to With Grace. This week, we feature Rebecca Price, Partner at Primary Venture Partners. A 3x Chief People Officer, Rebecca led at Johnson & Johnson, Sailthru, Enigma, and Capsule before joining Primary, where she now runs one of the most scaled, respected People platforms in early-stage venture. She’s known for seeing what matters, focusing you on it, and building with a rare mix of practicality, agility, and intent. What she’s learned firsthand: “No one is coming to fix it for you. Whether it's a broken system or a tough conversation, it’s on you. And that’s not scary, it’s freeing.”

What’s a game-changer for you right now?

Letting go of the idea that everything has to be fixed immediately. Not everything is a fire. Some things just need a little oxygen and time.

What’s a daily ritual you swear by?

Getting outside as close to waking up as possible, for natural light, fresh air, and a few early steps. It resets my system and clears my head before the day starts pulling me in.

What’s an unexpected tool you love?

Voice notes. They’re faster than typing, more personal, and surprisingly effective for building trust or offering nuanced feedback.

What’s something new you’re trying?

Being less reactive. I’ve been paying more attention to the pause between a trigger and a response. There's a lot of power in that space.

What’s a habit or routine that’s been crucial for your success?

Writing things down. Whether it’s a draft email, a messy Google Doc, or a handwritten note, getting it out of my head and onto paper helps me think more clearly.

What’s a key quality or trait you believe is essential for leaders?

Calm. Especially when things are moving fast or falling apart. Calm leaders don’t shrink themselves. They create space for others to stay grounded too.

What interview question do you always ask without fail?

“If you were to start this job on Monday and in a year you were no longer here, why might that be?” It gets past the polish and into how someone really thinks about alignment, motivation, and what they need to succeed.

What’s something you had to learn firsthand to truly understand?

That no one is coming to fix it for you. Whether it's a broken system or a tough conversation, it’s on you. And that’s not scary, it’s freeing.

What’s one request you’d make of whoever reads this?

Say thank you more. To your team, your barista, your past self. It’s underrated and wildly effective.