Effective Layoffs and treating people as humans ft. Crystal Zuckerman

In this episode, Charles talks with Crystal Zuckerman, the VP HR of PMV Pharma. They discuss her transition from a large biotech firm like Celgene to a startup biotech. They also talk about how she handles layoffs carefully and the power of personal connections in advancing a career. Crystal shares how she brings a personal touch to HR by emphasizing authenticity, accountability and community-building at PMV. Here's what you are in for: 00:50 HR's Role in Biotech Changes 01:30 Crystal's HR Path and Move to PMV 05:03 Big Changes in Biotech: Celgene Joins BMS 08:30 Adjusting to a Smaller Company Feel During COVID 17:28 Building Responsibility and Influence at Every Level 21:15 Handling Job Cuts in Biotech 21:36 Leading Company Changes with Kindness 23:28 How to Share Tough News 23:49 Improving Help for Those Leaving Jobs 25:11 Looking Back on the Layoff Process and Responses 27:08 Making Layoffs More Personal 32:16 Tips for Interviews 35:33 Debunking Interview Myths and Sharing Tips 40:25 Helping Careers Grow with Project OnRamp About Crystal Zuckerman Crystal Zuckerman serves as PMV Pharma's Vice President of Human Resources, bringing over 20 years of industry expertise. Her tenure includes a significant stint at Celgene before its acquisition by BMS, after which she joined the more nimble PMV Pharma about 3.5 years ago. A proponent of authenticity and community in corporate culture, Crystal recently managed a sensitive restructuring, ensuring generous support for those affected. About Charles Charles Spence leads Discera, a leading recruitment firm specializing in the biopharma industry. He graduated with a biomedical degree, has worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent years doing diabetes research. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate. In 2023, Charles decided to launch his firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH. Connect with Charles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/