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/
