Effective Layoffs and treating people as humans ft. Crystal Zuckerman

A Dose of Reality with Charles Spence

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/