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 Changes01:30 Crystal's HR Path and Move to PMV05:03 Big Changes in Biotech: Celgene Joins BMS08:30 Adjusting to a Smaller Company Feel During COVID17:28 Building Responsibility and Influence at Every Level21:15 Handling Job Cuts in Biotech21:36 Leading Company Changes with Kindness23:28 How to Share Tough News23:49 Improving Help for Those Leaving Jobs25:11 Looking Back on the Layoff Process and Responses27:08 Making Layoffs More Personal32:16 Tips for Interviews35:33 Debunking Interview Myths and Sharing Tips40:25 Helping Careers Grow with Project OnRampAbout Crystal ZuckermanCrystal 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 CharlesCharles 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/