April 3, 2020
- Jackie Ross
- Apr 10, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 22, 2020
Hi Gang,
Last Friday was a Humor Edition, but the community is asking important questions about the PPP program and how we can help each other. Let’s try to address them here (with a bit of humor tossed in, as always). Btw, I really appreciate you sending me articles, funny links, and questions for the community. Please keep them coming!
PPP Program: Is Biotech Eligible?
There’s understandable confusion about this. I surveyed a sample of you, and everyone said either, “Yes, definitely applying” or “Still deciding, leaning towards applying.” Here are three resources (with somewhat conflicting information):
VC-backed biotechs may be excluded from coronavirus loan program
CARES Act: What Entrepreneurs Need to Know (EY webcast was 4/2 – view the presentation here)
Please send me any updates you’ve found helpful.
Can Companies Help Each Other?
Staffing: In other sectors, RRA has been connecting companies experiencing layoffs or furloughs with those who have staffing needs. If we can help you in any way, please contact me directly. If you know of others helping with this effort, please share so I can pass along or collaborate if possible.
Online Learning: Companies are tapping into their own internal experts to host online learning sessions (i.e. CMOs teaching a class on the science of COVID-19; heads of statistics teaching Stats 101). Many of you are asking how we can support lab workers and others who can’t WFH. If you are interested in exploring ways we could collaborate on virtual learning opportunities, please let me know. It would be fun to build more connection among those with common needs and interests. (Caveat: I am NOT a virtual learning expert; if we pursue this, I’d need your help pulling it off!)
A Little Levity
An Adele Parody: Hello from the Inside (with a nod to Vandy – go Dores!)
An Ode to Zoom (all I wanna do is a Zoom-a-Zoom-Zoom in my room-room)
Food Fight – send me yours!
Today’s winner is Bill Greene!
Chef’s comments: “Sous vide seared duck breast with five-spice hoisin glaze, served with sautéed French beans, topped with sliced almonds.”
Be well,
Jackie
The Library
Resources
Xfinity Video: How to Maximize Your Home Wifi
Thought Leadership
HBR (2002): Leading in Times of Trauma (published just after 9/11)
Ideas from the Community
Smarter Virtual Meetings: Rather than generic ‘virtual happy hours, host targeted VCs around specific topics (home-schooling, living solo, managing workflow, etc). Invite guest speakers for some topics (time management when WFH, dealing with stress/depression, etc).
Zooming Out: Zoom requires nonstop screen viewing. Several companies have instituted policies to prevent eye-strain and incent other activities (i.e. no meetings between 1130 am-130 pm for lunch breaks; suggested walk breaks; blocks to prevent meetings during family time).
Oops, I Did It Again: The error rate for common business tasks has increased significantly. Clerical errors. Shipping mistakes. Calendar mishaps. People’s minds are elsewhere, and many are learning how to focus from home. Systems for more careful quality control may be important.
Internal Learning & Development: LOVE this idea from a CHRO in our community. Tap into your team’s collective wisdom and talent! People on your team could host classes on topics like: the science of COVID-19, why handwashing works, why social distancing works, Statistics 101 hosted by VP of Stats, Clinical Trials 101 hosted by the CMO. Virtual happy hours for those learning a language (i.e. must speak Spanish/Italian/French). Some of these could be open to employees + family members.
Enlist Teachers: Depending on your market, some teachers are not working full days and kids are learning entirely online. Some companies have enlisted and compensated teachers to host courses for parents on how to home-school kids, the best ways to work with online learning platforms, etc.
Fantasy Leagues: I’m in a Top Chef All-Stars Fantasy League, and it’s been fun to have a reason to tune into a show at a specific time (like the good old days!). You can also create a Watch Party on Facebook so that people can watch and make comments in real-time. Others are in Fantasy Stock Leagues (way more depressing). Have you heard of other leagues?
Fun Things
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