May 21, 2020

Jackie Ross
May 22, 2020
3 min read

Hey Gang,

Yesterday, we released the results of our Vital Signs Pulse Check and called out some interesting data points. I can’t say I was surprised that the word “TIRED” raged off the page in response to, “How are you feeling?” (My eyes are about to Zoom out of my head as I write this.) But I was surprised the comments weren’t more balanced. We dug into the data again, and it turns out the word-cloud generator had a glitch. In fact, in addition to TIRED, you’re also feeling OPTIMISTIC and GRATEFUL. That really sums up our industry, doesn’t it? Biotech and digital health are so rewarding because we are surrounded by people that have to believe and always look for upside.

When coaching candidates who are considering leaving the security of big pharma for the rollercoaster of biotech, the best advice I can offer is simply, “You just have to believe it will work. And if it doesn’t, you’ll try it again.” So, no – it’s not at all surprising that you guys know we’ll be OK, and that you’re working tirelessly to help. It’s also not surprising that you made such a quick pivot in thinking about virtual hiring. This community is nimble, resilient, steadfast and truly motivated to make a difference. Of course investors keep betting on biotech!

Here are the amended Pulse Check results. Feel free to share these with your network, and let me know what you think of the data.

News & Resources

So You Had a Bad Day… – even small setbacks land really hard right now
5 Ways Leaders Accidentally Stress Out Their Employees – per the above, something to be even more mindful of right now
RV Rentals Up 650 Percent as Americans Plan Socially Distant Summer Vacations – Lest you thought you had an outside-the-box family vacation idea…

From the Community

Day One debuts with $60M to change cancer care — starting with children – so awesome! Congrats Julie Grant & team!
Omada Health scores $57 million as coronavirus pandemic sparks investor interest in health tech – major score for Omada and a signal to digital health companies in general; congrats Sean Duffy, Wei-Li Shao & team 😊
Message from CLSA: “Governor Newsom’s Office of Emergency Services has asked for our help. While their supplies last, they have offered to provide a free supply of PPE (surgical masks and hand sanitizer) to essential industries to help restart the economy until the supply of PPE can catch up to demand. Through our partnership, we have agreed to receive and distribute the PPE supplies to key life sciences companies in our state. For larger orders (more than 2,000 masks) we can have them ship directly to you, but will need to provide them with your information.” Apply here if you are in need

Food Fight – send me yours

Today’s winner is a yummy, innovative idea you can replicate with all sorts of ingredients. Thanks, Steve Lo, President and CEO at Zosano Pharma! That egg looks divine!

Chef’s comments: “Here is my entry, which we could call 'Lonely at the Top Ramen' or 'Not So Top Ramen.' In search of college comfort food, but a much healthier option, this is made with fresh kale ramen and bonito soup stock, which you can find at Asian grocery stores. Then you can be creative and add whatever you want. I used veggies, bean curd, sliced sirloin and a soft, sous vide egg.”