Vital Signs - Out of the Shadows

Hi Gang!

It’s GROUNDHOG DAY! Don’t we know it. Despite sunshine and optimism during JPM, recent conversations indicate many of us are getting really tired of the Same. Old. Talk track. You know the one… it goes something like… “It’s just really hard to raise money right now.” And, “The stock market’s reaction to this makes absolutely no sense.” And, “It’s just so hard to predict…” And, “I really hope this year will be different.” 

The redundancy is so redundant. Layer on the political climate here in the States, and it can be hard to get through the week. What astonishing times… to emerge from a global health crisis only to face even darker and more extreme ways to restrict and confine. Let’s hope the little guy was wrong, and that green shoots will soon emerge from these post-pandemic shadows.

Over the next few weeks, I will seek guidance from leading biotech CEOs and CHROs on how they are navigating this often oppressive external environment. I will ask how they are encouraging team members who feel anxious and afraid. How they remain focused – and inspire teams to remain focused – during profound distraction. And how they preserve a strong internal culture despite external threats. Do you have a point of view to share with others? I’d love connect with you.

“There is no way that this winter is ever going to end as long as this groundhog keeps seeing his shadow. I don’t see any other way out. He’s got to be stopped. And I have to stop him.” - Groundhog Day (1993)

Be well,

Jackie