Biopharma leader urged to prioritize own job search after team layoffs

A biopharma executive recently had to announce a downsizing of her team, and she described feeling guilt and grief for the impact on her direct reports.

She said she would wait until every person on her team secured a new position before she began looking for her own opportunity, believing that was the noble thing to do.

Her recruiter explained that it is rare for an entire team, including the manager, to be hired together at a new company, and that expecting this outcome is unrealistic.

The guidance offered is for leaders to prioritize their own job search while still supporting the transition of their former employees, rather than delaying their own career move.