Companies are hiring, be humble & honest

[anonymous]

My intent is to provide positive insight and perspective for Sage commercial employees impacted adversely by restructuring. I work in a senior/executive commercial operations role in “big Pharma”. Quite a few of you have worked for me, with me, or in matrixes teams. Some of you discussed Sage prior to making a leap.

NOTE: I am near the end of my career after working for a small handful of companies over decades. Please view my advice/perspective as that of a person who has spent my entire Pharma career with a handful of “big Pharma” companies, which of course is my bias.

1. Learn From This Experience: I told those in my network that jumping to a company with no product and lots of promises was a poor decision. Some of you left great companies, with outstanding products/pipelines, where you were well established. From speaking with some, I could tell you bought into the “Sage koolaid” and didn’t listen to a single word of advice from a leader, mentor, etc., as you were 100% checked out believing Sage was the end all and be all.

2. Be Humble and Don’t Burn Bridges: I know for a fact that some who joined Sage suddenly turned their backs on others who wanted to network with you. How do I know? Because I spoke with you and recommended a candidate for interview and they were either completely ignored by you, your recruiting staff, or treated as an afterthought when you spoke with them.

3. False Promises of Start-ups to Offset Instability: Here is where I show my loyalty to big Pharma with dividends and market caps of $100B+. Start ups often have one product which “will be a game changer, we will give you plenty of stock options, make you rich, and you will get promoted to VP in no time.” If you are a sales person, please remember that if it sounds too good to be true,...

4. Try Not to Repeat This Mistake: I’ve already spoken to those in my network and stated, “everyone gets to make a very bad decision”. This was one. No one will care about the circumstances as long as you do not continue to do the same thing over and over. I have former colleagues who are on their 6th company in 8 years since leaving “big Pharma” because they keep going after the promise of “game changing new product, stock options, rapid promotion, great culture etc., etc.

5. No Big Company is Perfect: We have culture, bureaucracy, and are often very conservative in our business processes. Promotions do not occur as quickly as some may like. The massive resources, footprint, and infrastructure have been important to me in over 25+ years as I can change departments, relocate, and move if necessary while remaining in an organization that values this. Small companies can never match this; yet, as I mentioned above, try to offset with the promise of better culture, stock options, and rapid advancement opportunity. It depends on what is most important to you.

6. Look at the big companies hiring: Amgen, Abbott, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genzyme, Pfizer, etc., along with mid-cap Pharma. Leverage your networks and be flexible. If you can relocate this is a good time to consider it as it is a highly desired trait that few possess.

Ultimately, I hope that everyone at Sage lands on their feet in short order. If you left your previous manager/company in good terms, please swallow your pride and call them first. Some of you have called me and I respect you for that.

Have a blessed Good Friday and Happy Easter!

 

[anonymous]

Thanks for the “I Told You So” self indulgent post. Now run along please. Don’t you have a spreadsheet, tracker or mind numbing meeting to go to?

 

[anonymous]

My intent is to provide positive insight and perspective for Sage commercial employees impacted adversely by restructuring. I work in a senior/executive commercial operations role in “big Pharma”. Quite a few of you have worked for me, with me, or in matrixes teams. Some of you discussed Sage prior to making a leap.

NOTE: I am near the end of my career after working for a small handful of companies over decades. Please view my advice/perspective as that of a person who has spent my entire Pharma career with a handful of “big Pharma” companies, which of course is my bias.

1. Learn From This Experience: I told those in my network that jumping to a company with no product and lots of promises was a poor decision. Some of you left great companies, with outstanding products/pipelines, where you were well established. From speaking with some, I could tell you bought into the “Sage koolaid” and didn’t listen to a single word of advice from a leader, mentor, etc., as you were 100% checked out believing Sage was the end all and be all.

2. Be Humble and Don’t Burn Bridges: I know for a fact that some who joined Sage suddenly turned their backs on others who wanted to network with you. How do I know? Because I spoke with you and recommended a candidate for interview and they were either completely ignored by you, your recruiting staff, or treated as an afterthought when you spoke with them.

3. False Promises of Start-ups to Offset Instability: Here is where I show my loyalty to big Pharma with dividends and market caps of $100B+. Start ups often have one product which “will be a game changer, we will give you plenty of stock options, make you rich, and you will get promoted to VP in no time.” If you are a sales person, please remember that if it sounds too good to be true,...

4. Try Not to Repeat This Mistake: I’ve already spoken to those in my network and stated, “everyone gets to make a very bad decision”. This was one. No one will care about the circumstances as long as you do not continue to do the same thing over and over. I have former colleagues who are on their 6th company in 8 years since leaving “big Pharma” because they keep going after the promise of “game changing new product, stock options, rapid promotion, great culture etc., etc.

5. No Big Company is Perfect: We have culture, bureaucracy, and are often very conservative in our business processes. Promotions do not occur as quickly as some may like. The massive resources, footprint, and infrastructure have been important to me in over 25+ years as I can change departments, relocate, and move if necessary while remaining in an organization that values this. Small companies can never match this; yet, as I mentioned above, try to offset with the promise of better culture, stock options, and rapid advancement opportunity. It depends on what is most important to you.

6. Look at the big companies hiring: Amgen, Abbott, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genzyme, Pfizer, etc., along with mid-cap Pharma. Leverage your networks and be flexible. If you can relocate this is a good time to consider it as it is a highly desired trait that few possess.

Ultimately, I hope that everyone at Sage lands on their feet in short order. If you left your previous manager/company in good terms, please swallow your pride and call them first. Some of you have called me and I respect you for that.

Have a blessed Good Friday and Happy Easter!

You are one big arsehole! Take your "counsel" and shove it where the sun don't shine.

 

[anonymous]

My intent is to provide positive insight and perspective for Sage commercial employees impacted adversely by restructuring. I work in a senior/executive commercial operations role in “big Pharma”. Quite a few of you have worked for me, with me, or in matrixes teams. Some of you discussed Sage prior to making a leap.

NOTE: I am near the end of my career after working for a small handful of companies over decades. Please view my advice/perspective as that of a person who has spent my entire Pharma career with a handful of “big Pharma” companies, which of course is my bias.

1. Learn From This Experience: I told those in my network that jumping to a company with no product and lots of promises was a poor decision. Some of you left great companies, with outstanding products/pipelines, where you were well established. From speaking with some, I could tell you bought into the “Sage koolaid” and didn’t listen to a single word of advice from a leader, mentor, etc., as you were 100% checked out believing Sage was the end all and be all.

2. Be Humble and Don’t Burn Bridges: I know for a fact that some who joined Sage suddenly turned their backs on others who wanted to network with you. How do I know? Because I spoke with you and recommended a candidate for interview and they were either completely ignored by you, your recruiting staff, or treated as an afterthought when you spoke with them.

3. False Promises of Start-ups to Offset Instability: Here is where I show my loyalty to big Pharma with dividends and market caps of $100B+. Start ups often have one product which “will be a game changer, we will give you plenty of stock options, make you rich, and you will get promoted to VP in no time.” If you are a sales person, please remember that if it sounds too good to be true,...

4. Try Not to Repeat This Mistake: I’ve already spoken to those in my network and stated, “everyone gets to make a very bad decision”. This was one. No one will care about the circumstances as long as you do not continue to do the same thing over and over. I have former colleagues who are on their 6th company in 8 years since leaving “big Pharma” because they keep going after the promise of “game changing new product, stock options, rapid promotion, great culture etc., etc.

5. No Big Company is Perfect: We have culture, bureaucracy, and are often very conservative in our business processes. Promotions do not occur as quickly as some may like. The massive resources, footprint, and infrastructure have been important to me in over 25+ years as I can change departments, relocate, and move if necessary while remaining in an organization that values this. Small companies can never match this; yet, as I mentioned above, try to offset with the promise of better culture, stock options, and rapid advancement opportunity. It depends on what is most important to you.

6. Look at the big companies hiring: Amgen, Abbott, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genzyme, Pfizer, etc., along with mid-cap Pharma. Leverage your networks and be flexible. If you can relocate this is a good time to consider it as it is a highly desired trait that few possess.

Ultimately, I hope that everyone at Sage lands on their feet in short order. If you left your previous manager/company in good terms, please swallow your pride and call them first. Some of you have called me and I respect you for that.

Have a blessed Good Friday and Happy Easter!

Mr. or Mrs.,

Your way of looking at the industry is typical of someone in senior leadership who has been in big pharma for over 25 years, which is that one should remain loyal to one company and stay until you retire or let go with a hefty severance. I received the same advice several years ago from a well meaning senior higher up who then laid me off, while he still works for the same company.

Your career is not typical of the vast majority of us who are in field sales with over 20 years or more before we can think of retirement. My career is nothing like yours as I am a field sales rep in my mid 30s with 10 years in the industry and have been with 3 companies already due to layoffs. I have a wife and 3 young children which does not make moving realistic. You are very, very lucky to have only have been with a couple of companies throughout a career. I am sure that you are very aware that not many of us will finish our careers after long periods with a single organization.

I am sure your views and advise is well intended and don’t have a problem with you at all. You are from a different generation, in a much different role than most of us, and are winding down your career. Hell, I hope to retire from the industry in a senior role with one company after another 20 years or so, but I don’t know if that is realistic these days. I hope you are able to help some of us here and at other companies who have lost our jobs. Thank you.

 

[anonymous]

My intent is to provide positive insight and perspective for Sage commercial employees impacted adversely by restructuring. I work in a senior/executive commercial operations role in “big Pharma”. Quite a few of you have worked for me, with me, or in matrixes teams. Some of you discussed Sage prior to making a leap.

NOTE: I am near the end of my career after working for a small handful of companies over decades. Please view my advice/perspective as that of a person who has spent my entire Pharma career with a handful of “big Pharma” companies, which of course is my bias.

1. Learn From This Experience: I told those in my network that jumping to a company with no product and lots of promises was a poor decision. Some of you left great companies, with outstanding products/pipelines, where you were well established. From speaking with some, I could tell you bought into the “Sage koolaid” and didn’t listen to a single word of advice from a leader, mentor, etc., as you were 100% checked out believing Sage was the end all and be all.

2. Be Humble and Don’t Burn Bridges: I know for a fact that some who joined Sage suddenly turned their backs on others who wanted to network with you. How do I know? Because I spoke with you and recommended a candidate for interview and they were either completely ignored by you, your recruiting staff, or treated as an afterthought when you spoke with them.

3. False Promises of Start-ups to Offset Instability: Here is where I show my loyalty to big Pharma with dividends and market caps of $100B+. Start ups often have one product which “will be a game changer, we will give you plenty of stock options, make you rich, and you will get promoted to VP in no time.” If you are a sales person, please remember that if it sounds too good to be true,...

4. Try Not to Repeat This Mistake: I’ve already spoken to those in my network and stated, “everyone gets to make a very bad decision”. This was one. No one will care about the circumstances as long as you do not continue to do the same thing over and over. I have former colleagues who are on their 6th company in 8 years since leaving “big Pharma” because they keep going after the promise of “game changing new product, stock options, rapid promotion, great culture etc., etc.

5. No Big Company is Perfect: We have culture, bureaucracy, and are often very conservative in our business processes. Promotions do not occur as quickly as some may like. The massive resources, footprint, and infrastructure have been important to me in over 25+ years as I can change departments, relocate, and move if necessary while remaining in an organization that values this. Small companies can never match this; yet, as I mentioned above, try to offset with the promise of better culture, stock options, and rapid advancement opportunity. It depends on what is most important to you.

6. Look at the big companies hiring: Amgen, Abbott, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genzyme, Pfizer, etc., along with mid-cap Pharma. Leverage your networks and be flexible. If you can relocate this is a good time to consider it as it is a highly desired trait that few possess.

Ultimately, I hope that everyone at Sage lands on their feet in short order. If you left your previous manager/company in good terms, please swallow your pride and call them first. Some of you have called me and I respect you for that.

Have a blessed Good Friday and Happy Easter!

 

[anonymous]

My intent is to provide positive insight and perspective for Sage commercial employees impacted adversely by restructuring. I work in a senior/executive commercial operations role in “big Pharma”. Quite a few of you have worked for me, with me, or in matrixes teams. Some of you discussed Sage prior to making a leap.

NOTE: I am near the end of my career after working for a small handful of companies over decades. Please view my advice/perspective as that of a person who has spent my entire Pharma career with a handful of “big Pharma” companies, which of course is my bias.

1. Learn From This Experience: I told those in my network that jumping to a company with no product and lots of promises was a poor decision. Some of you left great companies, with outstanding products/pipelines, where you were well established. From speaking with some, I could tell you bought into the “Sage koolaid” and didn’t listen to a single word of advice from a leader, mentor, etc., as you were 100% checked out believing Sage was the end all and be all.

2. Be Humble and Don’t Burn Bridges: I know for a fact that some who joined Sage suddenly turned their backs on others who wanted to network with you. How do I know? Because I spoke with you and recommended a candidate for interview and they were either completely ignored by you, your recruiting staff, or treated as an afterthought when you spoke with them.

3. False Promises of Start-ups to Offset Instability: Here is where I show my loyalty to big Pharma with dividends and market caps of $100B+. Start ups often have one product which “will be a game changer, we will give you plenty of stock options, make you rich, and you will get promoted to VP in no time.” If you are a sales person, please remember that if it sounds too good to be true,...

4. Try Not to Repeat This Mistake: I’ve already spoken to those in my network and stated, “everyone gets to make a very bad decision”. This was one. No one will care about the circumstances as long as you do not continue to do the same thing over and over. I have former colleagues who are on their 6th company in 8 years since leaving “big Pharma” because they keep going after the promise of “game changing new product, stock options, rapid promotion, great culture etc., etc.

5. No Big Company is Perfect: We have culture, bureaucracy, and are often very conservative in our business processes. Promotions do not occur as quickly as some may like. The massive resources, footprint, and infrastructure have been important to me in over 25+ years as I can change departments, relocate, and move if necessary while remaining in an organization that values this. Small companies can never match this; yet, as I mentioned above, try to offset with the promise of better culture, stock options, and rapid advancement opportunity. It depends on what is most important to you.

6. Look at the big companies hiring: Amgen, Abbott, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genzyme, Pfizer, etc., along with mid-cap Pharma. Leverage your networks and be flexible. If you can relocate this is a good time to consider it as it is a highly desired trait that few possess.

Ultimately, I hope that everyone at Sage lands on their feet in short order. If you left your previous manager/company in good terms, please swallow your pride and call them first. Some of you have called me and I respect you for that.

Have a blessed Good Friday and Happy Easter!

Mr. or Ms.,

I just got laid off by Sage and it sucks badly. I took a good amount of time reading your post without judgment.

After reading your post, I see your view as fairly typical of someone who spent a lengthy career in big pharma and did all the jobs, moved around, did whatever needed to advance into senior leadership and obviously believes in that model because it served him well heading to retirement. Well done and bravo. Hell, I’d believe in it too if that is how it still worked in the industry. You were very, very lucky to have joined industry during the heyday of the 80s, which I am guessing since you started since you are close to retirement.

I am also glad that you enjoy helping and mentoring others. No problems there. I have no doubt you were taken care of by your friends during your career and do the same now that you have the ability to take care of your friends now. No problems there. I have no problems with the good old boy system except it does not work in the pharma industry at the rep level.

Let me be frank. Your view of follow my lead as what works for me will work for you is very similar to that of senior leadership at every single big pharma company that I have worked for in my 9 years as a rep. There is a significant disconnect between your experiences and those of many like myself who is my mid 30s, with 10 years in pharma, who has been with 2 companies prior to Sage (this was my third). I was “restructured” aka laid off at my previous company. 10 years, 3 companies. Laid off twice counting Sage. I have a wife, 3 young children, and cannot relocate, which is why I chose Sage since there was a territory that I live in.

Matter of fact is that I do wish I did not leave my initial big pharma gig because I probably would have had a better chance there than I did at my previous company and now Sage. I don’t have people that know people to help move me up the pharma ladder, and even if I did they would lay me off in a heartbeat if I became expendable.

I hope you consider that my career of 9 years as a rep and your career of being about to retire in senior leadership are complete apples and oranges. We are from different generations and the industry is different than what you experienced in your career. I wanted to get that off my chest as I wish that I could say that to senior leadership at Sage and my previous companies.

Right now I am looking for a new job. I hope that you help people, but imagine you will help just a few who do things the way you recommend. Please understand, you are very, very fortunate to have a long career in big pharma and hope that I can say the same 20 or more years from now. Just understand that I do not hate on what you have accomplish in your career but that is not the reality anymore for field reps who get fired whenever restructuring needs to happen. Thank you.

 

[anonymous]

My intent is to provide positive insight and perspective for Sage commercial employees impacted adversely by restructuring. I work in a senior/executive commercial operations role in “big Pharma”. Quite a few of you have worked for me, with me, or in matrixes teams. Some of you discussed Sage prior to making a leap.

NOTE: I am near the end of my career after working for a small handful of companies over decades. Please view my advice/perspective as that of a person who has spent my entire Pharma career with a handful of “big Pharma” companies, which of course is my bias.

1. Learn From This Experience: I told those in my network that jumping to a company with no product and lots of promises was a poor decision. Some of you left great companies, with outstanding products/pipelines, where you were well established. From speaking with some, I could tell you bought into the “Sage koolaid” and didn’t listen to a single word of advice from a leader, mentor, etc., as you were 100% checked out believing Sage was the end all and be all.

2. Be Humble and Don’t Burn Bridges: I know for a fact that some who joined Sage suddenly turned their backs on others who wanted to network with you. How do I know? Because I spoke with you and recommended a candidate for interview and they were either completely ignored by you, your recruiting staff, or treated as an afterthought when you spoke with them.

3. False Promises of Start-ups to Offset Instability: Here is where I show my loyalty to big Pharma with dividends and market caps of $100B+. Start ups often have one product which “will be a game changer, we will give you plenty of stock options, make you rich, and you will get promoted to VP in no time.” If you are a sales person, please remember that if it sounds too good to be true,...

4. Try Not to Repeat This Mistake: I’ve already spoken to those in my network and stated, “everyone gets to make a very bad decision”. This was one. No one will care about the circumstances as long as you do not continue to do the same thing over and over. I have former colleagues who are on their 6th company in 8 years since leaving “big Pharma” because they keep going after the promise of “game changing new product, stock options, rapid promotion, great culture etc., etc.

5. No Big Company is Perfect: We have culture, bureaucracy, and are often very conservative in our business processes. Promotions do not occur as quickly as some may like. The massive resources, footprint, and infrastructure have been important to me in over 25+ years as I can change departments, relocate, and move if necessary while remaining in an organization that values this. Small companies can never match this; yet, as I mentioned above, try to offset with the promise of better culture, stock options, and rapid advancement opportunity. It depends on what is most important to you.

6. Look at the big companies hiring: Amgen, Abbott, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genzyme, Pfizer, etc., along with mid-cap Pharma. Leverage your networks and be flexible. If you can relocate this is a good time to consider it as it is a highly desired trait that few possess.

Ultimately, I hope that everyone at Sage lands on their feet in short order. If you left your previous manager/company in good terms, please swallow your pride and call them first. Some of you have called me and I respect you for that.

Have a blessed Good Friday and Happy Easter!

I agree with you and unlike others, have no problem with your post. Thanks!

 

[anonymous]

My intent is to provide positive insight and perspective for Sage commercial employees impacted adversely by restructuring. I work in a senior/executive commercial operations role in “big Pharma”. Quite a few of you have worked for me, with me, or in matrixes teams. Some of you discussed Sage prior to making a leap.

NOTE: I am near the end of my career after working for a small handful of companies over decades. Please view my advice/perspective as that of a person who has spent my entire Pharma career with a handful of “big Pharma” companies, which of course is my bias.

1. Learn From This Experience: I told those in my network that jumping to a company with no product and lots of promises was a poor decision. Some of you left great companies, with outstanding products/pipelines, where you were well established. From speaking with some, I could tell you bought into the “Sage koolaid” and didn’t listen to a single word of advice from a leader, mentor, etc., as you were 100% checked out believing Sage was the end all and be all.

2. Be Humble and Don’t Burn Bridges: I know for a fact that some who joined Sage suddenly turned their backs on others who wanted to network with you. How do I know? Because I spoke with you and recommended a candidate for interview and they were either completely ignored by you, your recruiting staff, or treated as an afterthought when you spoke with them.

3. False Promises of Start-ups to Offset Instability: Here is where I show my loyalty to big Pharma with dividends and market caps of $100B+. Start ups often have one product which “will be a game changer, we will give you plenty of stock options, make you rich, and you will get promoted to VP in no time.” If you are a sales person, please remember that if it sounds too good to be true,...

4. Try Not to Repeat This Mistake: I’ve already spoken to those in my network and stated, “everyone gets to make a very bad decision”. This was one. No one will care about the circumstances as long as you do not continue to do the same thing over and over. I have former colleagues who are on their 6th company in 8 years since leaving “big Pharma” because they keep going after the promise of “game changing new product, stock options, rapid promotion, great culture etc., etc.

5. No Big Company is Perfect: We have culture, bureaucracy, and are often very conservative in our business processes. Promotions do not occur as quickly as some may like. The massive resources, footprint, and infrastructure have been important to me in over 25+ years as I can change departments, relocate, and move if necessary while remaining in an organization that values this. Small companies can never match this; yet, as I mentioned above, try to offset with the promise of better culture, stock options, and rapid advancement opportunity. It depends on what is most important to you.

6. Look at the big companies hiring: Amgen, Abbott, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genzyme, Pfizer, etc., along with mid-cap Pharma. Leverage your networks and be flexible. If you can relocate this is a good time to consider it as it is a highly desired trait that few possess.

Ultimately, I hope that everyone at Sage lands on their feet in short order. If you left your previous manager/company in good terms, please swallow your pride and call them first. Some of you have called me and I respect you for that.

Have a blessed Good Friday and Happy Easter!

I am assuming this message came from the right place, but it does come across as arrogant. We are all seasoned employees here. No one is here that has just a handful of years in the industry. The vast majority have experience both in big pharma and small startups. Your advice isn't anything anyone doesn't already know,

 

[anonymous]

I am the original poster and apologize to any/all who perceived my message as arrogant. Not the intent. My intent was to be transparent and apparently to some I failed.

My intent is agnostic, from my perspective as a commercial leader.

Yes, I am old school and will retire soon.

I know more about the state of the industry than many and I believe it is healthy for those who are willing to relocate, pursue goals, and understand that work/life balance—includes the willingness to relocate and sacrifice.

That said, I hope the advice I shared will help at least one person.

Again, I am agnostic.

For what it is worth, I will do my best to help Sage employees in my network because I care.

Hoping others do as well.

God Bless All During this time.

 

[anonymous]

I am the original poster and apologize to any/all who perceived my message as arrogant. Not the intent. My intent was to be transparent and apparently to some I failed.

My intent is agnostic, from my perspective as a commercial leader.

Yes, I am old school and will retire soon.

I know more about the state of the industry than many and I believe it is healthy for those who are willing to relocate, pursue goals, and understand that work/life balance—includes the willingness to relocate and sacrifice.

That said, I hope the advice I shared will help at least one person.

Again, I am agnostic.

For what it is worth, I will do my best to help Sage employees in my network because I care.

Hoping others do as well.

God Bless All During this time.

Your advice is appreciated. Thank you. It’s a hard time for many people so things may be taken the wrong way.

 

[anonymous]

Your advice is appreciated. Thank you. It’s a hard time for many people so things may be taken the wrong way.

You don't speak for all of us. GTFOH.

 

[anonymous]

I am the original poster and apologize to any/all who perceived my message as arrogant. Not the intent. My intent was to be transparent and apparently to some I failed.

My intent is agnostic, from my perspective as a commercial leader.

Yes, I am old school and will retire soon.

I know more about the state of the industry than many and I believe it is healthy for those who are willing to relocate, pursue goals, and understand that work/life balance—includes the willingness to relocate and sacrifice.

That said, I hope the advice I shared will help at least one person.

Again, I am agnostic.

For what it is worth, I will do my best to help Sage employees in my network because I care.

Hoping others do as well.

God Bless All During this time.

"from my perspective as a commercial leader" "I know more about the state of the industry than many" Seriously, spare us. Your comments were only to benefit your own ego. Who the hell do you think you are preaching to? Your comments are insulting to us all. Please hush and don't make anymore foot-in-mouth comments.

 

[anonymous]

"from my perspective as a commercial leader" "I know more about the state of the industry than many" Seriously, spare us. Your comments were only to benefit your own ego. Who the hell do you think you are preaching to? Your comments are insulting to us all. Please hush and don't make anymore foot-in-mouth comments.

Thanks - the old Troll is a tool!

 

[anonymous]

I am the original poster and apologize to any/all who perceived my message as arrogant. Not the intent. My intent was to be transparent and apparently to some I failed.

My intent is agnostic, from my perspective as a commercial leader.

Yes, I am old school and will retire soon.

I know more about the state of the industry than many and I believe it is healthy for those who are willing to relocate, pursue goals, and understand that work/life balance—includes the willingness to relocate and sacrifice.

That said, I hope the advice I shared will help at least one person.

Again, I am agnostic.

For what it is worth, I will do my best to help Sage employees in my network because I care.

Hoping others do as well.

God Bless All During this time.

thank you

 

[anonymous]

Thanks - the old Troll is a tool!

whoever they are they were trying to help. I don’t agree with all he says but he makes some valid points Calling them a troll is a bit harsh. Try sending some positive vibes. It may come back your way? And a question for you. If he/she offered you a job tomorrow would you take it or pass because the op is an old troll?

 

[anonymous]

My intent is to provide positive insight and perspective for Sage commercial employees impacted adversely by restructuring. I work in a senior/executive commercial operations role in “big Pharma”. Quite a few of you have worked for me, with me, or in matrixes teams. Some of you discussed Sage prior to making a leap.

NOTE: I am near the end of my career after working for a small handful of companies over decades. Please view my advice/perspective as that of a person who has spent my entire Pharma career with a handful of “big Pharma” companies, which of course is my bias.

1. Learn From This Experience: I told those in my network that jumping to a company with no product and lots of promises was a poor decision. Some of you left great companies, with outstanding products/pipelines, where you were well established. From speaking with some, I could tell you bought into the “Sage koolaid” and didn’t listen to a single word of advice from a leader, mentor, etc., as you were 100% checked out believing Sage was the end all and be all.

2. Be Humble and Don’t Burn Bridges: I know for a fact that some who joined Sage suddenly turned their backs on others who wanted to network with you. How do I know? Because I spoke with you and recommended a candidate for interview and they were either completely ignored by you, your recruiting staff, or treated as an afterthought when you spoke with them.

3. False Promises of Start-ups to Offset Instability: Here is where I show my loyalty to big Pharma with dividends and market caps of $100B+. Start ups often have one product which “will be a game changer, we will give you plenty of stock options, make you rich, and you will get promoted to VP in no time.” If you are a sales person, please remember that if it sounds too good to be true,...

4. Try Not to Repeat This Mistake: I’ve already spoken to those in my network and stated, “everyone gets to make a very bad decision”. This was one. No one will care about the circumstances as long as you do not continue to do the same thing over and over. I have former colleagues who are on their 6th company in 8 years since leaving “big Pharma” because they keep going after the promise of “game changing new product, stock options, rapid promotion, great culture etc., etc.

5. No Big Company is Perfect: We have culture, bureaucracy, and are often very conservative in our business processes. Promotions do not occur as quickly as some may like. The massive resources, footprint, and infrastructure have been important to me in over 25+ years as I can change departments, relocate, and move if necessary while remaining in an organization that values this. Small companies can never match this; yet, as I mentioned above, try to offset with the promise of better culture, stock options, and rapid advancement opportunity. It depends on what is most important to you.

6. Look at the big companies hiring: Amgen, Abbott, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genzyme, Pfizer, etc., along with mid-cap Pharma. Leverage your networks and be flexible. If you can relocate this is a good time to consider it as it is a highly desired trait that few possess.

Ultimately, I hope that everyone at Sage lands on their feet in short order. If you left your previous manager/company in good terms, please swallow your pride and call them first. Some of you have called me and I respect you for that.

Have a blessed Good Friday and Happy Easter!

As a leader some of your advice seems at best forgetful. I have almost 20 years in this business including Big, Medium, Small Pharma And now a start up Biotech and guess what- all of the companies laid people off- all of them. ALL OF THEM. In no way do I regret my decision to work for Sage. I’m absolutely not impressed with the way the studies were ran, and the way the leadership prepared to bring Zulresso to market- but that’s another story. I worked for a medium sized Pharma company that laid off a huge amount of people earlier this year that had similar problems with a novel launch I was involved in. The skill set that I developed during my time here is extremely valuable and has already catapulted me into additional roles that I would have never been a candidate for in safe over saturated Big Pharma. To say “everyone gets to make a very bad decision” and tying that to our decision to work at Sage- that’s rude and just not your place. Your time in Big Pharma seems like it’s worked well for you, that’s good for you. But don’t be a condescending person and veil it in the guise that you are trying to be helpful. The massive body count of people laid off by big Pharma in the last 10 years is incredible. It’s incredibly rich that you would use this opportunity to talk about coming back. Hard pass.

 

[anonymous]

Hard pass on ever going back to Big Pharma OP! I appreciate that you are looking out for us and giving advice but I agree with the other poster that I have learned more skills and gained so much experience working cross-functionally in the last year and a half here at Sage than ever would have been possible in Big Pharma. I love the challenge of being in on the ground floor and helping to build an organization. In fact I am only interviewing for small Biotech or Pharma startup companies with solid potential and a mission that I can align myself with. Big Pharma may be "Safe" but the dangers in life are infinite and among them is safety.

 

[anonymous]

I agree with a good amount that the OP states and disagree with some, but that’s normal I suppose. He did admit he was biased. Good luck to all and I would work for him or anyone else who is hiring now.

 

[anonymous]

As a leader some of your advice seems at best forgetful. I have almost 20 years in this business including Big, Medium, Small Pharma And now a start up Biotech and guess what- all of the companies laid people off- all of them. ALL OF THEM. In no way do I regret my decision to work for Sage. I’m absolutely not impressed with the way the studies were ran, and the way the leadership prepared to bring Zulresso to market- but that’s another story. I worked for a medium sized Pharma company that laid off a huge amount of people earlier this year that had similar problems with a novel launch I was involved in. The skill set that I developed during my time here is extremely valuable and has already catapulted me into additional roles that I would have never been a candidate for in safe over saturated Big Pharma. To say “everyone gets to make a very bad decision” and tying that to our decision to work at Sage- that’s rude and just not your place. Your time in Big Pharma seems like it’s worked well for you, that’s good for you. But don’t be a condescending person and veil it in the guise that you are trying to be helpful. The massive body count of people laid off by big Pharma in the last 10 years is incredible. It’s incredibly rich that you would use this opportunity to talk about coming back. Hard pass.

Agreed. Condescending is right! These posters are cray cray crazy!! This isn't a therapy or advice board. You want to help someone, then post info about opportunities and none of this garbage. These are successful and seasoned professionals.

 

[anonymous]

I am assuming this message came from the right place, but it does come across as arrogant. We are all seasoned employees here. No one is here that has just a handful of years in the industry. The vast majority have experience both in big pharma and small startups. Your advice isn't anything anyone doesn't already know,

Deena W., thank you for your insight