In this candid "HR Heretics" segment, Nolan and Kelli expose the hidden risks of equity compensation, including Nolan's $8 million DoorDash missed opportunity. They reveal essential questions about share counts, strike prices, and exercise windows that can make or break startup wealth. Their message: equity details are negotiable, but education is your responsibility—not the company's.
*Email us your questions or topics for Kelli & Nolan: hrheretics@turpentine.co
For coaching and advising inquire at https://kellidragovich.com/
HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.
Support HR Heretics Sponsors:
Planful empowers teams just like yours to unlock the secrets of successful workforce planning. Use data-driven insights to develop accurate forecasts, close hiring gaps, and adjust talent acquisition plans collaboratively based on costs today and into the future. ✍️ Go to https://planful.com/heretics to see how you can transform your HR strategy.
Metaview is the AI assistant for interviewing. Metaview completely removes the need for recruiters and hiring managers to take notes during interviews—because their AI is designed to take world-class interview notes for you. Team builders at companies like Brex, Hellofresh, and Quora say Metaview has changed the game—see the magic for yourself: https://www.metaview.ai/heretics
KEEP UP WITH NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDIN
Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/
Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/
—
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:13) Intro
(00:52) Being Smart about Equity
(01:46) Nolan's $8 Million Mistake
(03:05) Understanding Share Count
(04:44) Strike Price Explained
(06:00) Preferred Price vs. Strike Price
(07:43) Net Value Calculation
(08:42) Golden Handcuffs Reality
(10:31) Exercise Windows
(12:00) Negotiation Opportunities
(12:26) Tax Implications
(14:07) Early Exercise Benefits
(15:09) Sponsors: Planful | Metaview
(18:09) Additional Negotiation Tactics
(19:57) Executive Liquidity Options
(21:32) Double Trigger Provisions
(23:12) Vesting Schedule Negotiation
(24:00) Key Takeaways
(24:37) Personal Responsibility
(26:08) Resources & Research
(27:01) Final Thoughts
(27:23) Wrap
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
hrheretics.substack.com
