Over the next few weeks, we're bringing you some Heretics 101 content - important refreshers on taboo topics that are core to navigating the CPO seat.
For today’s episode, we're revisiting an early conversation about how to fire C-suite executives that we had with CJ Gustafson from the Run the Numbers podcast. If you're in this business long enough, you're either going to have to fire an executive, or you're going to be the one getting fired. That's just reality. What started as a simple question turned into one of our most candid discussions about severance packages, golden parachutes, and layering.
*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.
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KEEP UP WITH CJ, NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDIN
CJ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948
Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/
Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:52) The First Steps: When to Exit a C-Suite Executive
(02:46) Decision vs. Discussion: Framing the Conversation
(05:29) The Fourth Scenario: Growth Outpacing Talent
(08:04) Compensation: The Spicy Details
(10:36) Pre-Negotiated Severance: Red Flag or Smart Move?
(14:50) Sponsors: Planful | Metaview
(17:49) Golden Parachutes: The Biggest Payouts
(20:47) Equity Acceleration and Exercise Windows
(22:35) Rest and Vest: The Perverse Incentive Problem
(24:12) Garden Leave Explained
(24:51) VCs and CEO Firings: The Reputation Game
(27:00) Advice for the Departing Executive
(30:13) Controlling the Narrative
(31:43) 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
