From pioneering parental leave strategies to 3 AM workout sessions, Warner Bros Discovery's SVP of People Donald Knight reveals how vulnerability, authenticity, and physical discipline shape exceptional leadership.

Donald joins Kelli and Nolan in a candid conversation about evolving HR, squandered DEI opportunities, and building lasting relationships in hyper-growth environments.

*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 DIDIER, NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

Donald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldfknight/

Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/

Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:39) Donald's initial reluctance to join HR and his perspective shift

(02:32) Evolution of the HR profession

(04:06) Pushback against employee-centric HR practices

(07:22) The "war for talent" and its aftermath

(10:53) The focus on immutable traits in diversity initiatives

(14:05) Sponsor: Metaview

(15:17) Importance of company stances and differentiation

(19:15) Donald's paternity leave plan and its impact

(25:35) The recruiting process and its unexpected outcomes

(32:45) Donald's experience working with founders

(39:50) Donald's favorite interview questions and their rationale

(44:30) Donald's fitness journey and its importance

(49:20) Wrap

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