

First 90 Days as CPO of a Big Company: Colleen McCreary's Blueprint
23 snips Mar 11, 2025
Colleen McCreary, Chief People Officer at Confluent, dives into her first 90 days in a CPO role at a remote-first public company. She discusses the importance of transparent leadership and building community in remote settings. Colleen shares her approach to eliminating unnecessary processes and fostering a culture of collaboration. With insights on navigating organizational change, she highlights the importance of listening to employees and achieving quick wins to build trust in a new leadership role.
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Return-to-Office Stance
- Colleen McCreary, during the pandemic, advocated for a return to the office at her previous company.
- She was clear about expectations, even if it meant employees might leave, and is proud of that honesty.
Evolving Job Market Dynamics
- The job market has shifted from a "Great Resignation" to a less extreme environment.
- Top talent remains in demand, but the power dynamic between employees and employers is evolving.
New CPO Onboarding
- When starting as a CPO, consider the company's history, existing CPOs, and your public image.
- Address employee concerns directly and establish clear communication channels early on.