“HR Heretics” | How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies

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.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

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.
INSIGHT

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.
ADVICE

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.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app