“HR Heretics” | How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies The VP Who Asked to Be Demoted: A Masterclass in Self-Awareness
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Dec 9, 2025 Cynthia Bazlamit (Baz) Shrauner, a former HR leader at Meta, shares her journey of self-demotion twice to find fulfillment in her work. She reflects on the chaotic hiring spree during the pandemic, where Meta's workforce surged tenfold, followed by challenging layoffs impacting thousands. Baz emphasizes the pitfalls of ego and comparison in leadership, and explores how DEI efforts evolved from casual groups to complex corporate dynamics. Her insights on prioritizing mental health and creating effective work cultures are thought-provoking and highly relevant.
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Voluntary Demotion Led To Better Fit
- Cynthia "Baz" Shrauner describes being moved out of a role she hated despite years of success and client work.
- The hire of Janelle replaced her in the parts she loathed and freed her to focus on what she loved: deep client engagement.
Second Demotion For Mental Health
- Baz recounts demoting herself again by hiring Christine Ellis and reporting to her to preserve wellbeing after having a second child.
- She forced the re-scope to protect mental health and family relationships while staying at Facebook.
Complementary Skills Trump Generalist Pride
- Successful replacement leaders were data-led, systems thinkers and sought feedback rather than commanding.
- Baz's strengths were client-facing and credibility, while hires complemented her with long-range planning skills.