The Modern People Leader: Forward-Thinking HR
Build - Nobody gets People Ops as a Product 100% right (and that’s ok): Jessica Zwaan (Author, Built for People)
May 6, 2025
Jessica Zwaan, COO at Talentful and author of Built for People, brings insightful perspectives on people operations. She discusses the evolution of 'human ops' versus 'people ops', emphasizing that perfection isn't required in these frameworks. Zwaan also highlights the transformative impact of AI on HR, advocating for a balance between technology and human touch. Listeners can expect engaging tips on agile practices and how to effectively navigate team dynamics in a rapidly changing work environment.
57:07
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Quick takeaways
- The discussion emphasizes the distinction between human ops and people ops, advocating for a strategic shift in HR practices.
- Jessica Zwaan highlights the importance of self-compassion in HR, urging leaders to embrace iterative improvements rather than perfectionism.
Deep dives
Discovering New Places
One of the participants shares their recent experience of visiting Austin for the first time, highlighting the enjoyment of discovering a new city. The conversation emphasizes the value of exploring different locations beyond the usual routine, which can often lead to unexpectedly pleasant experiences. They express appreciation for the atmosphere of Austin, particularly the concept of transforming bars into large backyards for social gatherings. This points to an underlying theme of the importance of new experiences in enriching one's perspective, especially for someone who has primarily experienced urban life centered around Manhattan.
