Kelli and Nolan critically examine Bolt CEO and Founder Ryan Breslow's announcement that they eliminated their HR department in favor of "People Ops", questioning whether this rebranding actually improves efficiency or just represents clickbait without meaningful organizational change. They explore the tension between removing perceived bureaucratic middlemen and maintaining necessary workplace oversight.

*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 NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

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

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

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Related Links:

Ryan Breslow’s LinkedIn Post:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ryanbreslow_bolt-has-eliminated-its-hr-department-activity-7340377688517365761-0TcL/

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:13) Bolt's HR "Elimination" Announcement

(01:11) You Gotta Understand the Source First

(02:43) Way to Say Something Without Really Saying Anything

(03:24) Discussion: Good HR vs. Bad HR and Over-Planning

(04:37) Why HR Gets Targeted: Speed and Headcount Issues

(05:36) Who is People Ops Really?

(06:21) Sponsors: Planful | Metaview

(09:21) Who is People Ops Really? (continued)

(10:07) Business Risk and Future of HR Functions

(11:01) The Shift Has Already Been Happening

(11:58) The Work Doesn't Go Away

(12:22) Future of Work: AI Coaching and Managing Agents

(13:21) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

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