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

Board Seats and Beyond, with Asana's Head of People Anna Binder

Feb 18, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Anna Binder, Head of People at Asana and board member at CultureAmp, discusses her extensive HR journey. She shares insights on effective board dynamics and the importance of building relationships with fellow members. Anna emphasizes the long-term commitment required for DEI initiatives and the transformative power of authentic leadership. She also touches on the emotional challenges faced by women in high-pressure roles while advocating for thoughtful approaches in talent management and embracing AI for recruitment.

45:02

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Episode guests

Anna Binder

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Effective board membership requires thorough preparation and relationship-building to drive meaningful discussions and diverse viewpoints.

Long-term commitment to DEI is essential for fostering inclusive cultures and achieving sustainable business outcomes across organizations.

Deep dives

Navigating Board Membership

Serving on a board offers a unique perspective that contrasts with operational roles. It typically involves fewer interactions, with only a handful of board meetings each year, which can lead to feelings of imposter syndrome for new members. To prepare effectively, board members should dedicate time to studying materials provided ahead of meetings and build relationships with fellow board members to gain diverse viewpoints on critical issues. Questions rather than statements often drive valuable discussions, exemplifying a strategic approach to participation in board settings.

Intro

2min

Navigating Board Dynamics

12min

Thoughtful Leadership and AI in Recruitment

3min

Navigating Leadership and Talent Philosophy at MuleSoft

2min

Navigating Career Challenges and Cultural Fit

23min

The Importance of Community and Resilience in HR

3min

Anna Binder, Head of People at Asana, shares her journey as an HR leader, her approach to board membership at CultureAmp, and her philosophy on talent management. The discussion covers the nitty gritty of preparing and contributing in board meetings, long-term DEI initiatives, and the importance of authentic leadership in HR, particularly highlighting the value of playing the long game in organizational development.

*Email us your ‘Dear Heretics’ questions: hrheretics@turpentine.co

**For coaching and advising inquire at https://kellidragovich.com/

HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.

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LINK/S:

Asana: https://asana.com/

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KEEP UP WITH ANNA, NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabinder/

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

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro(01:47) Becoming a Board Member at Culture Amp(05:33) The Importance of Taking Calls and Building Relationships(07:10) How to Prepare for and Participate Effectively on a Board(11:48) Examples of "Operating" vs. Asking the Right Questions as a Board Member(14:57) Sponsor: Metaview(16:57) Anna's Experience Building MuleSoft(19:00) Navigating Disagreements and Being "Invited to Exit"(21:12) Sharing the News and the Importance of Transparency(22:50) Finding the Right Fit and the Role of Values(25:57) Joining Asana(26:26) Ensuring Alignment During the Interview Process(29:35) How to Maintain Stamina and Interest Over a Long Tenure(31:14) Examples of Attention to Detail and Values Alignment at Asana(31:46) Examining the CEO's Calendar During Interviews(33:05) Anna's Controversial Recruiting Philosophy(33:16) Recruiting Top Talent(35:42) DEI at Asana: Long-Term Vision and Business Outcomes(39:38) The Importance of Being in the Right Room(40:09) Playing the Long Game on DEI(41:59) Encouraging People to Enter the Field(44:31) Outro

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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