Ep 32. Reimagining Leave: How Deborah Hanus, CEO of Sparrow Is Transforming Compliance and Compassion in HR

In this episode of the TroopHR Podcast, host Taylor Bradley sits down with , CEO and founder of Sparrow, to uncover why employee leave remains one of the most complex, costly, and emotionally charged responsibilities in HR. From a background in reinforcement learning at MIT and Google Brain to building a leave management platform that’s already saved organizations over $200 million in payroll costs, Deborah shares her remarkable journey into the intersection of AI, compliance, and compassionate employee care.

The conversation dives deep into how fragmented legislation and outdated policies have left HR leaders overwhelmed and employees unsupported. Deborah explains how technology, when paired with policy insight and empathy—can not only simplify compliance but transform employee experiences during some of life’s most critical moments. Hear powerful stories of NICU stays, stillbirths, and unexpected crises that underscore the real-life impact of modernizing leave policies, along with actionable tips for designing inclusive and forward-thinking programs that protect both people and business outcomes.

To learn more about creating thoughtful leave strategies or to access Sparrow’s 2025 Leave Benchmarking Report, visit sparrow.com.

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Credits
TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin
Show Producer: Nicole Fealey
Show Host: Taylor Bradley

Note: Transcripts generated by AI.