Fast Co. “Most Innovative Companies” Arkose Labs: Building Startup Growth Teams in the Age of AI

Host Natalie Pierce invites Justin Schiefner, vice president of global people operations and culture at Arkose Labs, for a conversation about how Arkose Labs – on Fast Company’s prestigious list of “Most Innovative Companies” – builds on an alchemy of technology and people to create a successful global platform. Arkose Labs emphasizes a holistic approach to talent acquisition and prioritizes skills like emotional intelligence and communication over traditional degrees. Initiatives like R&D demo hours, newsletters, and hackathons foster employee engagement and idea-sharing. 

“Justin's insights remind us that, even as technology advances, success in the modern workplace still comes down to people,” Natalie observes.

Episode Highlights

1. The elevator pitch about Arkose Labs: It protects the most recognizable brands in the world from bad actors and bots that perpetrate malicious online activity.
2. Arkose Labs works hard to ensure that its global teams build upon the company’s core values and, at the same time, nurture and support regional cultures.
3. Arkose Labs is learning to leverage AI to assist managers during the performance feedback process. For the global People Operations team, AI is leveraged to streamline the updating of employee manuals and policies in real-time, affording the team more resources to allocate to employee relations and strategic initiatives. 
4. The fine line with feedback: “If something is not going well, we want to know, but we also want you to come to the table with a solution,” Justin explains.
5. Arkose Labs doesn’t use the term “culture fit” because “we don't have a mold here. We want someone who's going to be an add to the culture that we're creating.”
6. In drafting job descriptions, Arkose Labs starts with a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, which becomes a foundation for direct sourcing for the role.
7. Committed to breaking down silos, Arkose Labs uses tools like “all-hands” sessions, q-and-a’s with the C-suite, r-and-d demos, and hackathons to keep employees engaged and informed.

💡 Meet Your Host 💡

Name: Natalie Pierce

Organization: Gunderson Dettmer

Connect: LinkedIn

💡 Featured Guest 💡

Name: Justin Schiefner  

Organization: Arkose Labs  

Connect: LinkedIn

Contact

☑️ Connect with us: LinkedIn | X | Gunderson Dettmer

☑️ Subscribe to the FutureWork Playbook in your preferred podcast app so you never miss an episode. 

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.