

How to Balance Empathy and Strategy in HR
12 snips Mar 28, 2025
Anisha Thomas, the Head of People at Inscribe AI, dives into the complex dance of empathy and strategy in HR. She discusses the emotional challenges of conducting reductions in force while maintaining transparent communication. Anisha illustrates how AI can enhance workforce efficiency and emphasizes the importance of trust within leadership teams. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of HR and the balance needed between innovative technology and the human touch in nurturing workplace culture.
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Over-hiring Backfires
- During the pandemic tech boom, Inscribe AI over-hired, anticipating growth.
- This strategy backfired, leading to a reduction in force (RIF), a painful first for the company.
Balancing Empathy and Strategy
- Balancing business needs with empathy during a RIF is emotionally challenging.
- Anisha Thomas prioritized Inscribe AI's survival while supporting impacted employees.
Business Leader First
- Prioritize business needs over departmental ones, especially in tough situations.
- Lead with a business leader mindset, then focus on specific departmental needs.