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

Big Tech Alumni: Help or Hindrance? with Bryan Power

11 snips

Jan 2, 2025

In a captivating conversation, Bryan Power, a Silicon Valley veteran who shaped talent strategies at Google and Yahoo, dives into hiring practices amid tech culture. He shares why Square avoided hiring from the payments sector and the startup risks of conventional wisdom. Bryan emphasizes the importance of real-world experience over prestigious resumes and the role of leaders in employee training. He explores the delicate balance between a founder’s vision and evolving company culture, offering fresh insights for emerging companies.

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ANECDOTE

Nextdoor's Leadership Transition

Bryan Power discusses the leadership transition at Nextdoor, where the CEO stepped aside and the founder returned.
This marked the company's third era, blending the initial startup energy with the learnings from the scaling and public offering phase.

INSIGHT

Founder's Return and Mentality

Founders returning to their companies often seek to recapture the initial startup magic.
Nirav, Nextdoor's founder, used the book "The Founder's Mentality" to guide his return and rediscover that early energy.

ADVICE

Seek Candidates with Experience in Adversity

Look for candidates who have experience building during challenging times, not just during periods of growth.
These individuals possess valuable skills in navigating adversity and understanding the true drivers of success.

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The 48 laws of power

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In 'The 48 Laws of Power', Robert Greene and Joost Elffers synthesize three thousand years of the history of power into 48 laws. These laws are derived from the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Carl Von Clausewitz, as well as the lives of influential figures such as Henry Kissinger and P.T. Barnum. The book provides tactics, concepts, and lessons on how to achieve and maintain power, emphasizing prudence, confidence, and self-preservation. Each law is illustrated with historical examples and is designed to help readers understand and navigate the dynamics of power in various aspects of life, including work, social hierarchies, and politics.

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