The Plumm Pod Why ‘People & Culture’ Isn’t Enough: Rethinking HR for Start-Ups
Jun 5, 2025
Kayleigh Davies, a senior people leader with a knack for transforming HR in the AI sector, shares her journey from ancient history to people strategy. She discusses the evolution of HR from compliance to outcome-focused experiences. Kayleigh emphasizes the importance of aligning HR with business goals and the need for data-driven insights over traditional perks. She challenges HR leaders to engage with sharper commercial questions and adopt measurable impacts, especially in startups navigating post-COVID realities.
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HR Evolution Beyond Administration
- HR evolved from an administrative function to a strategic people experience role.
- The outdated Ulrich model still dominates but doesn't fit modern, especially tech startup, needs.
Culture Is Everyone's Responsibility
- The 'people and culture' label overemphasizes perks and can trivialize HR work.
- Real culture depends on shared behaviors and belongs to everyone in the organization.
Clarify Your Seat At The Table
- Define what "a seat at the table" means for you by diagnosing your own needs.
- Be prepared to ask better questions and stay open to feedback to add real value.
