“HR Heretics” | How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies
The Anti-Org Chart: Why Colin Zima Traded HR for Chaos (and Won)
Jan 9, 2025
Colin Zima, former Looker executive and current Omni CEO, shares insights from his unique management style that thrives on minimal bureaucracy. He argues that founders should roll up their sleeves and tackle tough tasks directly. Colin explains his unconventional approach of operating without an HR or G&A team, valuing engagement over traditional roles. He discusses the cultural pitfalls from acquisitions, like the Google-Listener experience, and emphasizes the need for leaders to adapt their strategies in a hybrid work environment.
43:23
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Quick takeaways
- Colin Zima's approach to running a startup without traditional G&A roles fosters accountability and empowers every team member to contribute to core objectives.
- Leaders in the organization play a crucial role in the recruitment process, enhancing their understanding of team dynamics and improving the quality of hires.
Deep dives
Intentional Structuring Without G&A Roles
The company operates without traditional G&A roles intentionally, encouraging all team members to either build or sell the product. This approach aims to avoid the inefficiencies associated with 'half jobs' and ensures that every employee is engaged and contributing to core functions. As the company scales, there's an emphasis on waiting until the workload genuinely requires dedicated personnel, thus fostering a culture of responsibility and problem-solving among leaders. This strategy helps in streamlining operations and promotes accountability, as leaders are tasked with doing essential functions before bringing in support roles.
