Lead the People #143: Belonging Isn’t a Bonus, It’s the Baseline with Ash Hynie
In this episode, ManageUp founder and CEO Ash Hynie joins the show to rehumanize the way we think about leadership, feedback, and performance. With a background in culinary arts, engineering, and HR, Ash shares how her journey shaped a people-first approach to leadership.
She explains how many managers are promoted without preparation, and how systemic issues like bias and lack of visibility hold employees back. From “last in, first out” layoffs to recency bias in performance reviews, Ash explores how tech can help managers make fairer, faster decisions. Using real-time data and contextual insights, ManageUp supports feedback that aligns with both company values and individual growth.
Key Takeaways:
- Many managers are promoted without preparation or support
- Feedback works best when it’s timely and practical
- AI helps reduce bias and surface hidden impact
- Promotions reward visibility, not always contribution
- Marginalized groups are being laid off at record rates
From Our Sponsor:
The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.
Additional Resources:
Ash Hynie, Founder & CEO, ManageUP: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ash-hynie/
ManageUp: http://www.manageup.com/
Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all
Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/