“HR Heretics” | How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies The Real HR Problem: Bitterness, Bad Leadership, and Why Anti-Empathy Actually Works with Ethena CPO Melanie Naranjo
Jul 22, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Melanie Naranjo, CPO of Ethena and a fierce advocate for logic in workplace leadership, dives deep into the perils of empathy-driven management. She challenges toxic executive dynamics and highlights the need for authentic communication in HR. Melanie discusses the burnout faced by HR professionals and the importance of genuine feedback for growth. She also explores how integrating AI can revolutionize recruitment while questioning traditional views on emotional intelligence in leadership roles.
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HR Misunderstood Even By CEOs
- Melanie shares that HR is often misunderstood, even by CEOs, as just payroll and benefits.
- Working for an HR tech company helped her demonstrate HR's true value and impact effectively.
HR Leaders Feel Isolated and Bitter
- HR leaders feel isolated and bitter due to job difficulty and lack of shared support.
- This bitterness leads to burnout, causing many to do only the bare minimum at work.
HR Often 'Fell Into' Role Unprepared
- Many HR professionals 'fall into' the field without passion or authority.
- This creates frustration when CEOs dismiss HR initiatives due to poor business communication skills.