Ep 33. Rethinking the First 90 Days: A Startup Playbook with Cindy Gordon, Chief People Officer, Madison Energy Infrastructure

What does successful onboarding really look like in a startup? In this candid and strategy-packed episode, TroopHR host Taylor Bradley sits down with Cindy Gordon, a seasoned Chief People Officer, to reframe how people leaders should approach their first 90 days—especially in high-growth, fast-paced environments.

Cindy shares invaluable insights drawn from her own recent experience stepping into a new executive role, emphasizing why the traditional “listening tour” might not cut it when speed and impact are paramount. She unpacks the realities of being brought in to "fix something," the importance of quick wins to build trust, and how to thoughtfully navigate existing team dynamics and executive expectations. From handling that first spicy AMA question at all-hands to identifying the organization’s “shadow org,” this episode is a must-listen for HR leaders seeking to thrive in their early days.

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Credits
TroopHR Founder: Tracy Avin
Show Producer: Nicole Fealey
Show Host: Taylor Bradley
Note: Transcripts generated by AI.