“HR Heretics” | How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies

HR Spy Games: Deel vs Rippling

Mar 27, 2025

In a thrilling tale of corporate espionage, Deel is accused of sending a spy to Rippling to steal secrets, which leads to an elaborate 'honeypot' trap. The hosts delve into how such incidents reflect the shift from private rivalry to public drama via social media. They explore the tangled web of modern workplace ethics and the importance of transparency in an era where unprofessional acts can be quickly exposed. This captivating discourse highlights the evolving complexities of corporate interactions and the role of technology in today's HR landscape.

23:21

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Quick takeaways

The spy allegations between Deel and Rippling reveal how corporate espionage tactics are evolving in competitive business environments.

The incident emphasizes the increasing importance of transparency and ethical decision-making for companies in the age of social media.

Deep dives

Transform Conference Insights

The discussion highlights the networking experience at the Transform conference, emphasizing how personal interactions are more valuable than formal presentations. Attendees expressed that their most significant takeaways were the connections made with professionals they had interacted with online but never met in person. The intimate setting of dinners and informal gatherings fosters authentic conversations, which is highly sought after in the HR industry. Feedback about the shorter podcast segments also resonates with listeners who appreciate the ability to consume content quickly and efficiently, enabling deeper engagement.

Intro

3min

Espionage and Networking Insights

11min

Navigating AI in Recruitment and the Challenges of Employee Litigation

3min

Navigating Workplace Conversations in the Digital Age

4min

Navigating Talent Interconnectedness and Ethical Decision-Making

2min

In this week's 'Dear Heretics' segment, Nolan and Kelli discuss recent HR tech industry drama involving Rippling and Deel, where a "spy" from Deel allegedly infiltrated Rippling to steal competitive information.

They describe Rippling's elaborate "honeypot" trap to catch Deel's corporate spy and how this incident exemplifies the evolution of business conflicts from private disputes to public social media spectacles, highlighting workplace transparency's growing complexity.

*Email us your questions or topics for Kelli & Nolan: hrheretics@turpentine.co

For coaching and advising inquire at https://kellidragovich.com/

HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.

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KEEP UP WITH NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/

Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:13) Deel and Rippling Drama

(05:00) Rippling's Allegation: Spy in Dublin Office

(06:19) The 'Honeypot' Trap Explanation

(07:48) "That's Not a Honeypot, That's a Mousetrap"

(09:00) Corporate Espionage More Common Than People Think

(12:00) Going Public on Twitter as the "Master Stroke"

(14:00) Sponsor: Metaview

(16:16) New Era of CEOs Going to War

(17:15) The Next Phase: Everything Is Public Now

(19:24) The Spy Locks Himself in the Bathroom

(22:04) Sunlight Is the Best Disinfectant

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

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