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

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

When Success Means New Bosses: A Startup Growth Story

Jan 21, 2025
Kelli and Nolan dive into the intricacies of leadership transitions in fast-growing startups. They highlight the challenges faced by new leaders stepping into roles above existing employees and stress the importance of nurturing current team members. Trust and open communication are paramount during these changes, ensuring respect for early contributors. The hosts also address the delicate balance between hiring externally and valuing internal talent, offering tactical advice and a touch of therapy for navigating the complexities of growth.
21:39

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The complexities of organizational layering highlight the need for coaching existing employees rather than exclusively relying on external hires.
  • Maintaining transparency and honoring the contributions of early employees are critical to fostering a supportive and cooperative workplace culture during transitions.

Deep dives

Navigating the Challenges of Layering in Organizations

Layering, or placing a new leader above an existing employee, poses significant challenges in organizations, particularly in startups. When considering whether to layer a current CFO due to their inability to provide necessary strategic support, it is vital to evaluate if they can develop the required skills. Hiring new candidates often comes with risks, as they lack context and established relationships within the company, which can lead to misalignment and misunderstandings. Therefore, making an effort to grow the current employee, potentially with the help of coaching or support from seasoned advisors, is advisable before pursuing external solutions.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode