Welcome back to the FNDN Series, where we dive deep into startup compensation with industry leaders from across the startup world. In this episode, we yarn with Melissa Theiss, Head of People at Kit and founder of Fledge, an HR consultancy helping people leaders think like business leaders. We explore how startups can reject cookie-cutter compensation models, build a comp philosophy that's truly fit for purpose, and implement principle-led decision making.

Melissa brings her sharp commercial lens to people strategy, sharing practical frameworks and real-world examples from bootstrapped, venture-backed, and public companies.

Chapters:

[01:52] Introduction to Melissa Theiss and her role at Kit

[03:03] Starting with compensation philosophy fundamentals

[06:32] The "Even-Over" framework for decision making

[10:07] Why, What, How: The three questions about compensation

[11:53] Why your talent strategy should compel and repel

[15:30] Debunking compensation myths: Pay percentiles and talent quality

[17:52] Case study: Standard-Skewed-Generous philosophy

[20:04] Episode wrap-up and key takeaways

Connect with Melissa Theiss

Visit https://kit.com/

Linkedin: @melissatheiss

More FNDN Episodes at Spotify | Apple Podcast

Avoiding Cookie-Cutter Comp with Melissa Theiss, Head of People Ops at Kit & Founder of Fledge