“HR Heretics” | How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies
HR Heretics
After a decade+ of “blitz-scaling” companies, HR, talent, and People leaders now face an uncertain economy that has already seen big booms and busts. What will it take to construct the next generation of incredible businesses – and where can people leaders have the most business impact?
Hosts Nolan Church and Kelli Dragovich have been through it all, the highs and the lows – IPOs, layoffs, executive turnover, board meetings, culture changes, and more. With a lineup of industry vets and experts, Nolan and Kelli break down the nitty-gritty details, trade offs, and dynamics of constructing high performing companies. Through unfiltered conversations that can only happen between seasoned practitioners – Kelli and Nolan dive deep into the kind of leadership-level strategy that often happens behind closed doors.
This show is for those who are ready to ditch conventional wisdom and figure out from first principles what works for their culture, business model, and industry, with the goal of building a resilient and enduring company. You’ll come away with real guidance for seeing around corners, building enduring companies, and carving out an impactful career – plus a newly-honed bullshit detector.
Topics frequently touched on in this season include: building high performing cultures, compensation negotiation, performance reviews, company design, equity, M&As, recruiting the best talent, and how to manage your own psychology as a people leader. hrheretics.substack.com
Hosts Nolan Church and Kelli Dragovich have been through it all, the highs and the lows – IPOs, layoffs, executive turnover, board meetings, culture changes, and more. With a lineup of industry vets and experts, Nolan and Kelli break down the nitty-gritty details, trade offs, and dynamics of constructing high performing companies. Through unfiltered conversations that can only happen between seasoned practitioners – Kelli and Nolan dive deep into the kind of leadership-level strategy that often happens behind closed doors.
This show is for those who are ready to ditch conventional wisdom and figure out from first principles what works for their culture, business model, and industry, with the goal of building a resilient and enduring company. You’ll come away with real guidance for seeing around corners, building enduring companies, and carving out an impactful career – plus a newly-honed bullshit detector.
Topics frequently touched on in this season include: building high performing cultures, compensation negotiation, performance reviews, company design, equity, M&As, recruiting the best talent, and how to manage your own psychology as a people leader. hrheretics.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 34min
40 Hours, No Meetings, No Politics: Building a Company That Actually Works with David Heinemeier Hansson (DHH)
David Heinemeier Hansson, creator of Ruby on Rails and co-owner of 37signals, dives into the essence of workplace efficiency. He passionately critiques DEI initiatives and workplace politics, advocating for political neutrality at work. DHH shares his philosophy of minimal management and creative constraints, emphasizing a 40-hour workweek devoid of meetings. He discusses the importance of clear communication in a meeting-free culture and reflects on the balance between work and life, urging organizations to prioritize productivity with integrity.
14 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 17min
"I Live Off Intensity": Steve Cadigan on Jeff Weiner's Leadership That Built LinkedIn
Steve Cadigan, LinkedIn's first CHRO, shares insights from his experience during the company's explosive growth. He tackles the cultural challenges of scaling from 400 to 4,000 employees and emphasizes the need to shift from acquiring talent to developing it internally. Cadigan discusses the unconventional leadership style of CEO Jeff Weiner and the importance of vulnerability in crisis management. He highlights lessons learned from LinkedIn's blitzscaling phase and advocates for innovative HR practices that support adaptability and work-life balance.
Aug 19, 2025 • 18min
How AT&T's CEO Just Exposed the Engagement Survey Con Game
Kelli and Nolan dive deep into the flaws of employee engagement surveys, exposing them as mere performative exercises for executives. They argue these surveys often fail to accurately capture employee sentiment. The discussion emphasizes the need for genuine communication between leaders and frontline workers to truly enhance engagement. They also highlight the importance of shifting away from superficial metrics and instead fostering meaningful conversations that drive real organizational change.
12 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 38min
Dave Margulius: "Starting a Company Without VC Money is Like Starting a Religion"
In this engaging discussion, Dave Margulius, co-founder of Quizlet and a serial entrepreneur, shares his journey from bootstrapping a startup with teenage partners to building a successful global education platform. He dives into the challenges of leading without VC funding, emphasizing passion as a driving force. Margulius also sheds light on the transition to board member, the importance of maintaining a mission-driven culture during growth, and the revolutionary impact of AI in recruitment. Tune in for insightful wisdom on innovation and leadership!
Aug 12, 2025 • 19min
Exit Interviews Are a Waste of Time
The discussion casts doubt on the value of traditional exit interviews, highlighting their performative nature. Employees often withhold honest feedback due to fear of repercussions. Instead of relying solely on exit interviews, they advocate for fostering open communication to gain real insights into company culture. The hosts also explore innovative workforce planning tools that can enhance recruitment and decision-making. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for leadership to engage in genuine conversations that uncover systemic issues within organizations.
Aug 7, 2025 • 23min
The Rise of the Elite Operator with Casey Woo
Casey Woo, founder of Operators Guild and venture capitalist with a background at WeWork, discusses the evolution of elite business operators. He delves into the impact of AI on recruitment, highlighting how tools like MetaView enhance hiring processes. Casey shares valuable lessons from WeWork, emphasizing the importance of efficiency amid rapid growth. He also explores the unique mindset of elite operators, balancing risk and community involvement, while noting their shift towards entrepreneurial roles in today's market.
11 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 18min
From Windsurf to DeepMind: How Acquisition Deals Really Work
Delve into the aftermath of a controversial acquisition as a former employee reveals the shocking 1% equity payout amidst a $2 billion deal. Explore the tough choices individuals face between lucrative offers and the complexities of compensation and trust in high-stakes environments. Unpack the crucial role of cultural connections in mergers and acquisitions, prioritizing relationships over financial incentives. Plus, examine the impact of social media on corporate accountability and the future of leadership responsibility.
Jul 31, 2025 • 24min
Why DIY Executive Search Fails with Andy Price, Artisanal Ventures
Join Andy Price, a VC at Artisanal Ventures with a sharp focus on executive search, as he reveals the secrets behind successful executive hires. He dissects why many placements fail, emphasizing the importance of understanding company culture and candidate fit. Discover innovative back-channeling strategies and the artisanal approach to hiring that prioritizes ongoing communication. Andy also dives into the critical role of effective onboarding, highlighting how it can make or break an executive's tenure in today's fast-paced landscape.
10 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 31min
The Astronomer Scandal
The hosts dive into the scandal involving a CEO and CPO caught on a kiss cam at a Coldplay concert. They discuss the hypocrisy in executive leadership and how personal actions can undermine professional credibility. The impact of social media on accountability is examined, highlighting the delicate balance leaders must maintain. Romantic relationships between executives are debated, considering their influence on decision-making. The hosts reflect on the fallout from leadership changes and the vital role of trust in HR amidst such controversies.
Jul 24, 2025 • 40min
How ServiceNow Turned Talent Data Into Competitive Intelligence with Sarah Tilley
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Tilley, the SVP of Global Talent at ServiceNow, shares her extensive experience transforming talent acquisition through AI. She reveals their innovative two-speed strategy, aligning talent acquisition with core business goals while enhancing the quality of hire. Sarah emphasizes the crucial role of AI in revolutionizing recruitment processes, boosting operational efficiency, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Tune in to discover how ServiceNow is setting new benchmarks in talent market intelligence!
