“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
Aug 29, 2024 • 59min
DEI: Pushback or Paradigm Shift? With Vijay Pendakur
Vijay Pendakur, a DEI expert and founder of Vijay Pendakur Consulting, shares insights on the current pushback against diversity initiatives. He tackles the challenge of maintaining inclusion without divisiveness and emphasizes the need for measurable ROI in DEI efforts. The conversation explores the evolving corporate responsibility towards DEI, particularly in a hybrid workforce, and the tension between AI integration and commitment to diversity in hiring practices. Vijay's candid discussion reveals a call for courageous leadership and a paradigm shift in approach.
Aug 27, 2024 • 23min
When Is It Time to Quit Your Job?
Discover the signs that it might be time to leave your job, including how personal energy levels and engagement impact your decision. Explore the art of giving notice while nurturing your professional relationships. Learn about the crucial balance of financial readiness during transitions and the benefits of continuous self-awareness. Delve into the nuances of job tenure, and understand the dynamics between job hoppers and long-tenured employees. Gain insights on effective career strategies for a smooth and impactful exit.
14 snips
Aug 22, 2024 • 47min
Reinventing HR at Garner with Valentina Gissin
Valentina Gissin, former Head of Talent at Bridgewater and now Chief People Officer at Garner, shares invaluable insights on innovative hiring strategies. She discusses the unique interview processes at Garner, emphasizing structured case interviews and mentorship. Valentina dives into the complexities of hybrid work, advocating for intentional policies that enhance culture and productivity. She also explores the importance of continuous feedback, highlighting its role in fostering open communication and performance, while addressing the challenges leaders face in implementing these practices.
6 snips
Aug 20, 2024 • 23min
How Back Channels Really Shape Hiring Decisions
The discussion centers around the practice of back channels in hiring, revealing how they can impact candidate evaluations. There's a strong emphasis on transparency and ethics, urging candidates to be informed about these processes. Anecdotes highlight the importance of timing and context in gathering insights. The conversation addresses biases in hiring, particularly how homogeneity influences decisions, and calls for a more nuanced approach to candidate assessment.
Aug 15, 2024 • 51min
The Long Game of DEI: A Conversation with Joelle Emerson
Join Joelle Emerson, CEO of Paradigm, as she tackles the slow progress in corporate diversity and the complexities of measuring DEI initiatives. She discusses the importance of long-term strategies and transparency in demonstrating real impact. The conversation dives into the backlash against DEI efforts, especially in the tech industry, and emphasizes the crucial distinction between equity and equality. Joelle also shares insights on hiring practices, advocating for a thoughtful approach to foster genuine inclusivity in the workplace.
Aug 13, 2024 • 16min
The Vibe Shift in Tech
A major shift in tech culture sees lavish perks giving way to job insecurity and layoffs. Workers face rising stress, revealing deeper motivations behind their careers. The podcast reflects on the past through 'The Internship' and examines real struggles in tech entrepreneurship. With a focus on changing expectations, passion, and resilience, it highlights the crucial role of AI in recruitment. Solutions like WorkVivo are discussed to foster connectedness in today's hybrid work environment.
4 snips
Aug 8, 2024 • 38min
So the NYTimes says everyone hates HR, now what?
Nolan Church, a thought leader in HR discussions, and Kelli Dragovich, an advocate for impactful organizational leadership, dive into a provocative New York Times article criticizing HR. They discuss the pervasive dissatisfaction between employees and HR, the increasing strain on HR professionals, and the importance of collaborative leadership. They also explore the transformative potential of AI in hiring and the need for nurturing relationships within organizations to enhance both performance and employee well-being.
Aug 6, 2024 • 21min
Should Your Org do Amazon’s Bar Raiser Interviews?
Kelli Dragovich, an expert in bar raiser interview programs, teams up with Nolan Church, a keen commentator on hiring practices. They discuss the practicality of adopting bar raiser interviews, inspired by Amazon's model. The duo examines key advantages, such as minimizing biases through objective interviewers, while also uncovering potential challenges in implementation. They highlight the need for clear definitions and interviewer training to enhance candidate evaluations, making a strong case for thoughtful execution to attract top talent.
Aug 1, 2024 • 45min
AI-Powered Hiring, Really... with Siadhal Magos of Metaview
Siadhal Magos, CEO of Metaview and expert in AI-driven recruitment, shares insights on how AI is revolutionizing the hiring process. He discusses the role of AI tools in enhancing decision-making while preserving the human connection during interviews. Magos highlights the importance of data-driven insights to improve talent acquisition and tackle recruitment challenges. He also explores the balance between automation and personal touch, emphasizing the need for collaborative hiring environments that prioritize authentic candidate interactions.
4 snips
Jul 30, 2024 • 17min
How to Show Your Work
Kelli Dragovich, an HR strategies expert, and Nolan Church, an innovative HR solutions professional, dive into the proactive role HR can play in organizations. They discuss the importance of visibility and showcasing HR's value beyond just reactive measures. Key topics include enhancing employee engagement through transparency, effective communication around compensation, and building trust in hybrid work environments. Their insights inspire HR teams to take charge and demonstrate their impactful contributions.
