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

HR Heretics
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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.
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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!
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Jul 22, 2025 • 26min

The Real HR Problem: Bitterness, Bad Leadership, and Why Anti-Empathy Actually Works with Ethena CPO Melanie Naranjo

In this enlightening discussion, Melanie Naranjo, CPO of Ethena and a fierce advocate for logic in workplace leadership, dives deep into the perils of empathy-driven management. She challenges toxic executive dynamics and highlights the need for authentic communication in HR. Melanie discusses the burnout faced by HR professionals and the importance of genuine feedback for growth. She also explores how integrating AI can revolutionize recruitment while questioning traditional views on emotional intelligence in leadership roles.
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17 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 21min

Testing Everything: How HashiCorp Rewrote the People Playbook

In a riveting discussion, Christine Centa, Chief People Officer at HashiCorp, delves into innovative HR practices. She shares insights on compensation testing and equity, revealing how real-world trials impact salary structures. The conversation shifts to scaling remote culture, stressing the importance of intentional communication for team cohesion. Christine also tackles the challenges of AI adoption in HR, highlighting the need for transparency and the evolving skills required to leverage technology effectively. This is a masterclass in modern people operations!
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Jul 15, 2025 • 31min

Unpacking the Windsurf-Google Deal with Carta's Peter Walker

Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta, dissects the controversial Windsurf deal where Google left non-founder employees without equity payouts. He highlights the growing trend of AI-driven acquisitions that prioritize top talent, often at the cost of broader employee equity. The conversation dives into the ethical dilemmas tech companies face, the disconnect between executive compensation and that of average workers, and the need for transparency in equity negotiations. Walker urges a reevaluation of startup dynamics in this new landscape.
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16 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 16min

The 5 Layers of Business Literacy Every HR Leader Must Master, with Jeff Diana, former CPO of Calendly

Jeff Diana, former CPO of Calendly and a seasoned investor/entrepreneur, joins the conversation to tackle how HR leaders can elevate their influence. He emphasizes the need for HR professionals to master business literacy, going beyond traditional practices. Jeff discusses transforming HR with AI tools like MetaView to streamline processes and enhance strategic integration within organizations. He highlights the importance of understanding financial metrics to drive meaningful impact, urging HR to evolve into a crucial business leadership role.
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14 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 14min

Bolt Says They Killed HR, But the Work Doesn’t Go Away

Kelli and Nolan dive into the controversial shift from traditional HR to a PeopleOps model, sparking debates on efficiency versus bureaucracy. They examine whether this change is innovative or just a catchy rebranding. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between fostering a dynamic workplace and ensuring necessary oversight. As the roles in people management evolve, they pose critical questions about the long-term implications of eliminating HR departments. Is this the future of talent management or a risk too great to take?
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18 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 23min

Equity Negotiation: The Ultimate Guide to Not Getting Screwed

Dive into the intricate world of equity negotiation, where understanding fully diluted share counts and 409A valuations is key to making informed choices. Discover the cautionary tales that highlight how crucial it is to clarify equity offers upfront. The conversation expands to include essential tips for executives navigating complex compensation agreements and liquidity clauses. Plus, learn how innovative tools like Planful and Metaview are revolutionizing workforce planning and recruitment, helping teams leverage data more effectively.
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8 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 28min

Why 50% of CEO-HR "Marriages" End in Divorce with Colleen McCreary

Colleen McCreary, a seasoned Chief People Officer, dives into the intriguing world of CEO-HR relationships, discussing why nearly half of these partnerships end in 'divorce.' She shares insights on how traditional interviews often overlook compatibility, suggesting that proactive communication is key. Colleen emphasizes the importance of addressing conflicts early and maintaining emotional intelligence in high-pressure situations. Listeners gain valuable strategies for building authentic connections and reflecting on the lasting impact of their professional relationships.
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8 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 49min

Zapier’s Bold Bet: Every New Hire Must Be AI-Transformational, With CPO Brandon Sammut

Brandon Sammut, Chief People Officer at Zapier, champions AI integration in hiring, making AI fluency mandatory for new employees. He discusses innovative AI tools that streamline workflows and enhance recruitment, such as personalized interview guides and performance tracking systems. Sammut emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach between AI automation and human connection, ensuring a vibrant company culture. He shares insights on how AI can transform employee experiences and support proactive engagement within teams.

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