

“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
Jan 9, 2025 • 43min
The Anti-Org Chart: Why Colin Zima Traded HR for Chaos (and Won)
Colin Zima, former Looker executive and current Omni CEO, shares insights from his unique management style that thrives on minimal bureaucracy. He argues that founders should roll up their sleeves and tackle tough tasks directly. Colin explains his unconventional approach of operating without an HR or G&A team, valuing engagement over traditional roles. He discusses the cultural pitfalls from acquisitions, like the Google-Listener experience, and emphasizes the need for leaders to adapt their strategies in a hybrid work environment.

11 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 48min
Big Tech Alumni: Help or Hindrance? with Bryan Power
In a captivating conversation, Bryan Power, a Silicon Valley veteran who shaped talent strategies at Google and Yahoo, dives into hiring practices amid tech culture. He shares why Square avoided hiring from the payments sector and the startup risks of conventional wisdom. Bryan emphasizes the importance of real-world experience over prestigious resumes and the role of leaders in employee training. He explores the delicate balance between a founder’s vision and evolving company culture, offering fresh insights for emerging companies.

8 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 17min
The Very Best of Heretics 2024
Kick off the New Year with a discussion on the need for change in dysfunctional organizations. Delve into the power of authentic connections and accountability in hiring practices. Explore the role of curiosity in workplace dynamics, while challenging the reliance on charismatic leaders. Discover the concept of 'ninja teams' that are agile and responsive, ready to tackle any challenge, alongside innovative AI tools revolutionizing recruitment. Get ready for spicy takes and practical wisdom that could redefine your approach to HR.

Dec 20, 2024 • 29min
The Year End Special: Personal L’s, Big Wins, and Why Headcount is Dead
Kelli and Nolan share candid reflections on a transformative year, revealing personal struggles and triumphs. They recommend must-read books and binge-worthy podcasts that shaped their perspectives. Dive into their bold predictions for 2025, where they argue that traditional headcounts may be holding companies back. The discussion touches on themes of identity, resilience, and the necessity for authentic diversity and inclusion efforts in the workplace. Enjoy raw insights from two HR leaders who value real talk over fluff.

Dec 18, 2024 • 29min
Striking at the Heart of the Future of Work | AI Corner with Siadhal Magos on 11x AI
Siadhal Magos, CEO of Metaview and an AI expert, dives into the rising influence of AI on the workforce. He discusses how AI-powered sales reps could change job structures and the crucial funding behind automation trends. Siadhal emphasizes the balance between job displacement and the creation of new roles, urging workers to adapt. The podcast also highlights AI's transformative role in recruitment, streamlining processes while preserving essential human interaction for successful hiring.

5 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 14min
Why Messy is Good and Structure is Overrated
Ever feel like your HR team operates like a bunch of separate countries? Discover how blending your People Ops can be the secret to scaling success. Explore the transformation of HR from a corner team to dynamic business partners. Learn about collaboration through color gradients to break down silos. Embrace messiness in the workplace as a pathway to growth and adaptability. Dive into innovative approaches like collaborative pods and role mobility to enhance team cohesion and performance.

Dec 12, 2024 • 54min
Be an Infinite Learner with Chris Yeh
In this engaging talk, Chris Yeh, author and venture partner known for co-writing Blitzscaling, shares his wisdom from the heart of Silicon Valley. He discusses the critical art of unlearning and the necessity of infinite learning in today's fast-paced world. Yeh emphasizes the benefits of taking time off for well-being and the value of collaborating with influential minds. He also touches on the adaptability required for successful relationships in business, along with insights into crafting effective compensation practices for modern workplaces.

13 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 24min
Stop Saying You're a Business Partner (And Actually Be One) with Jeff Diana
Jeff Diana, a seasoned Chief People Officer and board advisor, shares invaluable insights on transforming HR into a strategic business partner. He discusses the importance of HR leaders joining sales calls, understanding P&L, and engaging in customer support. Diana emphasizes that HR must move beyond traditional roles and actively participate in business functions. By collaborating with operations and other departments, HR can gain crucial business acumen and credibility, thus becoming integral in shaping overall business strategy.

5 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 13min
C-Suite Budget Scrutiny? with Colleen McCreary
Explore the rising pressure on HR leaders as budget scrutiny intensifies from the C-suite. Delve into strategies for transforming difficult financial conversations into opportunities for building trust. The importance of proactive communication and assuming good intent in stakeholder management takes center stage. Discover how genuine human connections enhance leadership dynamics, emphasizing the value of in-person interactions over digital ones. Join a candid discussion on the balance between accountability and transparency in decision-making.

12 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 50min
The 3AM People Leader: Donald Knight of Warner Brothers Discovery
Donald Knight, SVP of People and Culture at Warner Brothers Discovery, shares his journey through HR, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership. He discusses innovative parental leave strategies and the intersection of fitness with personal leadership, revealing how early morning workouts influence his productivity. Knight also addresses the evolving challenges of HR, including the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the need for genuine company culture over mere imitation of others.