

“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

Nov 5, 2024 • 18min
Election Day 2024: Leading Through the Divide
Nolan and Kelli tackle the challenges of a polarized workplace during the 2024 election. They discuss the decline of respectful political discourse and the dangers of social media rhetoric. Practical strategies for leaders managing divided teams are highlighted, emphasizing inclusivity and clear communication. The podcast also critiques media influence and explores how to support employees grappling with political tensions, all while maintaining professionalism and unity in the workplace.

Oct 31, 2024 • 34min
Beyond Emily in Paris: Navigating French Business Culture and HR Politics with Ciara Lakhani
Ciara Lakhani, former HR leader at Dashlane and the first head of people at Compass, shares her journey from New York to Paris. She debunks myths about French business culture, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and trust in cross-cultural leadership. Ciara discusses overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome and adapting to communication styles unique to France. She highlights the necessity of informal interactions in building relationships and the evolving role of HR professionals in a global landscape.

Oct 29, 2024 • 15min
From Empty Suits to Real Leaders
Dive into the concept of 'empty suit executives' and discover why they're becoming obsolete. Learn how authenticity and hard work are now the keys to leadership success. The conversation highlights a movement towards engaged leadership, with a focus on doers over detached managers. Explore personal stories showcasing the impacts of these shifts and how technology is reshaping corporate structures. The era of status-seeking executives is fading, paving the way for a new breed of genuine and adaptable leaders.

Oct 24, 2024 • 50min
When Breaking Everything Fixes Everything with Jared Fliesler
Jared Fliesler, a former Google director and seasoned operator, shares his journey from Silicon Valley prodigy to insightful leader. He challenges traditional performance reviews with innovative feedback systems and critiques the 'founder mode' hype. Jared unveils the psychological traps high achievers face and the counterintuitive path to genuine satisfaction. He also explores the impact of corporate culture on young leaders and emphasizes the importance of gratitude and tailored management practices. Get ready to rethink success and fulfillment!

5 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 20min
Burnout in the Workplace
Explore the pressing issue of workplace burnout and discover practical strategies to combat it. The hosts share tips on building resilience through daily routines, nutrition, and meaningful connections. They tackle impostor syndrome and emphasize the importance of teamwork and vulnerability in leadership. Notably, they discuss the role of physical activity in maintaining mental clarity and the power of gratitude in fostering self-awareness. Join them for insightful reflections on balancing high-pressure roles while navigating professional extremes.

7 snips
Oct 17, 2024 • 45min
Silicon Valley's Survival of the Fittest with Peter Walker of Carta
Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta, shares his expertise on the shifting startup landscape. He unveils the stark reality of declining hiring trends and the rise of lean operations. The conversation dives into the complexities of employee tenure during layoffs and the emergence of fractional employment amid market volatility. Walker also discusses the challenges in tech acquisitions and IPOs, revealing how economic factors are reshaping startup valuations and equity distribution, questioning if we are witnessing a new era in the startup ecosystem.

Oct 16, 2024 • 17min
Trust No One? The New Realities of Tech Recruiting in 2024
The podcast dives into the ethical dilemmas posed by AI in job interviews, where candidates might use technology to cheat. It discusses the rise of fake applicants and the challenges they bring to recruitment integrity. The hosts share insights on shifting interview practices, advocating for personal values and experiences over traditional methods. They also highlight the irreplaceable nature of soft skills and the pressing need for verification in hiring processes. A fascinating exploration of how AI is reshaping trust and authenticity in the workplace!

21 snips
Oct 10, 2024 • 53min
Andy Price on Building World-Class Teams: Process is Overrated
In this engaging discussion, Andy Price, a seasoned executive recruiter and venture capitalist known for building leadership teams at firms like Snowflake and DocuSign, shares invaluable hiring insights. He emphasizes the importance of aligning organizational culture with candidate qualifications to avoid hiring misfits. Andy also explores the critical role of effective onboarding and communication in fostering employee success. He highlights resilience and authenticity as vital traits for today’s workforce, reflecting on how these qualities can turn good companies into great ones.

Oct 9, 2024 • 17min
Rethinking DEI in Tech After Microsoft's Team Dissolution
The discussion dives into Microsoft's recent dissolution of its DEI team, raising alarms about the industry's sincere commitment to diversity. It scrutinizes the effectiveness of existing DEI strategies, highlighting stagnation in representation. Personal stories showcase the importance of accountability in fostering inclusive cultures. Hope and skepticism intertwine as the speakers call for a reevaluation of approaches, emphasizing the need for authentic inclusion over mere metrics in tech's evolving landscape.

Oct 3, 2024 • 44min
HashiCorp's CPO Christine Centa on Equity, Remote Work & AI
Christine Centa, the Chief People Officer at HashiCorp, shares insights on HR innovation and remote work culture. She discusses the complexities of scaling a remote-first organization and navigating the challenges of equity compensation in tech. Centa explores the transformative role of AI in recruitment and the importance of data-driven strategies for workforce planning. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency and open communication to foster trust in remote teams, especially during transitions from private to public company.