FNDN Series

DescriptionWelcome back to the FNDN Series, join us as we speak with Adam Horne, co-founder of OpenOrg, about how transparency can transform company culture. With 14+ years of experience building startups, Adam shares practical insights on implementing pay transparency, connecting performance to compensation, and building trust through clear communication. In this episode, we explore why both young and experienced employees value transparency, how to handle pay equity challenges, and simple steps any organisation can take to become more open about compensation practices.Chapters: [01:41] Introduction to Adam Horne and OpenOrg[06:39] The Evolution of Workplace Transparency[11:10] Transparency Lessons from Building Companies[16:59] Performance Management Challenges[24:58] Moving Beyond Annual Performance Reviews[29:06] Real-Time Performance-Based Compensation[33:07] Defining Pay Transparency for Your Organisation[38:30] The "Leaked Tomorrow" Test for Pay Practices[42:16] Managing Pay Equity When Implementing Bands[50:36] Building Trust Through Transparent Pay PracticesConnect with Adam HorneVisit OpenOrg's WebsiteLinkedIn: Adam HorneMore FNDN Episodes at Spotify 

Jessica Zwaan, a seasoned COO and author of 'Built for People,' shares her insights on innovative compensation strategies tailored for startups. She discusses how applying product management principles can revolutionize HR practices. Key topics include performance-based pay, the importance of transparency in compensation, and the need for flexibility in pay structures. Jessica emphasizes the dangers of freezing salaries during financial strain and offers practical advice for building trust and engagement among employees, ensuring teams thrive in dynamic environments.

Steve Cadigan, LinkedIn's first CHRO and a top HR influencer, shares his journey from recruiter to scaling the company from 400 to 4,000 employees in just 3.5 years. He discusses innovative strategies for startup compensation in a post-pandemic world, highlighting the importance of transparency and addressing generational priorities. Cadigan emphasizes maintaining company culture over mere compensation in talent attraction and navigates the complexities of pay transparency and evolving salary dynamics in today's workforce.

Ami Patel, Head of People at Immutable, shares her expertise in creating innovative compensation frameworks for the crypto industry. She discusses the challenges of building trust and a high-performance culture in a fast-evolving tech space. Ami emphasizes the importance of data-driven practices and transparency in managing compensation for startups. She also explores the emotional aspects of creativity and the significance of consultative decision-making in shaping effective compensation strategies, tailored to attract and retain top talent.

In this interview, Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta, shares his expert insights on building effective startup equity programs, navigating global compensation challenges, and the evolving role of People Operations in driving transparency and alignment in today’s economic landscape.

Mark Frein, COO of Oyster HR, provides practical insights into building transparent and fair compensation frameworks for startups. He discusses the crucial role of clear communication and alignment with company values in successful pay practices. Mark highlights the importance of addressing complexities in global teams and emphasizes ethical considerations in compensation decisions. He also sheds light on the need for structured strategies, fostering trust among employees, and empowering leaders to discuss pay openly, ultimately creating a fairer workplace.

Paul Stovell, Founder and CEO of Octopus Deploy, shares how transparent compensation models can build trust and improve pay equity in tech companies.

Jess Blomfield, Head of People at Airtree, a venture capital firm, dives into the nuances of compensation in startups. She discusses the importance of fairness and market competitiveness while navigating the challenges of structured salary processes. Jess champions flexible compensation models, advocating for a total rewards approach to meet diverse employee needs. Her insights emphasize building strong compensation practices from the beginning and the critical role of effective change management in retaining talent. A must-listen for those in people operations!