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

Nolan Church breaks down what is happening over at OpenAI and what we know about three developing stories involving exec departures, equity, and transparency. Kelli is on vacation this week. He touches on:* The departure of Ilya Sutskever, co-founder and chief scientist, along with Jan Lieke* The journalistic investigation by Vox's Kelsey Piper, who broke the story of OpenAI's practice of requiring departing employees to sign life-long non-disclosure and non-disparagement agreements, threatening the loss of vested equity for breach* The incident involving Scarlett Johansson being approached to voice OpenAI’s AI, without her consent, raising questions about ethical use of voice likeness in AI technologiesNolan debriefs with lessons for HR leaders and company founders.HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.SPONSOR:Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible, and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join ElevenLabs, Replicate, Modal, and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHereticsKEEP UP WITH NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDINNolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovichTIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:47) The Big Departures: OpenAI's Executive Shake-Up(03:31) OpenAI's Controversial NDAs(05:12) Sponsors: Attio(08:21) The Scarlett Johansson Voice Saga(10:04) The Future of OpenAI and HR Lessons(10:50) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

In this episode, Nolan and Kelli have an honest and transparent discussion with CEO and founder of Remote Job van der Voort (also the former VP of Product at GitLab) on the nuances of running an international remote company. Job strongly emphasises how trying to replicate the office environment in a remote setting doesn’t work and how giving small teams extreme autonomy with focus on outcome-based-management far outweighs surveillance and micro management. Kelli, Nolan and Job chat about early career growth and development in remote settings vs learning by osmosis in the office and how the company committed to developing new methodologies to mentor and train up juniors.Job also gives insights into the complexities of global hiring, geography-based compensation, and geographic mobility for remote workers and discusses the impact it has on contracts and mutual obligations.HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.Share this with your friends, forward to your enemies. Hit subscribe now.SPONSOR: Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join Replicate, ElevenLabs, Modal and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHereticsKEEP UP WITH JOB, NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDINJob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jobvo/Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:53) Replicating Office Culture in Remote Settings(06:45) Embracing Asynchronous Work and Team Autonomy(09:48) Hiring and Training in a Remote-First World(13:51) Innovative Remote Work Practices and Tools(17:50) Addressing the Challenges of Remote Work (22:10) Remote's Approach to Documentation and Communication(26:00) International Employment and Expansion(26:54) Global Employment with Remote(28:10) Global Compensation Strategies(33:52) Equity and Performance in Global Teams(39:40) Mobility and Compensation In Employee Relocation(46:55) The Global Hiring Market and Future Trends(51.24) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

In today's segment, Kelli welcomes back Janelle Lopez, discussing her recent career decision to take a second-in-command role at Coursera over the top Chief People Officer position elsewhere. She gives us an honest look into her decision-making, her networking efforts (75 meetings!), and how to assess a company for fit.HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.--SPONSOR:Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible, and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join ElevenLabs, Replicate, Modal, and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHeretics--KEEP UP WITH JANELLE, NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDINJanelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelle-lopez-29997a4/Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovichTIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:27) Career Decision: Chief People Officer vs. Number Two Role(01:27) Networking(04:29) Evaluating Opportunities(08:04) The Real Power of Networking(12:01) Biggest Lessons From the Job Search(13:23) Janelle's Future Aspirations(14:20) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

In this episode, Nolan and Kelli chat humanity in leadership with Michelle Weaver, CFO at Twitch (now part of Amazon). Michelle Weaver has 25 years experience including Hired (with Kelli), StitchFix, Axiom, Gap, Inc. and EA.Michelle emphasises the importance of a human-first leadership approach and that growth and learning can come from the projects you work on, not just promotions. The team all agree that building a strong relationship with the CFO builds a strong business foundation and knowing the business you’re in makes you a stronger leader. They also advocate for taking the wins from experiences with bad managers by being the outcome you want to see.Michelle also offers advice on selecting the company you want to work for and understanding the 'why' behind business numbers. She also goes deep on staying grounded through the M&A process and gives her own spin on personal growth and burnout in high-stress environments. HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.Share this with your friends, forward to your enemies. Get new episodes straight to your inbox: HRHeretics.substack.com.SPONSOR:Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join Replicate, ElevenLabs, Modal and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHereticsKEEP UP WITH MICHELLE, NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDINMichelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-weaver/Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(01:45) The Human Side of Being a CFO(04:10) Rethinking Team Management and Development(06:20) Promotions and Organisational Changes(08:03) Sponsor Ad: Attio CRM(08:59) The Power of CFO and CPO Collaboration(12.18) Structural Alignments Within The Company(15.46) The CPO interviewing the CFO (17:16) Choosing the Right Company(21:10) The Expansion of Gaming(24:06) M&A Trends and Staying Grounded(27:37) The Role of a CFO in Navigating M&A Challenges(30:31) Deep Dive into the M&A Process(32:45) Red Flags and Deal Breakers in M&A(37:15) Addressing Burnout and Understanding What Your Passion Is(42:59) How to Discover Your Passion(48:00) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

In today’s segment, Kelli and Nolan discuss the recent FTC ruling to ban non-compete agreements nationwide in the US, the broader implications of the ruling for employers and employees, and the future of AI and tech post-ban.HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.SPONSOR: Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible, and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join ElevenLabs, Replicate, Modal, and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHereticsKEEP UP WITH NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDINNolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovichTIMESTAMPS:(00:00) FTC Bans Non-Competes Nationwide(00:53) Personal Takes on the Non-Compete Ban(01:13) The Surprising Impact of Non-Competes Across Industries(02:49) Freedom and Innovation(05:09) Balancing Trade Secrets and Employee Freedom(07:33) The Future of Tech and AI Post-Ban(10:41) Embracing Side Hustles and Innovation(11:56) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

In this episode of HR Heretics, Kelli and Nolan are joined by Kristy McCann Flynn, a seasoned HR professional with 25 years of experience, who shares her journey from working in traditional HR roles to founding SkillCycle, a company aimed at revolutionizing talent development and performance management.The lively debate covers the evolving role of HR,  why HR software purchasing power might be changing, why  HR practitioners are doing it wrong if the 50% of their time is spent hearing staff concerns, and as ever, the fundamental importance of aligning HR initiatives with business outcomes.HR Heretics is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.coThis episode is brought to you by AttioAttio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join Replicate, ElevenLabs, Modal and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHereticsLINKS: https://www.skillcycle.com/KEEP UP WITH KRISTY, NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDIN Kristy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmflynn/ Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/ Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:41) The Genesis of SkillCycle: A Response to Industry Frustrations(01:17) Navigating Corporate America's Challenges and Changes(03:29) Revolutionizing Talent Development(04:20) Transforming HR and Talent Management(04:54) Addressing the Skills Gap: A New Approach to HR Tech(05:33) The Business Case for Investing in Talent Development(09:04) SkillCycle's Strategy: Performance, Engagement, and Learning(09:26) Skill Development vs. Hiring(13:20) Sponsor: Attio(16:31) Enabling Your Entire Workforce(17:39) Investing in Employees Without Bias(20:04) Burnout in HR(24:18) The Future of HR and Shifting Focus to Business Leaders(27:37) Strategies for Professional Development and Growth(29:04) Navigating Budgets and Building Relationships with CFOs(31:02) The Importance of Business Acumen in HR(32:12) Redefining HR's Role Beyond Being a Complaint Department(37:29) On Engagement and Pulse Surveys(43:26) Transitioning from HR to CEO: Insights and Reflections(47:31) Optimism vs. Pessimism in Leadership(50:00) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

In today's segment, Kelli and Nolan discuss Google firing employees who barricaded themselves in the CEO of Google Cloud Thomas Kurian's office for nine hours, to protest Google providing cloud computing services to the Israeli Ministry of Defense. Google CEO swiftly released a 'No Politics in the Workplace' message. The discussion explores the broader implications of protesting in the workplace, raises questions about protests and explores alternative ways to voice dissent without disruption.HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.SPONSOR: Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible, and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join ElevenLabs, Replicate, Modal, and more at https://bit.ly/attioturpentineKEEP UP WITH NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDINNolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovichTIMESTAMPS:(00:00) The Google Protest Controversy: An HR Perspective(01:23) Analyzing the Protest: Tactics and Consequences(02:35) The Fine Line Between Protest and Workplace Disruption(06:13) Google's Response and the Shift in Tech Culture(07:48) Sponsor: Attio(11:31) Exploring Solutions and the Future of Workplace Politics(14:19) Thoughts on Politics in the Workplace This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

This week Kelli Dragovich and Nolan Church sit down with Peterson Conway, headhunter, investor, and advisor who shares insights from his epic career working closely with Silicon Valley greats like Peter Thiel, Kevin Hartz, Keith Rabois, and Joe Lonsdale. Conway has assembled talent for the founding/early teams of Xoom, Palantir, Founders Fund, and 8VCStrap in for some crazy stories. Conway's journey highlights the significance of curiosity, optimism, and unconventional hiring practices in Silicon Valley. Conway reflects on the profile of talent he looks for and drills down to certain keywords he uses to search for seeking individuals with strong convictions and a "fight from the bottom" spirit.HR Heretics is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co--SPONSOR: Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join Replicate, ElevenLabs, Modal and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHeretics--LINKS:Zero to 1 by Peter Thiel & Blake Masters: https://www.amazon.com.au/Zero-One-Notes-Startups-Future/dp/0804139296Butthole Notorious: https://pconway-73418.medium.com/butthole-notorious-e4ac4ff12db4Peterson Conway: https://www.petersonconway.com/KEEP UP WITH PETERSON, NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDINPeterson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petersonconway/Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/—TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Preview(01:49) Intro(02:41) Peterson's Unconventional Path to Silicon Valley Success(09:23) Navigating Challenges and Learning from Silicon Valley Titans(16:18) Exploring the Magic of Silicon Valley and Beyond(18:56) Sponsor: Attio(24:46) The Dynamics of Connectivity, Safety, and the Future of Work(27:37) Exploring the Intersection of Fear and Love(27:55) The Therapeutic Journey: From Fear to Healing(28:13) On Guilt, Shame, and Vulnerability(29:55) Unfiltered Conversations: Embracing Discomfort(31:42) The Power of Silence in Communication(32:26) Team Construction and the Quest for the Right Hire(35:04) Recruiting: From Elite Schools to Keyword Searches for Grit and Determination(39:14) The Role of HR in Shaping Company Culture(43:36) On Unconventional Recruiting and Finding Hidden Gems(50:19) The Art of Asking for Forgiveness, Not Permission(50:41) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

In this segment , Nolan and Kelli discuss new information about Shopify's Mastery Program. Employees are assigned a mastery score, and if their score does not increase, they do not receive a raise. They cover the implications of this new approach, comparing it to previous systems used by other companies which also relied on ratings and algorithms to determine merit increases, and discuss the concept of creating a zero-sum game in the workplace. While not exactly new, internal competition is front and center in Shopify’s transparent new approach.HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.SPONSOR:Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join Replicate, ElevenLabs, Modal and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHereticsLINKS:Shopify Mastery: https://www.shopify.com/news/masteryInformation article: https://www.theinformation.com/articles/shopify-employees-go-head-to-head-for-raises-in-new-ranking-systemKEEP UP WITH NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDINNolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Shopify's Mastery Program(04:34) Exploring the Broader Implications of Performance Review Systems(08:59) A New Era of Performance Management and Employee Evaluation(09:04) Sponsor: Attio CRM(09:57) Nolan’s Time at Carta(11:55) Commending More Experimentation This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

In this episode, Nolan and Kelli discuss the audacious quest to change the HR market with Adam Weber, Chief Evangelist of 15Five.The team discuss the new reality of strategic HR business outcomes and the importance of developing and nurturing high-performance cultures and building great leaders, with the critical necessity of upskilling leadership development fast to adapt to new trends such as the addition of AI which will change the face of how we know HR today.Adam also advocates for having courage and standing up for what you believe is true in the business and valuing the role of the Individual Contributor.HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine. Subscribe to our substack: hrheretics.comSPONSOR:Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join Replicate, ElevenLabs, Modal and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHereticsLINKS:Adam wrote the best selling book Lead Like A Human on leadership and culture: how to bring your full self to work and unleash your full potential.HR Superstars podcast: https://www.15five.com/resources/podcast/KEEP UP WITH ADAM, NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDINAdam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetadam/Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(02:57) From Founder to Team Member(03:09) Role Power In Practice(04:51) HR Superstars Community(05:26) Autonomy and Decision Making Post-Acquisition(07:22) The Amplify Team's Integration and Evolution Within 15Five(09:33) Old HR vs New HR: Changes and Expectations(13:44) What CEO’s think(15.23) Sponsor Ad: Attio CRM(16:40) Showing Courage and Backing Yourself(21:11) Understanding the Business on A Deeper Level(24:40) Superhero Mentality vs Delegator Mentality(27:10) AI’s Impact on HR(28:38) Upskilling and the Future of Work(29:16) The Dichotomy of Company Strategies on Upskilling(35:00) Celebrating Individual Contributors (41:00) Rethinking Best Practices and Embracing Experimentation(43:32) Visibility and Sharing Wins and Losses (46.12) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

HR Heretics bestie Colleen McCreary joins Kelli Dragovich for today’s segment to discuss a recent viral post about a VP People candidate who was denied a job because she didn’t wear makeup. Colleen and Kelli discuss the expectations and norms about appearance in the workplace and the nuances of providing helpful feedback to candidates.—HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.Share this with your friends, forward to your enemies. Subscribe at hrheretics.substack.com—SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by AttioAttio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join Replicate, ElevenLabs, Modal and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHereticsKEEP UP WITH COLLEEN, KELLI + NOLAN ON LINKEDINColleen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenmccrearychiefpplofficer/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/—LINKS:Viral Post: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/woman-says-she-denied-job-because-didnt-wear-makeup-aywoe/Colleen’s Writing: https://medium.com/@colleenwheelermccreary—TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Colleen Guests on Today’s Segment(00:19) The Case of Melissa Weaver & Workplace Appearance Standards(07:20) Sponsor: Attio CRM(08:18) The Legal Perspective: Can Appearance Influence Hiring?(10:18) Navigating Interview Feedback(15:22) Authenticity at Work(15:55) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

In this episode, Nolan and Kelli discuss “happiness police” overkill with Jeff Diana, former Chief People Officer of Calendly and Atlassian.They talk about the importance of being clear on who you are as a business to avoid massive swings and over-rotations in current HR programs. Jeff believes it’s driving shareholder value that creates employment and that HR pros need to think more like investors and shareholders with focus on business impact rather than focusing on employee satisfaction alone.Jeff also offers advice on being OK with saying no to a job that doesn’t “light you up”… and testing the alignment with HR philosophies and execution of business outcomes with the ones that do! He also offers advice on building a strong relationship with the CEO and is it better to report to a CFO or CEO if you’re aiming for that number 1 CPO role?!HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.Share this with your friends, forward to your enemies. Hit subscribe now.SPONSOR: Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join Replicate, ElevenLabs, Modal and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHereticsKEEP UP WITH JEFF, NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDINJeff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-diana/Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(01:24) The HR Market Today(02:37) The Shift in HR's Role(04:44) Understanding the Market Shift(05:05) Changes in HR's Role Amidst Economic and Cultural Shifts(09:23) Over-rotations in HR Programs including DEI and Employee Expectations(11.40) Sponsor: Attio CRM(14:19) Understanding Why Businesses Want To Cut HR(19:05) Embracing Business Model Changes as a Leader(23:00) Thinking Like an Investor(25:45) Employee-Employer Dynamics(26:52) Expectation Misalignment(29:24) Realigning Business Focus: Mission, Values, and HR Opportunities(33:23) Due Diligence in Career Moves and Hiring(36:51) Building Relationships With The CEO (45:43) Board Dynamics and CEO Feedback(49:39) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

Kelli and Nolan discuss the news out of McKinsey this past week: generous packages for employees to opt out of their workforce. Is this a sign that there are no more golden tickets? Kelli and Nolan cover what this move says not only about McKinsey but about pedigreed qualifications more broadly. They also identify the key skillsets for this economy and the single most important thing you can do to make yourself recession-proof.HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.SPONSOR:Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible, and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join ElevenLabs, Replicate, Modal, and more at https://bit.ly/attioturpentineKEEP UP WITH NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDINNolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovichTIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Preview(00:53) The Opt-Out Strategy: A Personal Perspective(01:52) Clarity and Transparency in Layoffs(03:00) Business Continuity During Layoffs(04:43) Rethinking the Value of Prestigious Institutions(08:25) Sponsor: Attio(09:22) Networking and Layoff-Proofing Your Career(10:39 )The Changing Landscape of Employment and Skills(13:35) Final Thoughts and Advice for Navigating the Job Market(14:00) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

In this episode of HR Heretics, Nolan and Kelli chat all things “data from Carta” with Peter Walker, Head of Insights and Data Storytelling at Carta.They discuss Carta’s comprehensive report on startup compensation trends in H2 of 2023 influencing the flow of “dry powder” and the alarming increase in startup shutdowns. Peter proves VC’s will have less leeway in 2024 to throw good money after bad forecasting an even tougher year ahead.The team also discuss honesty in HR around equity structures, including liquidation preferences, and Peter offers advice for job candidates on evaluating startup offers with an investor's mindset. HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.Share this with your friends, forward to your enemies. Hit subscribe now.This episode is brought to you by AttioAttio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join OpenAI, Replicate, ElevenLabs and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHereticsKEEP UP WITH PETER, NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDINPeter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjameswalker/Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro: Peter Walker and Startup Compensation Trends(00:39) VC in 2023: Dry Powder and Capital Deployment(03:02) 2023's Investment Distribution: Early vs. Late Stage(07:43) Startup Shutdowns and Future Predictions(11.13) Sponsor Ad: Attio CRM(12:09) The M&A Market for Startups(15:05) The Impact of the Economic Shift on Startup Hiring and Industry Trends(21:59) Job Offers in Today's Market(22.30) Valuations and Equity in Job Negotiations(24:07) Key Questions Candidates Should Ask About Equity(25:34) Understanding Equity and Liquidation Preferences(27:59) Transparency in Startup Equity(30:17) Educational Resources and Support for Job Candidates(34:22) Options vs. RSUs in Late-Stage Companies(37:35) Startup Compensation(41:21) The Equity Dilemma: Exercising Options and Market Realities(42:32) Post termination Exercise Window(43:49) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

Kelli and Nolan tackle the ongoing discussion around remote versus in-person work environments. They talk about the tradeoffs based on where you’re at in your career, the importance of questioning work environment structures, and encouraging listeners to consider what work environment aligns best with their current life phase.HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine. Learn more: www.turpentine.coSPONSOR: Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join OpenAI, Replicate, ElevenLabs and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHereticsKEEP UP WITH NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDINNolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovichTIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:17) Remote vs. In-Person Work Debate(01:16) Navigating the Remote Work Landscape(03:36) Work in the Office if You're Young in Your Career(06:50) Sponsor: Attio(07:46) Serendipitous Encounters(08:50) Reflecting on Work-Life Tradeoffs (10:33) Understanding the Seasons of Your Career(12:16) Work Culture(13:00) A Sudden Interruption(13:08) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

In this episode, Richard Ni joins Nolan and Kelli to discuss diving head first into a leadership role at Scale AI, a Series E AI startup that supplies data for AI models last valued at $7.3B.From software engineer turned Head of People, Richard talks about his experience heading into a role with zero experience but with an aptitude for people where he needed to be honest with himself about his limitations and how this became pivotal in his learning. He also talks about the importance of building trust with the CEO and the value of self-reflection in career decisions. The team also chat about being the bad guy in HR and building thick skin around unpopular company decisions.HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.Share this with your friends, forward to your enemies. Subscribe to hrheretics.substack.com and never miss an episode or segment.--SPONSOR:Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join OpenAI, Replicate, ElevenLabs and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHeretics--KEEP UP WITH RICHARD, NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDINRichard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-ni/Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/--]TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:56) From Software Engineer to HR Leader(03:10) The transition from Cruise to Scale AI(04:33) Leveraging Technical Background in HR and Recruiting(06:22) Embracing Leadership Roles Early in Career(11:17) The Power of Authenticity and Self-Awareness in Career Growth(12:36) Sponsor: Attio CRM(16:43) Building Trust and Navigating HR Challenges(20:26) Learning from Mistakes and Valuing External Advice(23:44) Mentoring(24:22) Being the 'Bad Guy' in HR(25:19) Finding Balance: The Importance of Safe Spaces and Ownership(26:34) The Unpopularity of HR Decisions and Its Impact(30:21) Learning from Mistakes and Self Reflection(35:07) Valuing Your Own Happiness(38:18) Creating a Culture of Openness and Trust(43:09) Insights on Early Stage Hiring and CEO Involvement(49:24) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

In this segment, Nolan and Kelli talk about how to be recession-proof and share tactical advice on network-building for a resilient career.HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine. SPONSOR: Attio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join OpenAI, Replicate, ElevenLabs and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHeretics KEEP UP WITH NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDIN Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Preview (00:24) How to be Layoff-Proof (01:00) Investing in Your Network and Building a Recession-Proof Career (07:08) Practical Steps to Expand Your Professional Network (10:02) The Job Doesn't Just Happen (12:35) Sponsor: Attio (13:32) Make Time to Keep Your Network Warm (15:24) Expand Your Surface Area of Luck (17:02) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

In this episode Nolan and Kelli investigate the “recruiting is like art and science” analogy with the Chief People Officer at Pendo, JR Rettig. JR digs into the decisions that led her to the CPO seat, working closely with Kelli. JR also covers the needs for businesses to budget for leaving C-Suite leaders and succession planning, the advantages of a hybrid internal and external recruiting method for execs, and how to maintain a high bar in talent acquisition.HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.Share this with your friends, forward to your enemies. Hit subscribe now. hrheretics.substack.comSPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by AttioAttio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join OpenAI, Replicate, ElevenLabs and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHereticsKEEP UP WITH JR, NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDINJR: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenrettig/Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:22) How JR and Kelli Became Work Wives(05:35) Yin and Yang in Professional Relationships(08:26) CPO Seat Then and Now(11:06) Learning Together: The Secret Sauce of Success(14:10) Sponsor - Attio(15:06) Pulling top talent in a Competitive Tech Landscape(19:24) The CEO's Role in Hiring: Ensuring Quality Over Quantity(24:19) Scaling the Recruiting Team(28:19) Mindset Shift from Recruiter to TA Leader(30:11) Maintaining High Quality in Recruitment Amidst Challenges(34:26) Balancing In-House and Agency Recruitment(41:49) Succession Planning and Building Trust within Teams(45:40) A Culture of Openness and Trust for Smooth Transitions(50:49) What Really Makes a Great Company?(57:10) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

This segment is all about getting promoted while playing the game of corporate politics, maintaining great relationships, and executing well in your role. In the second half, Kelli and Nolan discuss whether you can get promoted too fast.Forward this to any HR Pro who needs to hear it - and tell them to subscribe: hrheretics.substack.com--SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by AttioAttio is the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join OpenAI, Replicate, ElevenLabs and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHeretics --TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:36) What Drives Promotion Obsession?(01:18) Get Your Foot in the Door, Then Climb the Corporate Ladder(02:13) The Game of Corporate Politics and Relationships(04:26) Get Used to the Politics…(05:21) …But Don’t Be Like a Slimy Car Salesman(06:21) Advocating for Yourself(09:10) Sponsor: Attio(10:05) The Double-Edged Sword of Rapid Promotion(12:38) Framework for Employee Scaling(14:51) The Dirty Secret of A Founder Not Doing Well(16:48) Wrap—GET IN TOUCH WITH NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDINNolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/HR Heretics is a podcast from the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more at www.turpentine.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

In this episode, Nolan and Kelli host A.J. Thomas of X, the moonshot factory from Alphabet. A.J for a discussion about failure, innovation, and embracing adversity. They also discuss the importance of scenario planning and asking all the questions upfront as a baseline for business optimization.While at X, A.J. embraces the notion that professional breakthrough requires personal breakthrough and her perspective on the relentless pursuit of truth, dispassionate assessment, and the power of curiosity provides invaluable insights into cultivating a mindset of innovation and resilience.Share this with your friends, forward to your enemies. Subscribe to our Substack: https://hrheretics.substack.com/. HR Heretics is part of the Turpentine podcast network.HR Heretics is brought to you by Attio the next generation of CRM. It’s powerful, flexible and easily configures to the unique way your startup runs, whatever your go-to-market motion. The next era deserves a better CRM. Join OpenAI, Replicate, ElevenLabs and more at https://bit.ly/AttioHRHereticsTIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(02:07) Unique Approach to Onboarding(10:09) Creative Hiring and Community Outreach(13:07) Change and Clarity(14:20) Sponsor: Attio(15:52) Scenario Planning(19:07) AJ's Journey to X, Google’s Moonshot Factory(29:56) Embracing Failure (33:00) The Unrecruiting Route - Why You Shouldn't Join(42:23) Dispassionate Assessment(44:46) The Relentless Pursuit of Truth(47:58) Authenticity(50:48) Being on the Front Line and the Quest for LearningKEEP UP WITH A.J., NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDINA.J.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelejeanthomas/Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com