In Episode 66 of the Talent Sherpa Podcast, Jackson Lynch and co-host Scott Morris tackle one of HR’s most stubborn challenges: the deep, systemic misunderstanding of HR’s role in driving business performance.

They break down why operational leaders often undervalue HR and how HR leaders themselves sometimes reinforce the very perceptions they want to change.

The conversation moves from theory to the real world when Jackson shares a fresh, behind-the-scenes story about being offered a senior HR role during a corporate restructuring and why they both ultimately walked away.

The decision came down to alignment: whether the CEO saw HR as a compliance function or a strategic driver of outcomes. The discussion highlights why having a clear, measurable plan for impacting the business through human capital is non-negotiable.

Scott underscores the importance of knowing exactly how the business makes and loses money, and of starting every conversation from the business problem rather than an HR activity. Together, they explore how to evaluate potential roles, the signs that a CEO will (or won’t) be a strategic partner, and the hard truth that sometimes the best move is to walk away before you start.

Whether you’re a seasoned CHRO, a new CEO, or an HR leader aiming to break out of the “forms and compliance” box, this episode offers practical strategies and candid insights for ensuring you’re in the right role, with the right partner, doing the right work.

For more tools and insights to drive business results through human capital, visit ⁠www.getpropulsion.ai⁠ and ⁠www.mytalentsherpa.com⁠.