People Leader Accelerator Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, where we dive into what it truly means to lead teams and build effective organisations. Our guest today is Guissu Baier, Chief People Officer at GoFundMe. With a diverse background as both an employment attorney and people executive, Guissu brings unique perspective from her time at Visa, Instacart, venture capital firm General Catalyst, and as a co-founder of The People Collective. Her experience spanning high-growth startups, large enterprises, and investor advisory roles gives her uncommon insight into the challenges and opportunities people leaders face as organisations evolve. In this conversation, we examine the real-world complexities of leadership development, the evolving role of people leaders, and the nuances of career growth in HR. The episode explores the contrast between operating roles and advisory positions, offers a candid look at working with stakeholders like legal and investors, and highlights the decisions that matter most as organisations scale or adapt. Discussion highlights: Guissu’s unconventional career progression from employment law to Chief People Officer Building partnerships between HR and legal teams, including practical tips for reducing friction Determining when organisations need in-house employment counsel and the variables that affect hiring decisions Lessons learned from moving between in-house HR leadership, consulting, and venture capital advisory work Common missteps founders make when hiring their first people leaders and how to clarify people team roles Why pattern recognition helps but doesn’t replace context-specific judgement in talent decisions Navigating personal career transitions - what to look for in your next operating or advisory role Taken together, this conversation offers grounded insight into the multifaceted nature of HR leadership. Guissu shares practical lessons on building impactful partnerships, making the right career decisions, and focusing on the outcomes that matter most for your organisation and your own growth. People leaders who want to deepen their influence, whether inside fast-scaling companies or in investor advisory roles, will find plenty to reflect on and apply. For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast. About The People Leader Accelerator Podcast Our goal with this podcast is simple: to help people leaders navigate the messy, complex, and deeply rewarding work of leading teams and organizations with more clarity, confidence, and community. Whether you’re the first HR hire at a startup or an experienced executive at a company with scale, you’ll find actionable insights you can use right away. We can’t wait to share these conversations with you. Welcome to the journey! Listen, learn, and connect: 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, YouTube). 💡 Find show notes and bonus resources at peopleleaderaccelerator.com/podcast. 📬 Share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to level up as a people leader. 🤝 Connect with your hosts: Jessica Yuen: linkedin.com/in/jessicayuen | jessyuen.com Andrew Bartlow: linkedin.com/in/bartlow | peopleleaderaccelerator.com

Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, where we explore what it really takes to build high-performing organisations. Our guest today is Puren Ucar, one of Europe’s original venture capital talent partners, and now an independent advisor working closely with founders and VC firms across the UK and Europe. With a background in executive search and years spent building out talent functions for leading venture firms, Puren brings a unique, insider’s view of both the operational and strategic sides of scaling leadership teams inside high-growth companies. In this episode, we explore the evolution of the talent function within VC-backed organisations, the shift from talent acquisition to advisory, and the practical realities of supporting founders as they scale teams and navigate critical leadership hires. We also examine how emerging tools like AI are influencing executive search and networking, and delve into the personal side of working closely with ambitious founders. Listeners will gain practical, candid insight into what it takes to build and support executive teams—from diagnosing organisational needs, to coaching founders through decision-making, to leveraging frameworks that balance business needs with human dynamics. Leaders will also hear about effective approaches to founder advisory, common misconceptions in hiring, and lessons for building trust with both founders and boards. Discussion highlights: Shifting from embedded executive talent acquisition to strategic talent advisory for portfolio companies Building frameworks and playbooks that help diagnose organisational challenges and guide leadership hiring The importance of starting every search by clarifying the true capability needs of the businessTactics for engaging founders deeply in the search and selection process—including bespoke scorecards and benchmarking conversations Addressing the emotional and psychological elements underlying leadership hiring decisions How leadership traits valued in the UK or Western Europe may differ from those prioritised in Eastern European contexts The impact of AI tools on sourcing and networking—what changes and what remains uniquely human Trends in using psychometric assessments within VC-backed organisations and their alternatives“IC” work at the executive level—why hands-on curiosity and continued learning are increasingly valued alongside traditional management skills How AI fluency is influencing the composition and nurturing of today’s executive networksWhy founder alignment, safe spaces, and clear role boundaries are essential for successful C-level searches Practical advice for people leaders: prioritising hands-on learning, leveraging peer insights, and building a network that adapts to changing organisational needs This conversation sheds light on the realities of building and advising executive teams in high-growth environments, where business strategy and people dynamics intersect. For senior people leaders and founders, the insights shared here offer both tactical takeaways and a reminder that effective leadership is as much about human connection as it is about frameworks and process. For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast. About The People Leader Accelerator Podcast Our goal with this podcast is simple: to help people leaders navigate the messy, complex, and deeply rewarding work of leading teams and organizations with more clarity, confidence, and community. Whether you’re the first HR hire at a startup or an experienced executive at a company with scale, you’ll find actionable insights you can use right away. We can’t wait to share these conversations with you. Welcome to the journey! Listen, learn, and connect: 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, YouTube). 💡 Find show notes and bonus resources at peopleleaderaccelerator.com/podcast. 📬 Share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to level up as a p

Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, where we explore what it really takes to build high-performing organisations. Our guest today is Kevin Rice, an executive coach who previously led product and engineering teams through rapid growth at companies like Airbnb. Drawing on a background that bridges hands-on technical management and leadership coaching, Kevin now partners with heads of product, heads of engineering, and CEOs, helping leaders evolve as their organisations scale. With experience developing people processes in high-growth environments and supporting leaders through changing responsibilities, Kevin brings a unique perspective to supporting both leadership and people teams. This episode centres on the evolving challenges faced by technical leaders, particularly as their teams expand and the demands of scale intensify. We discuss the tension between technical expertise and people management, how leaders can determine where their time and focus are most valuable, and the critical partnership between HR and technical functions as companies evolve. Discussion highlights: Why technical leaders often face distinct scaling challenges as their teams become the largest in the company The trap of comparing leadership roles to external models rather than identifying what the company uniquely needs Practical frameworks for leaders to prioritise responsibilities based on position, skills, context, and passion How high growth in technical functions drives early development of people processes such as levelling and performance rubrics The value of 360 feedback for surfacing hidden or unspoken development needs Navigating the “brilliant but difficult” leader dynamic and the importance of coaching readiness Critical distinctions between coaching for growth and coaching as part of performance management Setting clear performance expectations as a prerequisite for successful coaching engagements The importance of engaging coaching proactively during major leadership transitions or team scale Structuring effective collaboration and information flows between HR, direct managers, and external coaches Measuring the ROI of executive coaching and the leverage of investing in leadership capability Five hidden obstacles to scaling teams, including role drift, decision bottlenecks, shared mental models, process avoidance, and tenured employee resistance Taken together, this discussion offers a practical roadmap for people leaders working alongside technical executives in dynamic, scaling environments. The episode surfaces both the hidden pitfalls and proven tools for accelerating leadership growth, structuring effective partnerships with HR, and ensuring that coaching has a measurable and lasting impact. For those supporting technical talent or navigating rapid organisational change, these insights offer valuable guidance for developing high-performing teams and resilient leadership. For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast. About The People Leader Accelerator Podcast Our goal with this podcast is simple: to help people leaders navigate the messy, complex, and deeply rewarding work of leading teams and organizations with more clarity, confidence, and community. Whether you’re the first HR hire at a startup or an experienced executive at a company with scale, you’ll find actionable insights you can use right away. We can’t wait to share these conversations with you. Welcome to the journey! Listen, learn, and connect: 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, YouTube). 💡 Find show notes and bonus resources at peopleleaderaccelerator.com/podcast. 📬 Share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to level up as a people leader. 🤝 Connect with your hosts: Jessica Yuen: linkedin.com/in/jessicayuen | jessyuen.com Andrew Bartlow: linkedin.com/in/bartlow | peopleleaderaccelerator.com

Welcome to the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, the show where we dive into the realities of building effective organisations and accelerating the careers of people leaders. Our guest today is Stephen Huerta, co-founder of The Modern People Leader Podcast, founder of Huertonomics, and an experienced HR entrepreneur. With a career spanning HR consulting, corporate roles at Goldman Sachs, and multiple ventures in HR tech and media, Stephen brings a seasoned perspective about both the operational and strategic sides of people leadership. His work as a podcaster and advisor has connected him with hundreds of leaders across startups, scaling companies, and enterprise organisations, making him uniquely positioned to comment on the evolving landscape of HR, leadership, and organisational culture. In this conversation, we explore how HR leaders can expand their impact, adapt to shifting trends in people strategy, and navigate the challenges of building meaningful community - both within organisations and across the wider HR ecosystem. We discuss the practicalities of career development, entrepreneurship in HR, and why community-driven approaches are reshaping how leaders learn, build networks, and make decisions. Listeners will gain actionable insights on advancing their own leadership careers, building engaging workplace cultures, and responding strategically to new challenges such as AI adoption and shifting stakeholder expectations. Stephen’s candid reflections offer guidance for people leaders looking to grow their network, refine their skills, and exert greater influence inside their organisations. Discussion highlights: The accidental career path into HR - and why curiosity drives lasting impact Lessons learnt from corporate HR and entrepreneurial ventures in services, SaaS, and media The origin story of The Modern People Leader podcast and its evolution from a side project to a thriving community Why communication and PR skills are increasingly essential for HR executives Observations on how remote-first and AI-forward companies are shaping new operating models for people functions How HR leaders can synthesise market trends and adapt to evolving organisational needs The importance of intentional event design in fostering meaningful professional connections What makes Modern People Leader live events distinct from traditional HR conferences Strategic advice for HR tech founders on go-to-market challenges, including the critical role of peer communities How vendor outreach has shifted - with buying decisions now driven by trusted HR networks rather than cold calls Making tech stack decisions: frameworks for assessing buy, build, borrow, and bot options Practical tips on upskilling, reskilling, and building a network for career acceleration This episode offers a grounded look at the realities of navigating an HR career, expanding your influence, and adapting to new forms of organisational and community leadership. Stephen’s experience highlights both the power of network and the urgency of embracing new skills in today’s environment. For senior HR leaders and executives, the discussion provides a roadmap for cultivating professional connections, making strategic decisions, and investing in your own career growth. For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast. About The People Leader Accelerator Podcast Our goal with this podcast is simple: to help people leaders navigate the messy, complex, and deeply rewarding work of leading teams and organizations with more clarity, confidence, and community. Whether you’re the first HR hire at a startup or an experienced executive at a company with scale, you’ll find actionable insights you can use right away. We can’t wait to share these conversations with you. Welcome to the journey! Listen, learn, and connect: 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, YouTube). 💡 Find show notes and bonus resources at peopleleaderaccel

Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, where we delve into the real-world challenges of building organisations that deliver sustained performance. Our guest today is John K. Anderson, Managing Director at ZRG. With a career spanning more than two decades as a head of HR and now as a leading search partner for HR executives, John brings a unique perspective on both the operational and executive recruitment sides of people leadership. His work with CEOs, investors, and boards across industries has given him a front-row seat to how leadership expectations are evolving for today’s people leaders. In this conversation, we focus on the evolving expectations for HR leaders, particularly those working with investor-backed and growing companies. John shares his experiences and observations on what distinguishes high-impact HR executives in private equity compared to venture-backed contexts, how value creation is defined, and why being adept at business strategy is essential for modern people leaders. Listeners will gain actionable advice on preparing for executive search processes, positioning themselves for senior opportunities, and translating HR impact into business results. The episode also explores practical career development steps, the real value of certifications and advanced degrees, and how to build relationships with search partners and executives. Discussion highlights: Key differences in what private equity and venture investors expect from HR leaders Why value creation and direct business impact now outweigh process or experience credentials The growing importance of data fluency and the ability to articulate HR’s impact in financial terms How culture is increasingly treated as a business strategy linked to revenue and talent outcomes The board’s rising expectations for CHROs to provide strategic insight on compensation, retention, and operational systems Practical advice for candidates to prepare for executive search processes, including what to underplay and what to emphasise Why concise, business-focused communication is essential when interviewing for senior HR roles The importance of building a network and being open to exploratory conversations with executive search partners Career development strategies beyond external job changes—gaining depth, cross-functional experience, and board exposure Insights on the value of advanced degrees and certifications for aspiring CPOs and HR executives The power of peer learning communities and cross-industry networks for people leaders’ growth This conversation is a pragmatic look at the shifting landscape for HR executives. John’s insights highlight the increasing integration of business and people strategy, the need for clear impact stories, and the critical difference that proactive learning and networking can make for leadership careers. For people leaders thinking about their next step or seeking to maximise their contribution, John’s perspective offers useful direction and reassurance that the function’s influence is only set to grow. For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast. About The People Leader Accelerator Podcast Our goal with this podcast is simple: to help people leaders navigate the messy, complex, and deeply rewarding work of leading teams and organizations with more clarity, confidence, and community. Whether you’re the first HR hire at a startup or an experienced executive at a company with scale, you’ll find actionable insights you can use right away. We can’t wait to share these conversations with you. Welcome to the journey! Listen, learn, and connect: 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, YouTube). 💡 Find show notes and bonus resources at peopleleaderaccelerator.com/podcast. 📬 Share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to level up as a people leader. 🤝 Connect with your hosts: Jessica Yuen: linkedin.com/in/jessicayuen | jessyuen.com Andrew Bar

Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast. In this episode, we take a break from our traditional guest interviews and invite you into an informal conversation between us as hosts, Jess Yuen and Andrew Bartlow. Instead of sharing the spotlight with a guest, we dive into our own lived experiences and perspectives as people leaders, exploring what leadership, culture, and authenticity look like in practice. We unpack a surprisingly spicy topic - costumes in the workplace. Is it ever appropriate for leaders (or anyone, really) to wear costumes to the office, whether for Halloween or a holiday party? We find ourselves on different ends of the spectrum, each drawing from our backgrounds at established corporations, professional services, and high-growth startups. We discuss: How workplace culture and industry influence what’s “acceptable” at work, from costumes to holiday pajamas to even going shoeless in the office The balancing act of authenticity and executive presence, including how age, background, and early-career experiences shape our choices What it means for HR and people leaders to be “culture stewards” - is it about fun, rigor, or both? The tension between delight and professionalism: what do employees and customers expect in different environments? Navigating the challenges of fitting into company culture without losing yourself, especially as a head of people or HR leader When and how people leaders can (and should) influence culture versus adapt to it This conversation offers a window into our thinking about culture, expectations, and leadership style - and how leaders at all stages can question and shape the unwritten rules of workplace behavior. For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast. About The People Leader Accelerator Podcast Our goal with this podcast is simple: to help people leaders navigate the messy, complex, and deeply rewarding work of leading teams and organizations with more clarity, confidence, and community. Whether you’re the first HR hire at a startup or an experienced executive at a company with scale, you’ll find actionable insights you can use right away. We can’t wait to share these conversations with you. Welcome to the journey! Listen, learn, and connect: 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, YouTube). 💡 Find show notes and bonus resources at peopleleaderaccelerator.com/podcast. 📬 Share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to level up as a people leader. 🤝 Connect with your hosts: Jessica Yuen: linkedin.com/in/jessicayuen | jessyuen.com Andrew Bartlow: linkedin.com/in/bartlow | peopleleaderaccelerator.com

Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast. Our guest today is Jevan Soo Lenox, a seasoned Chief People Officer whose career spans industries from fintech and food & beverage to e-commerce and biotech, currently at an AI-first enterprise organization. Jevan joins us for an honest conversation on building longevity in the CPO role, navigating transitions, and developing resilience as a senior people leader. In this episode, Jevan shares how his early experience at McKinsey and in Asia’s dynamic growth markets shaped his curiosity for people and organizations. We explore his frameworks for career decision-making, the importance of courage and professional distance, and what shifts as you lead across different business contexts. Drawing from his experience at companies like Square, Blue Bottle Coffee, Minted, WRITER, and more, Jevan offers practical advice for people leaders looking to grow and sustain their impact. We discuss: Jevan’s career path from consulting to multiple CPO roles across varying industries and company sizes The simple, practical rubric he uses to decide when to stay or move on: impact, learning, and enjoyment Navigating burnout and creating boundaries as a senior HR leader Building, maintaining, and valuing executive-level peer relationships How to interview and critically assess CEOs and leadership teams before joining The value of courage in delivering tough feedback and the importance of framing it with care and intent Managing the emotional demands of the CPO role, and finding ways to “detox” from organizational stress What’s different about working at an AI-first company and the organizational implications of democratized managerial skills Recommended resources for developing a growth mindset and deepening business acumen as a people leader This conversation is full of candid perspectives for HR leaders at any stage - whether you’re exploring your first executive role or looking to stay resilient and impactful over the long term. Jevan’s approach to pattern recognition, authentic relationships, and business-centric HR offers actionable takeaways for anyone invested in shaping organizational culture and strategy. For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast. About The People Leader Accelerator Podcast Our goal with this podcast is simple: to help people leaders navigate the messy, complex, and deeply rewarding work of leading teams and organizations with more clarity, confidence, and community. Whether you’re the first HR hire at a startup or an experienced executive at a company with scale, you’ll find actionable insights you can use right away. We can’t wait to share these conversations with you. Welcome to the journey! Listen, learn, and connect: 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, YouTube). 💡 Find show notes and bonus resources at peopleleaderaccelerator.com/podcast. 📬 Share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to level up as a people leader. 🤝 Connect with your hosts: Jessica Yuen: linkedin.com/in/jessicayuen | jessyuen.com Andrew Bartlow: linkedin.com/in/bartlow | peopleleaderaccelerator.com

Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast. Our guest today is Adam Weber, a tech founder, executive coach, and former Chief People Officer, who joins us for a thoughtful conversation on executive development, building high-performing teams, and navigating the emotional demands of people leadership. Adam’s career journey spans founding and selling tech startups, leading culture transformation at 15Five as Chief Evangelist, and today, guiding executives and founders through the complexities of leadership and team dynamics. In this episode, Adam discusses his transition from entrepreneur to coach, the patterns he’s observed across high-growth organizations, and practical strategies for executives aiming to scale their impact while maintaining personal well-being. Drawing on rich experience with executive teams, Adam breaks down the leadership lessons featured in his recent ebook and shares actionable advice for people leaders at every stage. We discuss: Adam’s early career explorations, path to tech entrepreneurship, and how coaching transformed his approach to leadership The common challenges faced by chief people officers and the journey from being a fixer to an organizational architect Why developing a clear personal and professional vision is critical for executives and how Adam facilitates this process for his clients Tactics for context switching and staying at the right altitude as a leader, especially in high-pressure executive team environments The importance of psychological safety and trust on executive teams, and how Adam structures coaching sessions to build these foundations Setting boundaries and managing the emotional labor that comes with people leadership roles How to help executives track their energy, prevent burnout, and create sustainable success The evolving role of HR in shaping culture, leveraging management, and preparing organizations for the future of work Adam's recommendations on high-leverage resources and cultivating a leadership mantra for resilience and growth This episode offers clear-eyed perspective on the realities and rewards of senior people leadership, with practical frameworks to help you support your teams and yourself. If you’re navigating executive team dynamics, culture building, or looking to deepen your capacity as a leader, you’ll find valuable takeaways in our conversation with Adam. For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast. About The People Leader Accelerator Podcast Our goal with this podcast is simple: to help people leaders navigate the messy, complex, and deeply rewarding work of leading teams and organizations with more clarity, confidence, and community. Whether you’re the first HR hire at a startup or an experienced executive at a company with scale, you’ll find actionable insights you can use right away. We can’t wait to share these conversations with you. Welcome to the journey! Listen, learn, and connect: 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, YouTube). 💡 Find show notes and bonus resources at peopleleaderaccelerator.com/podcast. 📬 Share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to level up as a people leader. 🤝 Connect with your hosts: Jessica Yuen: linkedin.com/in/jessicayuen | jessyuen.com Andrew Bartlow: linkedin.com/in/bartlow | peopleleaderaccelerator.com

Our guest today is Robin P. Zander, founder of Zander Media, entrepreneur, and long-time contributor to the People Leader Accelerator’s early story and brand. With a diverse background ranging from the arts and business ownership to organizational storytelling, Robin Zander brings a unique perspective on the intersection of narrative, leadership, and HR. In this episode, we explore how storytelling can shape organizational alignment, drive engagement, and elevate the business impact of people leaders. Together with Andrew Bartlow and Jess Yuen, Robin discusses how leaders can develop authentic stories that foster clarity, build coalitions, and help teams move forward - while remaining true to their core values and aspirations. We discuss: Robin’s eclectic career path, from acrobat and café owner to media agency founder What makes a story memorable and effective, including practical storytelling frameworks such as the four-part structure The importance of authenticity and when to reveal personal vulnerability as a leader How people leaders can collaborate with marketing to shape employer brand messaging that is both true and aspirational Why HR storytelling needs to repel and attract - moving away from corporate “vanilla” to foster real connections The impact of AI-generated content on organizational storytelling and what still makes stories truly resonate in a human way Practical approaches for HR leaders to build stronger narratives and practice storytelling in everyday settings Lessons learned from setbacks, team building, and the ongoing challenges of leadership at any scale This episode offers concrete tips and relatable examples for people leaders looking to embed storytelling into daily leadership practice, align their teams around shared purpose, and drive culture in a way that endures through change. Robin Zander’s experience underscores the value of practicing storytelling, owning your narrative, and using story as a strategic tool. For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast. About The People Leader Accelerator Podcast Our goal with this podcast is simple: to help people leaders navigate the messy, complex, and deeply rewarding work of leading teams and organizations with more clarity, confidence, and community. Whether you’re the first HR hire at a startup or an experienced executive at a company with scale, you’ll find actionable insights you can use right away. We can’t wait to share these conversations with you. Welcome to the journey! Listen, learn, and connect: 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, YouTube). 💡 Find show notes and bonus resources at peopleleaderaccelerator.com/podcast. 📬 Share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to level up as a people leader. 🤝 Connect with your hosts: Jessica Yuen: linkedin.com/in/jessicayuen | jessyuen.com Andrew Bartlow: linkedin.com/in/bartlow | peopleleaderaccelerator.com

Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast. Our guest today is Eugene Lee, who joins us for an insightful conversation on investing in HR technology, the evolving responsibilities of people leaders, and how AI is transforming organizations. Eugene’s background spans M&A investment banking, operational leadership at Yahoo, Google, and Pinterest, and his current work as a venture investor at OMERS, focusing deeply on early-stage enterprise and HR tech companies. In this episode, Eugene shares his perspective as both an operator and investor. We explore the intersection of people strategy and business impact, what investors look for in high-growth companies, and how today’s HR leaders can increase their influence by embracing innovation, especially AI. We discuss: What makes HR tech an attractive and evolving investment area The shift from digitization to AI-enabled judgment and automation in HR systems How people leaders are moving into roles such as AI transformation officers The impact of AI on upskilling, workforce productivity, and company culture What HR leaders can expect from board interactions at venture-backed companies Key outcomes and metrics that matter to investors at Series A, B, and C stages Why building business acumen and data fluency increases strategic impact for people leaders The similarities between business operations and people leadership in cross-functional environments Advice on networking and building AI literacy to accelerate your HR career This episode offers practical insights for people leaders at all stages, especially those in tech or VC-backed companies looking to advance their understanding of the investment landscape, shape company culture, and become true strategic partners to their executive teams. For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast. About The People Leader Accelerator Podcast Our goal with this podcast is simple: to help people leaders navigate the messy, complex, and deeply rewarding work of leading teams and organizations with more clarity, confidence, and community. Whether you’re the first HR hire at a startup or an experienced executive at a company with scale, you’ll find actionable insights you can use right away. We can’t wait to share these conversations with you. Welcome to the journey! Listen, learn, and connect: 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, YouTube). 💡 Find show notes and bonus resources at peopleleaderaccelerator.com/podcast. 📬 Share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to level up as a people leader. 🤝 Connect with your hosts: Jessica Yuen: linkedin.com/in/jessicayuen | jessyuen.com Andrew Bartlow: linkedin.com/in/bartlow | peopleleaderaccelerator.com

Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast. Our guest today is Debbie Ko, a US-born cultural psychologist now based in Singapore, whose career journey has traversed academia and tech in global environments. Debbie’s expertise bridges social psychology, cultural dynamics, and real-world application for business and people leaders. She publishes the popular blog, PsykoBabble, where she explores behavioral science in organizations and the psychological roots of workplace challenges. As Senior Research Manager, APAC and SEA Consumer and Marketing Insights at Google, Debbie directs research strategy for the SEA region. Her job is to take complex human data and turn it into a clear path forward. In this episode, we sit down with Debbie to explore culture beyond HR and the practical implications of cultural psychology when working across geographies, generations, and organizational boundaries. We dive into frameworks for understanding team friction, the evolving “psychological contract” between employers and employees, and how technology, especially AI, is impacting communication, feedback, and team trust. We discuss: What cultural psychology is and why it matters for leaders in global and multi-cultural organizations Erin Meyer’s Culture Map framework and how workshops help teams identify and resolve hidden sources of friction Real examples of culture clashes, from grading participation in American classrooms to meeting silence in East Asian settings The impact of high-context versus low-context cultures on communication styles, conflict, and trust-building - especially over video and chat How seemingly small details (like punctuality or emojis) can drive misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and even offense in cross-cultural teams The power and challenges of surfacing and aligning on “psychological contracts” - the unwritten expectations that shape loyalty, productivity, and burnout Organizational culture through the lens of mergers, acquisitions, and generational shifts, and the role of clear, explicit agreements Surprising research on AI adoption, including why many employees accept feedback more easily from machines than humans, and how prompt psychology shapes AI responses Best practices for encouraging AI adoption and responsible usage within distributed teams Actionable advice on clarifying expectations, building trust, and leading diverse teams with empathy and cultural curiosity This episode is packed with grounded insights for anyone involved in people leadership, especially those working with distributed, cross-functional, or multi-cultural teams. Debbie’s stories and frameworks offer practical strategies for building more resilient, connected, and effective organizations. For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast. About The People Leader Accelerator Podcast Our goal with this podcast is simple: to help people leaders navigate the messy, complex, and deeply rewarding work of leading teams and organizations with more clarity, confidence, and community. Whether you’re the first HR hire at a startup or an experienced executive at a company with scale, you’ll find actionable insights you can use right away. We can’t wait to share these conversations with you. Welcome to the journey! Listen, learn, and connect: 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, YouTube). 💡 Find show notes and bonus resources at peopleleaderaccelerator.com/podcast. 📬 Share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to level up as a people leader. 🤝 Connect with your hosts: Jessica Yuen: linkedin.com/in/jessicayuen | jessyuen.com Andrew Bartlow: linkedin.com/in/bartlow | peopleleaderaccelerator.com

Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast. Our guest today is Jamie Thorpe, SVP, People at Pursuit, joining hosts Jess Yuen and Andrew Bartlow for a candid conversation about leading people functions in hospitality and attraction-based organizations. Jamie brings over twelve years of HR experience covering restaurant operations, corporate HR, and high-growth environments, with prior roles at Sonic Drive-In, Taco Bueno, and Alamo Drafthouse. In this episode, we explore Jamie’s career path from frontline operations to HR leadership, including lessons learned about authenticity, vulnerability, and strategic partnership at the executive level. Jamie shares insights into the distinctive challenges and opportunities of supporting hourly workforces and transitioning organizations through acquisitions and growth. We discuss: The unique transition from operations to HR and how persistence and networking shaped Jamie’s career trajectory How to approach a new people leadership role with effective assessment, relationship-building, and transformation Comparing public company HR leadership with private equity and privately held organizations The importance of longer-term strategic planning, carving out “thinking time,” and involving peers in working sessions Hourly workforce realities - compensation, housing, training access, and employee experience The practical impacts of technology, AI adoption, and external economic shifts on HR strategy The value of learning from mentors, formal programs, and targeted professional development Jamie’s “spicy take” on performance reviews and why she believes impact comes from building manager capability rather than process alone Whether you work with hourly teams or exempt staff, lead in hospitality or tech, or are considering your next step in people operations, you’ll find Jamie’s reflections and tactical advice immediately relevant. For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast. About The People Leader Accelerator Podcast Our goal with this podcast is simple: to help people leaders navigate the messy, complex, and deeply rewarding work of leading teams and organizations with more clarity, confidence, and community. Whether you’re the first HR hire at a startup or an experienced executive at a company with scale, you’ll find actionable insights you can use right away. We can’t wait to share these conversations with you. Welcome to the journey! Listen, learn, and connect: 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, YouTube). 💡 Find show notes and bonus resources at peopleleaderaccelerator.com/podcast. 📬 Share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to level up as a people leader. 🤝 Connect with your hosts: Jessica Yuen: linkedin.com/in/jessicayuen | jessyuen.com Andrew Bartlow: linkedin.com/in/bartlow | peopleleaderaccelerator.com

Welcome to this episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, where we sit down with industry leaders to uncover the real-life insights, strategies, and challenges that shape world-class organizations. Our guest today is Luke Beseda, Talent Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, returning for a timely discussion about the annual Lightspeed People Trends Report. With nearly 170 venture-backed companies participating, this year’s survey delivers practical insights into how AI, hiring, and workplace productivity are transforming the landscape for people leaders and founders alike. We explore: How the adoption of AI tools is measurably boosting productivity across both technical and non-technical teams The evolving role of AI proficiency in technical hiring, and how only a small percentage of startups currently mandate it The impact of AI on workforce planning, recruiting, and talent acquisition, including the shift toward using AI for candidate sourcing and operational processes Challenges in candidate assessment, from deepfakes to the growing need for in-person interviews at remote organizations Trends in job displacement, especially for junior roles, and what this means for the next generation of talent Changes in attrition patterns—why non-regrettable (managed) departures are outpacing voluntary exits in growth-stage tech companies The latest numbers on merit budgets, how compensation decisions are being made amid a focus on efficiency, and why most companies are standardizing increases across teams Throughout the conversation, Luke Besada shares his team’s practical takeaways, including the importance of hands-on AI experimentation for HR professionals and concrete steps people leaders can take to adapt to these shifts. If you’re curious about how real-world companies are using data and new tools to navigate headcount decisions, drive performance, and future-proof talent strategies, you’ll find actionable insights you can use right away. For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast. About The People Leader Accelerator Podcast Our goal with this podcast is simple: to help people leaders navigate the messy, complex, and deeply rewarding work of leading teams and organizations with more clarity, confidence, and community. Whether you’re the first HR hire at a startup or an experienced executive at a company with scale, you’ll find actionable insights you can use right away. We can’t wait to share these conversations with you. Welcome to the journey! Listen, learn, and connect: 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, YouTube). 💡 Find show notes and bonus resources at peopleleaderaccelerator.com/podcast. 📬 Share this episode with a colleague who’s ready to level up as a people leader. 🤝 Connect with your hosts: Jessica Yuen: linkedin.com/in/jessicayuen | jessyuen.com Andrew Bartlow: linkedin.com/in/bartlow | peopleleaderaccelerator.com