People Leader Accelerator Podcast

Episódios

• Episode 38: Increasing HR Impact by Aligning People Analytics with Business Strategy - with Cole Napper 16.06.2026 42min

  Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, where we explore the realities of leadership and organizational effectiveness. Our guest today is Cole Napper, the first Chief People Intelligence Officer at HRBench and a recognized leader in people analytics, workforce intelligence, and evidence-based HR strategy. He is the creator of the *People Intelligence Manifesto*, founder of Directionally Correct, LLC, and host of one of the world's leading people analytics podcasts and newsletters. Cole also leads the Data Driven HR Academy, a practitioner-led program that equips HR leaders and people analytics professionals with the skills to operate at the intersection of data, AI, strategy, and decision-making. Throughout his career, Cole has helped organizations transform how they use people intelligence to make better business decisions. His experience spans major global companies including FedEx, Texas Instruments, Toyota, PepsiCo, and Grainger, as well as venture-backed startups such as Motive, Booster, and Orgnostic. He previously served as Vice President of Research and Workforce Intelligence at Lightcast and has become a sought-after advisor, speaker, and consultant on the future of people analytics. Holding both a Ph.D. and M.A. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Cole combines academic rigor with extensive real-world experience. In this conversation, we focus on the evolving landscape of people analytics and the growing expectations for HR functions to contribute directly to business outcomes. The discussion goes beyond dashboards and reporting, examining how people leaders can integrate analytics, workforce intelligence, and behavioral science to drive meaningful organizational change. Listeners will come away with practical ideas for making HR data more relevant to executive decision-making and board-level discussions. Cole shares insights on shifting from traditional metrics to actionable intelligence, building business acumen as an HR leader, and aligning people insights with the core priorities of the business. This episode is particularly valuable for those seeking to increase their impact as strategic partners within their organizations. Discussion highlights: Why people analytics is now an organizational necessity rather than a luxury or speciality The convergence of analytics, workforce planning, talent intelligence, and behavioural science functions Common pitfalls in HR reporting and how to tie people metrics directly to financial and business outcomes The importance of developing business acumen within HR and understanding how the business makes money Rethinking traditional HR metrics and focusing on measures that drive executive action Balancing employee, contractor, and technology spend for true workforce productivity The role of accounting nuances (such as capex vs opex) in workforce-related decision making Practical approaches for people analytics across different organizational archetypes, from early-stage startups to major enterprises How people leaders can move from reporting on outcomes to providing actionable recommendations Key advice for HR leaders looking to accelerate their careers and build influence Cole's perspective offers a candid look at how people leaders can move beyond traditional HR practices to become essential contributors to business performance. 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 ge
• Episode 37: Prioritization Frameworks To Help People Leaders Drive Organizational Success (Jess Yuen and Andrew Bartlow in Conversation) 09.06.2026 35min

  Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, where we examine the realities of building effective organizations and leading through complexity. In this episode, we take a break from the traditional guest interviews and invite you into an informal conversation between hosts, Jess Yuen and Andrew Bartlow. Instead of sharing the spotlight with a guest, they dive into their own lived experiences and perspectives as people leaders, exploring what leadership, culture, and authenticity look like in practice. The central theme of this discussion is prioritization - how leaders distinguish between what is urgent and what is truly important, and how to maintain focus on the highest-impact work amid continual demands. They explore how people leaders, executives, and founders can clarify organizational priorities, structure their time, and avoid getting lost in day-to-day tasks at the expense of longer-term, strategic goals. Discussion highlights: Why traditional to-do lists are inadequate for the demands of executive leadership roles The critical importance of calendar blocking and turning priorities into dedicated time Frameworks for prioritization, including leveraging the Eisenhower Matrix and the “Leverage, Neutral, Overhead” model The distinction between urgency and importance, and why leaders often conflate the two Practical approaches for managing “sand” tasks versus “big rocks” in daily schedules How to ground people team strategies in direct conversations with business leaders, not just HR best practices Techniques for expectation management and building alignment across the leadership team Challenges unique to HR leaders, including balancing stakeholder requests with high-impact organizational needs This conversation offers a grounded view of the leadership challenges that come with growth and complexity. The insights shared will help people leaders avoid getting sidetracked by low-impact activity, encourage better alignment between HR and business strategy, and support effective prioritization in demanding environments. 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
• Episode 36: Navigating Rapid Change and Innovation in People Leadership with - AJ Thomas 02.06.2026 28min

  Welcome to the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, where we examine what it genuinely takes to lead, scale, and evolve effective organisations. Our guest for this episode is AJ Thomas, an accomplished executive with a remarkable track record across talent, HR operations, business strategy, and the early-stage venture ecosystem. Having served in pivotal roles at Alphabet’s Moonshot Factory (Google X) and as a founder and general partner at an early-stage venture firm, AJ Thomas brings a rich, multidisciplinary perspective to the evolving world of people leadership. AJ Thomas’s hands-on experience spans leading global talent initiatives, designing organisational culture, and advising both startups and established enterprises as they navigate innovation and change. This conversation focuses on the vital role of experimentation, curiosity, and first principles thinking in shaping effective HR leadership. Against a backdrop of technological transformation, including the rising influence of generative AI, we dig into how people leaders can remain grounded in the human aspects of their roles while effectively driving innovation and business outcomes. Discussion highlights: Navigating a non-linear career path and the value of being a “super learner” The power of experimentation in HR and why learning from failed experiments is critical How to design experiments with clear objectives, “kill criteria,” and real business impact in mind The importance of challenging the status quo by first getting deeply curious about it Integrating people strategy with AI and technology-driven change, without losing sight of human outcomes Lessons from applying rapid testing and iteration in high-stakes environments like Google X Why starting with the business goal - and not just the solution - drives more meaningful change Practical frameworks for aligning HR initiatives to measurable organisational outcomes The courage it takes to unsell ideas and prioritise what will truly support business and people growth This episode offers candid insight into the leadership qualities and practical tools needed to guide organisations through uncertainty and change. 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
• Episode 35: AI Meets HR - How OpenAI’s People Innovation Labs Are Simplifying Workflows - with Dylan Vassallo 26.05.2026 42min

  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 Dylan Vassallo, an engineering leader at OpenAI, where he leads the People Innovation Labs team. Dylan brings a unique blend of technical expertise and a deep passion for people operations, having previously held impactful roles at Khan Academy and Stripe. His background in both engineering management and HR innovation gives him a distinctive perspective on how cutting-edge technology can empower and transform people teams. In this conversation, we discuss the strategic and practical considerations behind building internal tools for people teams at scale. Dylan shares how OpenAI balances the decision to build versus buy people systems, the importance of simplifying employee workflows, and how AI is enabling new levels of efficiency and impact for people operations. The episode delves into the nuances of aligning technology, culture, and operational realities as organisations expand rapidly. Listeners will come away with actionable insights on optimising people processes, fostering a culture of experimentation, and navigating the trade-offs of introducing new technologies within HR. Dylan also shares tips on how HR leaders can adopt a builder’s mindset, pilot solutions, and partner effectively with engineering teams, even in resource-constrained environments. Discussion highlights: Why OpenAI created a dedicated People Innovation Labs team to address organisational challenges during periods of hypergrowth Balancing “build vs. buy” decisions and creating user-friendly layers on top of complex HR systems The importance of simplifying employee experiences by curating paved paths through HR workflows How to assess when an organisation is ready for custom internal tools based on operational complexity and compliance demands The role of cross-functional collaboration with security, legal, and other stakeholders when implementing people technology Common pitfalls in rolling out HR tech, including the need for strong operational support and sustainable adoption Encouraging a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and iterative improvement within HR teams Practical strategies for fostering a mindset of continuous learning and career growth in people leadership This conversation is a grounded exploration of how technology and people strategy intersect as organisations 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 Bartlow: linkedin.com/in/bartlow | peopleleaderaccelerator.com
• Episode 34 - Navigating AI-Driven Efficiency and Headcount Impacts for HR Leaders (Jess Yuen and Andrew Bartlow in Conversation) 19.05.2026 26min

  Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast. In this episode, we take a break from the traditional guest interviews and invite you into an informal conversation between hosts, Jess Yuen and Andrew Bartlow. Instead of sharing the spotlight with a guest, they dive into their own lived experiences and perspectives as people leaders, exploring what leadership, culture, and authenticity look like in practice. This episode centres on the real impact of artificial intelligence on productivity, headcount, and organizational structure. Andrew and Jess discuss how recent technology-driven layoffs in major companies, the drive for efficiency in tech and high-growth environments, and the practicalities of leveraging AI tools are reshaping management practices and leadership demands. They examine whether the wave of workforce reductions is truly about AI-driven efficiency or if other factors, such as investor pressure and post-pandemic organizational changes, also play a critical role. Discussion highlights: The current wave of tech layoffs and whether AI is the real cause or a convenient narrative How leaders can approach organizational “flattening” and wider spans of control with caution The unique challenges and risks of managing large numbers of direct reports Investor and board pressures shaping productivity and technology adoption in HR The pitfalls of pursuing AI for its own sake rather than solving specific business problems Key factors to consider before replacing complex systems with AI or no/low-code solutions The importance of evaluating the complexity and sensitivity of business processes before deciding whether to build or buy solutions Practical strategies for team leaders to identify use cases, measure ROI, and avoid common technology traps Taken together, this conversation delivers a thoughtful look at what it takes to lead organizations through waves of change, especially as AI and new technology reshape job roles and leadership responsibilities.  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
• Episode 33: From Employment Lawyer to Chief People Officer - with Guissu Baier from GoFundMe 12.05.2026 42min

  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
• Episode 32: Navigating Change and Building Influence as an HR Leader - with Teresa Lilly 05.05.2026 46min

  Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, where we explore what it really takes to accelerate careers and build high-performing organizations. Our guest today is Teresa Lilly, an experienced HR leader and fractional CPO who has navigated the people leadership landscape across the US and Australia. With over a decade spent scaling tech startups from early to growth stages, advising founders, and now helping multiple organizations as a consultant and interim executive, Teresa Lilly offers a candid perspective on the practical realities of change leadership, executive relationships, and adapting people strategy to diverse business contexts. In this episode, we focus on the leadership challenges of managing organizational change, aligning HR and business strategy, and building the relationship between people leaders and CEOs. Teresa Lilly shares lessons from change-heavy environments, the impact of local employment regulations, and what she wishes more HR professionals understood about their own influence. Listeners will gain a wealth of practical insights on navigating organizational transitions, building credibility with executive teams, and stepping into consulting or fractional leadership roles. Teresa Lilly provides grounded advice on influencing company direction, managing personal values amid business pressures, and making the leap from in-house operator to advisory roles. Discussion highlights: How a non-traditional background and international move shaped Teresa Lilly’s approach to people leadership The emotional and relational costs of sustained organizational change - and how leaders can address them Practical strategies for planning and communicating major changes, such as CEO transitions The critical role of managers in helping teams process and adapt during change Why the HR-CEO relationship is pivotal, and techniques to “stress test” alignment early in a new role Recognizing when values and beliefs between HR and leadership are too misaligned to reconcile The realities of moving from in-house roles to fractional or consulting work, including building trust and managing context-switching How to structure fractional CPO work across multiple clients without losing effectiveness The trade-offs between flexibility, influence, and workload as a consultant versus an in-house HR leader Key differences between US and Australian startup ecosystems, particularly regulatory impacts on people practices Advice on how to build career growth, credibility, and influence - regardless of organizational context The importance of understanding your business and speaking its language as a people leader This conversation offers a nuanced, experience-based look into the trade-offs and decisions people leaders face when managing organizational transitions and shaping people strategy. Teresa Lilly’s insights into executive relationships, practical change management, and the realities of consulting are relevant for HR leaders, founders, and executives alike. Whether you are scaling a startup, considering a shift to advisory work, or navigating the unique challenges of your region’s ecosystem, the lessons here provide actionable guidance and candid reflection for your leadership journey. 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/podc
• Episode 31: Navigating Talent Advisory and Executive Search Across Europe - with Puren Ucar 28.04.2026 32min

  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
• Episode 30: How Hypergrowth Companies Balance Speed And Talent Quality - with Maryanne Caughey and Charles Guillemet from Lovable 21.04.2026 48min

  Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, where we explore what it really takes to build high-performing organisations. Our guests today are Maryanne Caughey, Head of People at Lovable, and Charles Guillemet, Head of Recruiting at Lovable. Between them, they bring decades of experience leading people and talent functions at world-class technology organisations, including Google, Dropbox, Notion, Meta, Neuralink, and Gusto. Their perspective is highly relevant for leaders building teams at the intersection of culture, talent strategy, and breakthrough technology. This episode centers on the realities and challenges of building organisational culture, systems, and talent processes in an environment defined by hypergrowth and rapid technological change. Jess Yuen, Andrew Bartlow, Maryanne Caughey, and Charles Guillemet discuss how Lovable, a leading AI-native company, scales its team and leadership practices while navigating intense competition and a fast-moving market. Listeners will walk away with grounded insights into what it means to operationalize people strategy for speed without sacrificing trust, quality, or culture. The conversation unpacks practical approaches to hiring, compensation, decision-making, and performance management, as well as the core leadership habits required to succeed in dynamic, founder-led environments. Discussion highlights: The impact of founder involvement and talent obsession on early hiring and culture formation Why Lovable prioritizes “systems over heroics” to enable both speed and quality in people processes Practical approaches to removing compensation as a barrier and building trust through transparent pay structures The value of direct culture diagnosis and the importance of understanding founder DNA when shaping talent strategy How high-growth companies balance the need to unlearn past habits and adapt to new organisational contexts Examples of rapid decision-making, such as evolving location strategy and the willingness to reverse previously “irreversible” choices Early implementation of scalable HR and recruiting systems, often years ahead of company age The reality of work intensity and the deliberate setting of expectations with candidates and employees Approaches to performance management that decouple compensation from reviews to favor shipping and growth How AI is integrated into talent and operations, and what “AI fluency” looks like for hiring and career growth Rethinking headcount planning and prioritisation in a context of uncertainty and rapid change The interplay between high trust, direct feedback, and the ability to course-correct quickly as an organisation This conversation offers practical, experience-driven guidance for senior HR and business leaders looking to build high-performance organisations in uncertain and fast-moving markets. Maryanne Caughey and Charles Guillemet share not just frameworks, but also lived experience scaling teams where stakes are high, expectations are explicit, and learning cycles are short. For leaders navigating similar environments, there is much here to reflect on, whether you are building your first systems, rethinking people strategy for the AI era, or working to harmonise trust, culture, and operational excellence. 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 a
• Episode 29: Empowering Technical Leaders Through Effective Coaching Strategies - with Kevin Rice 14.04.2026 41min

  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
• Episode 28: Bridging Academic Insights and Business Practice - with Brad Harris from HEC Paris 07.04.2026 36min

  In this episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, we welcome Brad Harris, Professor of Management and Human Resources and Associate Dean at HEC Paris. Brad brings an exceptional blend of academic rigour and deep practical experience, having taught, researched, and consulted across several continents. As a co-author of Scaling for Success and one of the core faculty members in the People Leader Accelerator program, his perspective is especially relevant for executives shaping organisational effectiveness and people strategy. Brad’s background bridges academic research with on-the-ground leadership, advisory, and program delivery for high-growth companies. His understanding of team dynamics, leadership development, and organisational behaviour equips him to pinpoint the real challenges people leaders encounter, including those intrinsic to scaling teams, driving alignment, and navigating executive decisions. This episode centres on the realities of building and leading high-performing teams. The discussion dives into what leaders consistently get wrong about teamwork, the critical design elements of effective teams, and the essential (but often misunderstood) balance between clarity, empowerment, and control. Brad and the hosts, Jess Yuen and Andrew Bartlow, unpack the “messy middle” where most organisations and leaders operate and share tangible approaches for aligning people and business priorities. Listeners will gain actionable insights into diagnosing team effectiveness, optimising goal setting for clarity and alignment, and approaching empowerment in complex environments. Brad’s advice is grounded in research but always tailored to the practical realities of leadership, offering new ways for people leaders to support executives, make better trade-offs, and accelerate their own impact. Discussion highlights: Why HEC Paris is a leading business school and how global experience shapes HR and leadership practice The origins of Scaling for Success and the development of People Leader Accelerator Realities of partnership and collaboration between business and academia Bridging the academic-practice gap: why thoughtful, evidence-based leadership is essential and practical Common myths about teamwork and the overlooked importance of team design versus “feel-good” factors Understanding and balancing the “collaboration tax” with collaboration gains in teams Leadership archetypes: the “prophet” versus the “mule driver” and the dangers of extremes How complexity and context should determine leadership style and team decision-making Practical frameworks for increasing team clarity, alignment, and effectiveness Why effective goal setting requires meaningful trade-offs, not just standard outcomes like “increase revenue” The two-sided problem of empowerment and the challenges leaders face when letting go Strategies for HR leaders to align with CEOs and drive purposeful conversations about priorities and personal growth This conversation offers people leaders a grounded look at what it actually takes to foster effective teams and drive organisational performance. Brad’s practical frameworks and coaching stories clarify how leaders can apply academic insights without overcomplicating their approach - and why clear alignment and the right strategic bets matter most. For HR executives, founders, and those supporting high-growth businesses, these lessons offer actionable prompts to elevate leadership, influence strategy, and empower 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 w
• Episode 27: Transforming HR Through Community and Innovation - with Stephen Huerta from the Modern People Leader Podcast 31.03.2026 44min

  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
• Episode 26: HR Career Growth Through Mentorship and Networking - with Maggie Ruvoldt 24.03.2026 43min

  Welcome to the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, where we dive deep into the realities of building and leading high-impact organisations. Our guest today is Maggie Ruvoldt, an experienced CHRO and executive with over 30 years spanning HR, business operations, and advisory roles. Maggie’s career features significant time in education and healthcare, from building HR teams at early-stage startups to managing global people operations in billion-dollar companies. Her perspective is particularly relevant to people leaders seeking to bridge the gap between HR and business, evolve their own careers, and contribute meaningfully as both leaders and mentors. In this episode, we explore the interplay between HR and business strategy, challenging traditional career path thinking and examining what it means to truly partner with the business. Maggie shares hard-earned lessons from her own “careen, not a career” trajectory, including how she navigated between business and functional roles, developed a personal board of directors, and cultivated the confidence to take on stretch assignments and difficult conversations. Listeners will gain practical frameworks for career development, tools for networking intentionally, and actionable advice for influencing senior leaders and opening doors to new opportunities. Maggie offers grounded insights on seeing HR through the lens of business impact, building relationships across and beyond the function, and the critical importance of sponsors, mentors, and connectors for sustained career growth. Discussion highlights: • Seeing HR as a business function: why understanding the broader business context is essential for HR leaders• The “careen, not a career” approach: embracing non-linear paths and focusing on growth over rigid career planning• Taking stretch assignments and leveraging fear as a signal for learning and growth• How to open doors between HR and business roles—and why advocating for yourself matters• Structuring conversations with executives to align your skills with organisational needs• The strategic value of developing both sponsors and mentors, and how each supports career acceleration• Building a personal board of directors and finding your “pump-up” person for confidence and support• Practical tactics for intentional networking, including the “20-minute meeting” strategy• Systematising relationship management to become a super connector, even as an introvert• Giving and receiving difficult feedback: skill-building for tough conversations with senior leaders• Understanding and leveraging second-degree connections (“weak ties”) for opportunity and growth• The importance of diversity of thought and lived experience in mentorship relationships Taken together, this episode offers an honest and practical look at career development, influence, and the human side of organisational leadership. Maggie’s journey illustrates that impact often comes from stretching outside your comfort zone, building intentional relationships inside and outside your function, and always keeping the broader organisational context in view. For HR executives and senior leaders shaping their own careers and teams, her advice is immediately applicable—and grounded in genuine experience. 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.
• Episode 25: What Private Equity Looks for in Top HR Leaders - with John K. Anderson 17.03.2026 35min

  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
• Episode 24: How Zapier Reached 97% AI Adoption and What HR and Business Leaders Can Learn - with Brandon Sammut 10.03.2026 42min

  Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast. Our guest today is Brandon Sammut, Chief People and AI Transformation Officer at Zapier. Brandon’s professional journey spans education, recruiting, HR leadership, and technology. He joined us to talk about what it takes to lead people teams at the intersection of automation, AI, and human potential, and how Zapier has become a model for integrating AI across business functions. In this episode, Brandon walks us through his unconventional career, from working with first-generation college students and Teach For America to building people teams in tech companies. We dig into how Zapier achieved industry-leading AI adoption, the frameworks and workflows powering transformation, and practical ways any HR leader can start leveraging automation and artificial intelligence right now. We discuss: Brandon’s path from education and nonprofit recruiting to leadership in tech and HR The rationale behind Zapier’s unique Chief People and AI Transformation Officer title How Zapier’s “code red” moment drove a company-wide shift to AI adoption Practical steps taken to achieve 97% AI usage across the organization Zapier’s AI Transformation Framework and how it shapes impact The importance of clear policies and integrating AI into existing workflows Use cases and open-source automation playbooks from Zapier’s people team Keeping humans accountable and in the loop for critical talent decisions Managing automation and workflow continuity when employees exit Resources and tactical advice for HR leaders to accelerate their own AI learning Why structured onboarding and assessment around AI fluency is now core at Zapier Lessons for people leaders on how to model creative experimentation and building-first mindsets Brandon offers actionable insights for HR and people leaders navigating AI adoption, designing new workflows, or seeking inspiration for driving meaningful business transformation. This episode provides concrete tools and reflections for anyone aiming to deepen their impact in talent and technology. 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
• Episode 23: Exploring Leadership Through the Lens of Workplace Fun (Jess Yuen and Andrew Bartlow in Conversation) 03.03.2026 16min

  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
• Episode 22: Our Thinking on HR Conferences and Communities (Jess Yuen and Andrew Bartlow in Conversation) 24.02.2026 17min

  Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast. Today, we’re taking a more informal approach as we (hosts, Jess Yuen and Andrew Bartlow) sit down together for a candid conversation about conferences, professional communities, and how people leaders choose where to invest their limited time and attention. There’s no guest this episode - just real talk between two experienced leaders reflecting on the value of industry events, how to build a supportive network, and finding the right mix of learning, connection, and ROI. In this episode, Jess and Andrew share practical insights for people leaders weighing conference invitations, considering new communities, or just wanting to make more intentional decisions about professional development. We discuss their approaches to vetting events, setting goals for participation, and balancing networking with learning -along with some favorite hacks and honest critiques of the HR conference landscape. We discuss: How Jess and Andrew decide which conferences and communities are truly worth attending - and how they get the most from those experiences Reflections on mainstay events like Transform, SHRM, and newer, more intimate gatherings. The challenge of “vendor-heavy” conferences and strategies to avoid email overload after attending Why networking and authentic personal connections often outweigh formal sessions and panels The difference between large “broad but shallow” events and small “narrow but deep” communities - and why you may only have bandwidth for a select few of each Thoughts on how to set clear goals to maximize the ROI of time and money spent at conferences Tips for filtering conference email spam and managing your follow-up efficiently The importance of intention and selectivity when seeking out professional development as a people leader This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how two seasoned HR leaders think about professional growth, relationship-building, and the realities of staying current in an ever-evolving field. If you’re debating which conference to attend, which community to join, or how to make better use of your learning and networking time, you’ll leave with actionable ideas and honest perspective. 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
• Episode 21: From Consultant to Five-Time Chief People Officer - with Jevan Soo Lenox 17.02.2026 35min

  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
• Episode 20: Lessons in International People Leadership and Organizational Change - with Kelli Koschmann 10.02.2026 43min

  Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast. Our guest today is Kelli Koschmann, an experienced Chief People Officer who has led global teams at organizations such as Center City, Showpad, and SRAM, and is now an executive coach and founder of the consultancy Walking Palm. Kelli joined us for a practical and honest conversation about leading complex HR transformations, navigating founder transitions, and building cultural alignment in international businesses. In this episode, Kelli shares her journey from falling in love with HR during her undergraduate studies to stepping into top people leadership roles at companies scaling across continents. We examine what it means to steer organizational change while supporting both employees and leadership through times of uncertainty and expansion. We discuss: Kelli’s career path, from discovering HR in college to leading global people teams and launching her own coaching and consulting practice The dynamics of establishing and operating dual headquarters across continents, including US and Belgium Navigating founder transitions and executive hiring, and the HR leader’s role in communicating and supporting these changes Practical steps for evolving organizational culture and redefining company values with broad stakeholder input Approaches for decision-making in multicultural executive teams, including tools for clarifying roles and driving consensus Building rituals and communication practices for globally distributed leadership teams The realities and challenges of cascading communication versus direct leadership messages How to balance global alignment with local needs in HR practices and benefits Creating safe avenues for employee feedback and the pros and cons of anonymous channels Kelli’s approach to coaching leaders, fostering resilience, and finding clarity while navigating organizational complexity This discussion is packed with actionable insights for people leaders steering growth, culture shifts, or cross-border teams. Kelli’s experiences offer grounded advice on enabling high performance, prioritizing stakeholder value, and building the networks of support every HR leader needs. 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
• Episode 19: Leadership Lessons From a Tech Founder Turned Executive Coach - with Adam Weber 03.02.2026 36min

  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