27 May 2025
In this week’s episode, I welcomed Vanessa Gilardi to the show. We explored the evolving landscape of HR from traditional corporate environments to modern startups, examining how HR professionals can successfully navigate between these worlds while embracing technological advancement. The discussion provided practical insights on scaling organizations effectively, implementing AI in HR operations, and maintaining strong company culture during growth phases.
19 May 2025
Hiring is more than writing a witty job posting; you need to get it in front of the right people. In this guide, I’ll show you how and where to publish your job posting to maximize your results.
14 May 2025
Think hiring for startups is simple? Think again. Watch out for these common red flags when interviewing potential candidates.
13 May 2025
In this insightful discussion with Melissa Theiss, Head of People Ops at Kit, we explore critical aspects of scaling People Operations in startups, from finding the right balance in processes to challenging the traditional “people-first” mindset in favor of a business-first, people-centric approach. Melissa shares her expertise on optimal timing for first HR hires, building strategic HR influence, and the importance of business acumen in People Operations roles. The conversation emphasizes that successful People Operations today requires moving beyond administrative excellence to become true business partners who can drive organizational success through strategic alignment of people practices with business objectives.
08 May 2025
Finding the right talent for your startup begins with an effective job posting. In this guide, I’ll show you how to create a job posting that attracts your ideal hire to your company.
29 Apr 2025
Discover the fundamentals of organizational design that can make or break your startup’s success. This comprehensive guide explores how organizational structures directly impact decision-making, business priorities, and employee interactions, helping founders and HR leaders create frameworks that align with their strategic goals. Learn practical insights on optimal span of control, management layers, and process design, along with key considerations for evaluating and evolving your org structure as your startup grows.
23 Apr 2025
Hiring is a critical component of any startup’s success, and effective hiring starts with defining an ideal hire. Learn more in this guide.
15 Apr 2025
Talent density, the concentration of high-performing individuals, is the secret weapon for resource-constrained startups seeking to innovate rapidly and achieve more with less. Building this critical competitive advantage requires unwavering commitment to selective hiring practices, strategic retention techniques that go beyond salary competition, and a deliberately crafted culture that celebrates honest feedback and attracts specific types of high performers. In this edition, we’ll explore strategies for achieving talent density at your startup.
01 Apr 2025
Is your startup’s success becoming its biggest challenge? From the hero-founder trap to cash flow mishaps, discover the hidden pitfalls that can derail even the most promising companies during rapid growth. In this week’s newsletter, we break down real-world examples of scaling gone wrong - including a SaaS company’s million-dollar mistake and how a Series A funding celebration turned into a layoff crisis. Learn the proven strategies to scale smarter, not just bigger.
18 Mar 2025
Explore the transformative power of AI in HR and uncover practical strategies to enhance your hiring processes, streamline feedback, and simplify administrative tasks. From crafting precise job descriptions to utilizing AI for insightful interview summaries, this piece highlights the essential tools and techniques that can elevate your HR operations. Learn how to strike the right balance between technological efficiency and the invaluable human touch that makes HR effective. This is your guide to harnessing AI for a smarter, more impactful HR practice.
04 Mar 2025
In today’s challenging economic climate, many fast-growing companies face the difficult decision of managing growth while avoiding painful layoffs. We’ll deep into proven strategies that help companies scale sustainably without resorting to workforce reductions. From implementing variable compensation models and building a strategic hiring culture to maintaining financial transparency and investing in workforce flexibility, we’ll explore practical approaches that protect both your business and your employees.
18 Feb 2025
Understanding the distinction between hiring for capacity versus capability can be the difference between successful scaling and costly missteps in your startup’s growth journey. Through real-world examples, I reveal the strategic frameworks needed to make smarter hiring decisions. Learn when to build internal capabilities versus when to rent them - insights that could save your company from the financial pitfalls that have derailed many promising startups.