People Leader Accelerator Podcast

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:

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 Keshar Sheridan, a seasoned people leader with deep experience in the startup and health tech space. Keshar has spent more than a decade building HR foundations at organizations ranging from early-stage startups to high-growth companies like Hired, Oscar Health, Galileo, Headway, Growth Therapy, and now Tulea Health, where she serves as the first and only people leader at an 11-person team.

In this episode, we dive into the practical realities of being a team of one, what it means to join and scale an HR function at the foundational stage, and how to evaluate companies and CEOs when considering your next leadership opportunity. Jess Yuen and Andrew Bartlow explore with Keshar how early people leaders can set themselves and their organizations up for long-term success, and what it takes to create leverage, influence culture, and build strong leadership relationships from day one.

We discuss:

What HR looks like at a pre-20-person startup, including balancing tactical operations with strategic planning

How to prioritize foundational people programs during the earliest stages of company growth

The signals CEOs give when they value the people function, and why bringing in HR early matters

Frameworks for deciding when and why to hire your first people leader, covering variables like growth rate, cultural aspirations, and industry context

How to assess CEO and organizational fit in the interview process, including why and how to speak with board members or investors

Key questions to ask about business models, go-to-market plans, and long-term company goals—even when answers are still forming

The importance of mentorship, how to cultivate mentoring relationships organically, and why maintenance matters

Strategies for developing trust and alignment with founder-CEOs, especially when feedback and structure may be lacking

Why documentation matters as a solo HR leader, and how to build leverage for yourself and future team members

Practical productivity tools Keshar uses to stay effective and efficient as a team of one

This conversation is full of actionable insights for people leaders at early-stage companies, or anyone considering how to assess fit and make an impact as the first HR hire. Keshar shares concrete advice on building relationships, structuring your work, and trusting your own expertise—even when the playbook is still being written.

For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/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.

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 Ryanmae McAvoy-Pepin, Vice President of People Operations at Blackthorn, a SaaS company specializing in Salesforce-native event management software.

Ryanmae has built a career that crosses industries from veterinary practices to the ski slopes, before settling into the tech sector, where she’s now recognized for her transparency, candor, and practical approach to HR leadership.

In this episode, we dig into Ryanmae’s nontraditional career arc, her philosophy on executive presence, and how she leverages authenticity to drive effective people programs at scale.

We explore how Ryanmae’s drive to keep learning has shaped her career moves, why she initially turned down her recent promotion, and what it takes to build real trust with executive teams and individual employees.

We also discuss how she navigates hard trade-offs around benefits, organizational change, and her commitment to keeping HR genuinely human - especially in high-growth startup environments.

We discuss:

This episode is filled with candid reflections, practical advice, and actionable takeaways for people leaders in startups and growing organizations. If you’re curious about accelerating your own HR career, advocating for yourself, or building relationships that drive impact, you’ll find real-world lessons you can use right away.

For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/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