In this episode, Amir sits down with Michelle King, Head of People and Talent at Notable Health, to break down what it really means to have a strategic relationship with the CEO. From spotting red flags in the interview process to pushing back (with impact) once you're in the seat, Michelle shares lessons from the trenches—no fluff, all substance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in a people/talent role looking to elevate their business partnership game and hold their own in the executive room.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Start Before You Start: The foundation of a strong CEO relationship begins in the interview process. Ask tough questions and look for signs of trust across the ELT.

• Business Acumen Isn't Optional: Michelle stresses that understanding the business is critical. Process alone won't get you a seat at the table—insightful problem-solving will.

• Pushback Is Partnership: Don't default to yes. Strong people leaders challenge assumptions and influence decisions, even when it's uncomfortable.

• First 90 Days Matter: Use that window to deeply understand the business and build credibility. Skip the cookie-cutter playbook—adapt to the org's context.

• Train for Influence Early: People functions need to develop business fluency across all levels, not just at the top. Siloed ops teams can't build real impact.

⏱️ Timestamped Highlights:

• [00:01:00] – What defines a healthy CEO–People partnership (hint: trust and strategic tension).

• [00:03:00] – Why the relationship starts before day one—what to ask in interviews to spot red flags.

• [00:07:00] – How Michelle probes for trust dynamics across the ELT during hiring.

• [00:08:00] – The blueprint for the first 90 days—how deep business knowledge fuels impact.

• [00:11:00] – Process ≠ progress: why strong relationships are built through solving business problems, not running playbooks.

• [00:15:00] – Why leaders can't hide behind "process comfort" if they want a seat at the table.

• [00:22:00] – The art of saying no: Michelle's case for pushing back and protecting the business.

• [00:26:00] – Why transparency about your leadership style in the interview phase sets the stage for success.

• [00:28:00] – Final thoughts: if the org isn't ready for tough conversations, it's probably not the right seat.

💬 Quote of the Episode:

"If you continue to say yes to everything, you become known as that person. And then it's just like—I'm not coming to you for strategy. I'm just coming to you to execute. You become an order taker, not a strategic partner."