The Talent Tango

In this insightful episode, host Amir speaks with Tanaz Mody, Head of People Operations and Talent at Lerer Hippeau, to explore the unique challenges founders face in hiring and leadership. The conversation highlights the complexities of transitioning from founder to CEO, building trust, and making strategic hiring decisions in early-stage startups. Tanaz provides practical advice on delegation, setting expectations, and the evolving role of People Operations in supporting business growth.

Episode Highlights

• Founders and Hiring Challenges

  • The emotional attachment founders have to their business often makes hiring decisions difficult.
  • Common pitfalls in hiring due to lack of alignment on company needs.

• Delegation and Trust

  • The importance of founders learning to delegate effectively and trust their teams.
  • Building safe spaces for transparent communication and collaboration.

• Strategic Decision-Making

  • Setting milestones and frameworks to align hiring with business goals.
  • How People Operations can facilitate smoother transitions during early-stage growth.

• From Founder to CEO

  • The mindset shift required to evolve from a hands-on founder to a strategic CEO.
  • Overcoming the challenges of scaling leadership and adapting to new roles.

• VC Talent Partners' Role

  • Unique insights from VC-backed talent advisors to help startups scale efficiently.
  • Support for founders in aligning business strategy with leadership growth.

Key Takeaways

1. Trust and Delegation are Non-Negotiable Founders must embrace delegation and trust their team to scale the business effectively.

2. Strategic Hiring Requires Milestones Establish clear benchmarks to ensure hires align with the company's current and future needs.

3. Transitioning to CEO Requires a Mindset Shift Founders need to focus on big-picture strategy rather than micromanaging daily tasks.

4. People Operations is Key to Scaling A well-defined People Ops strategy ensures smoother transitions and long-term growth.

Listen now for actionable insights on building a stronger team, scaling leadership, and navigating the founder-to-CEO journey! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more engaging conversations with industry leaders.

Guest:

Tanaz Mody is the Head of People Operations and Talent at Lerer Hippeau, where she drives strategic hiring and fosters high-performing teams. With extensive experience across industries, she specializes in innovative recruitment strategies, inclusive work environments, and aligning talent with organizational goals.

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanazmody/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Talent Tango. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this powerful episode, Amir Bormand speaks with Dena Singleton, Chief HR Officer at Kajabi, about the challenges women face throughout their careers. They explore key issues like balancing personal and professional life, navigating health-related workplace returns, and addressing menopause—a topic often overlooked in organizational conversations.

Dena shares personal stories and actionable advice on creating inclusive environments, advocating for oneself, and fostering open communication. This episode offers valuable insights for HR leaders, managers, and anyone looking to create more equitable and supportive workplaces.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognize and Address Unique Challenges: Understand how career interruptions due to health or family leave impact women's careers and what organizations can do to support them.
• Foster Open Communication: Create environments where employees feel empowered to share challenges without fear of judgment.
• Support Career Growth: Help women future-proof their careers by advocating for fair policies, promoting leadership development, and addressing workplace biases.
• Prioritize Self-Advocacy and Allyship: Encourage women to advocate for themselves while fostering a culture of mutual support and inclusion.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:16 – Challenges Women Face in the Workplace
• 01:54 – Finding Your Voice and Addressing Performance Issues
• 06:00 – Personal Story: Navigating Health Issues at Work
• 09:59 – Return to Work and Remote Work Challenges
• 13:24 – Navigating Work During COVID-19
• 14:35 – Family Leave and Career Impact
• 17:13 – Future-Proofing Your Career
• 18:47 – Addressing Anxiety and Self-Improvement
• 19:56 – Challenges of Menopause in the Workplace
• 25:00 – Advocating for Yourself and Others

Guest:

Dena Singleton is the Chief People Officer at Kajabi, a leading platform empowering creators to build, market, and sell online courses and content. With a career spanning over two decades in human resources and organizational leadership, Dena excels in driving people-first strategies that align with business goals. Her expertise includes scaling teams, fostering inclusive cultures, and leading through transformational change. Dena is passionate about creating environments where employees thrive and businesses succeed, leveraging her deep knowledge of talent development, DEI initiatives, and strategic workforce planning.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hellofromdena/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Talent Tango. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir Bormand sits down with Loren Boyce, VP of Talent Acquisition at M13, to dive into the art of storytelling in recruiting. They explore how effective storytelling can transform hiring processes, align teams, and attract top talent. Whether you're a founder, a hiring manager, or in the talent space, this episode is packed with actionable insights on bridging the gap between job descriptions and the human experience.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start the Story at the Beginning: Great storytelling begins when you first conceptualize the role, helping align hiring managers and candidates with the mission.

2. Job Descriptions Need Magic: Avoid sterile, bullet-heavy job descriptions. Infuse them with the company's passion, challenges, and goals to attract the right fit.

3. Recruiting is Marketing: Treat the hiring process as a marketing effort, focusing on authenticity and alignment rather than a transactional approach.

4. Understand Candidate Motivations: By engaging in meaningful conversations about what excites and drains candidates, you create authentic connections.

5. Context Over Credentials: Instead of focusing solely on qualifications, highlight the impact and opportunities the role provides.

Timestamped Highlights:

• [00:00:00] Introduction to Loren Boyce and the theme of storytelling in recruiting.

• [00:02:07] Why storytelling aligns teams and creates better hiring processes.

• [00:04:36] Metrics-driven recruiting vs. holistic approaches to finding the right fit.

• [00:06:35] The pitfalls of sterile job descriptions and the power of narrative-driven roles.

• [00:09:53] How to weave expectations and growth opportunities into the job story.

• [00:12:44] Addressing challenges and being transparent during the recruiting process.

• [00:16:15] Insights from tech recruiting: Context over technical jargon.

• [00:18:25] How to connect with Loren for more tips on impactful hiring practices.

Quote of the Episode:

"Great storytelling in recruiting is about aligning the role's mission with the candidate's aspirations, creating a shared vision for success." – Loren Boyce

Connect with Loren Boyce:

Loren Boyce is a recruiter and talent acquisition leader who has helped companies like VMware, DigitalOcean, and Toast build and scale their teams in preparation for their IPOs. In 2020, she joined M13, an LA + NY-based venture capital firm, as VP of Talent Acquisition. Loren works with M13 portfolio company founders and their teams to help them build their dream teams. Her approach offers a simple structure and a customizable process for driving alignment and making better hiring decisions.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenboyce/

Action Items:

• Share this episode with fellow recruiters or hiring managers passionate about improving storytelling in talent acquisition.

• Like, subscribe, and comment to keep the conversation going.

Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Talent Tango. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

In this episode, Amir Bormand sits down with Hilliary Turnipseed, Senior Director of Talent at Kapor Capital, to explore the essential practices behind consciously inclusive hiring. They dive into how organizations can diversify their talent pools, avoid hiring biases, and create equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Hilliary shares how Kapor Capital's investment philosophy centers on closing access gaps for low-income communities and communities of color. She also discusses how talent leaders can adopt inclusive strategies, de-risk hiring decisions, and expand their reach beyond traditional recruitment methods.

Key Takeaways:

• Adopt an Inclusive Hiring Mindset: Build diversity by embedding inclusive hiring practices into the core of recruitment processes.
• Expand Talent Networks: Reach beyond traditional talent pools through partnerships and active community engagement.
• De-Risk Hiring Decisions: Use data-driven processes and unbiased evaluation methods to make fair, transparent decisions.
• Support Candidates and Founders: Offer tools, resources, and community partnerships to help founders build diverse and high-performing teams.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:56 – Consciously Inclusive Hiring Explained
• 03:18 – Challenges and Solutions in Hiring
• 05:41 – Expanding Networks and Talent Pools
• 09:06 – Building a Fair and Equitable Talent Network
• 12:20 – Navigating the Current Job Market
• 16:43 – Advice for Candidates and Recruiters

Guest:

Hilliary Turnipseed is the Senior Director of Talent at Kapor Capital, where she focuses on building diverse, inclusive teams across Kapor's portfolio companies. With a deep commitment to equity and belonging in the workplace, Hilliary works closely with founders to embed inclusive hiring practices and de-risk hiring decisions. She has extensive experience in talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion, and has collaborated with organizations like Diversify Tech and Black Code Collective. Through her work, Hilliary empowers companies to broaden their talent pools, avoid biases, and create fair, equitable opportunities in hiring.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilliaryturnipseed/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Talent Tango. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir sits down with Kelsey Lang, Global Head of Talent at Techstars, to explore how organizations can achieve 'super agility' in talent management. Kelsey shares how startup-style adaptability can be combined with strong foundational processes to manage teams effectively in fast-moving environments.

They discuss blending cultural nuances, balancing flexibility with structure, and leveraging agile project management frameworks like Scrum and Kanban to improve team efficiency. Kelsey also highlights how aligning stakeholders can unlock greater organizational success.

Key Takeaways:

• Adaptability Is Key: Agile organizations balance flexibility with a stable operational foundation.
• Stakeholder Engagement Matters: Involving stakeholders in process creation drives better collaboration.
• Agile Frameworks for Talent: Applying Scrum and Kanban can enhance adaptability in HR processes.
• Cultural Awareness: Understanding company culture helps tailor agile practices for maximum effectiveness.

Episode Highlights:

01:24 - Defining Agility in Talent Management

• How agility differs from traditional talent management models
• The role of adaptability in scaling startups

03:37 - Skills Needed for Flexibility in Talent

• Why continuous learning and stakeholder collaboration are essential
• Tips for building adaptable teams ready for change

07:03 - Challenges and Strategies in Talent Management

• Common obstacles when scaling talent operations
• Kelsey's insights on handling rapid growth and evolving roles

13:25 - Implementing Agile Methodologies in Talent

• Adapting Scrum and Kanban for HR processes
• How Techstars uses project management principles to streamline talent operations

Guest:

Kelsey Lang is a talent and people leader with over 20 years of experience building, scaling and transforming. She has worked with small, early stage startups, large, publicly-traded organizations and other orgs in between. Kelsey is passionate about building and designing talent systems that are aligned to the business to drive outcomes and cultivating cultures of high engagement and inclusion. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseylang1/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Talent Tango. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir Bormand sits down with Laura Hilton, Head of Executive Talent at Bain Capital Ventures, to explore how small but impactful actions in talent management can drive long-term success. They discuss the importance of relationship-building, effective follow-ups, and creating a standout candidate experience.

Laura shares how successful companies differentiate themselves by mastering the 'little things' — from personalized outreach to seamless communication. She also offers actionable strategies for leveraging technology and maintaining personal discipline in follow-ups.

Key Takeaways:

• Small Efforts, Big Impact: Consistent follow-ups and personalized communication can set companies apart.
• Executive Talent Management Is Unique: It requires specialized strategies beyond standard recruitment practices.
• Technology as an Enabler: Smart use of tech can streamline communication and enhance follow-up processes.
• Personal Accountability: Talent leaders must take ownership of relationship-building to succeed in a competitive hiring market.

Episode Highlights:

01:38 - The Importance of Little Things in Talent Management

• How simple, thoughtful actions can transform candidate experiences
• Why small efforts build trust and long-term relationships

01:56 - Differences in Executive Talent Management

• Unique challenges in recruiting for executive roles
• Custom strategies for sourcing top-tier talent

04:24 - Key Little Things in Talent Management

• Importance of personalized follow-ups and proactive communication
• Building authentic connections through thoughtful outreach

08:02 - Challenges and Best Practices in Follow-Ups

• How to manage follow-up fatigue and maintain momentum
• Tactics for staying organized and consistent

14:06 - The Role of Technology in Talent Management

• Tech tools that help automate follow-ups without losing the personal touch
• Balancing tech-driven efficiency with human-centric engagement

16:40 - Managerial and Personal Responsibility in Follow-Ups

• Why personal discipline is essential for long-term recruitment success
• How leaders can set a standard for thoughtful and effective communication

Guest

Laura Hilton has over a decade of experience in talent, scaling organizations through rapid growth. At BCV Laura is focused on collaborating with founders on their executive talent strategy while also playing a key role in expanding and strengthening their talent ecosystem. Before BCV, Laura spent 5 years at Stripe as a founding member of the executive recruiting team, helping the organization from 700-7000. Before Stripe, she led the Global Talent function at AppDirect, helping scale the company across the US, Canada, Brazil, and India. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahilton10/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir is joined by Cassie Chao Leemans, Vice President of Talent at Craft Ventures, for an insightful discussion on creating scalable and effective recruiting strategies. Cassie shares her expertise on building strong recruiting frameworks, defining competencies, and ensuring fair and consistent hiring processes.

The conversation dives into crucial concepts like "interview debt," balancing high hiring standards with bias reduction, and the essential role founders play in early-stage hiring success. Whether you're scaling a team or refining your recruitment approach, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

Key Takeaways:

• Foundational Recruiting (01:25): Establishing a clear recruiting framework ensures alignment and long-term hiring success.
• Defining Competencies and Roles (06:41): Clearly defining roles and required competencies streamlines candidate evaluations.
• Interviewer Training (09:41): Consistent interviewer training helps reduce bias and improve the overall candidate experience.
• Avoiding Interview Debt (11:59): Proactively managing interview processes prevents inefficiencies and missed opportunities.
• Balancing High Standards and Biases (17:35): Striking the right balance between maintaining standards and minimizing bias leads to better hiring decisions.
• Scaling Your Hiring Process (21:55): Implementing a structured hiring process early makes scaling easier and more effective.

Guest:

Cassie Leemans is the VP Talent at Craft Ventures, where she plays a pivotal role in building high-performing teams and shaping talent acquisition strategies. With a rich background in recruitment and talent management, Cassie excels at integrating agile methodologies and fostering team flexibility. Her experience spans various sectors, where she has successfully aligned talent initiatives with business growth goals, enabling companies to scale effectively. Cassie is passionate about enhancing recruitment processes through innovation and collaboration, making her a dynamic leader in the talent space.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassieleemans/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Erin Peterson, Head of Talent at Great Hill Partners, joins Amir Bormand to explore the evolving role of AI in talent management. They discuss how generative AI can streamline recruiting processes, reduce administrative burdens, and improve candidate experience while maintaining a human touch. Erin shares insights on balancing automation with personal engagement and how technology can enhance decision-making in hiring. The conversation also touches on change management, bias reduction, and preparing teams for AI-driven processes.

Key Takeaways:

• Automation in Recruiting: AI-driven tools can automate administrative tasks like scheduling, sourcing, and interview follow-ups, freeing recruiters to focus on building relationships.
• Candidate Experience Matters: Automating processes can enhance the candidate journey through personalized updates, feedback loops, and clear process communication.
• Balancing Human and Machine: While AI can reduce repetitive tasks, recruiters still play a vital role in selling roles, providing personalized experiences, and ensuring culture fit.
• Leadership and Change Management: Talent leaders must adopt a learning mindset, champion upskilling, and embrace technological shifts with curiosity and adaptability.

Highlights: 01:24 – Defining AI's Role in Talent Management 03:50 – Automation Opportunities in Recruiting 06:15 – Enhancing Candidate Experience with AI 09:40 – Reducing Bias Through Data-Driven Decisions 12:30 – Future-Proofing Talent Processes with Generative AI 17:20 – Balancing Technology and Human Touch in Hiring 21:45 – Preparing Talent Teams for AI-Driven Recruitment

Tune in for an insightful discussion on transforming talent acquisition through AI while keeping the human element at the core.

Guest:

Erin Peterson is a seasoned leader in the talent acquisition space, with extensive experience across industries, particularly in high-growth environments. As a Global Talent Acquisition Leader, she has a strong track record in building high-performing teams and implementing effective recruitment strategies to drive organizational success. With expertise spanning from executive search to operational talent management, Erin is passionate about leveraging data-driven insights and innovative technologies like AI to optimize hiring processes. She is currently the Head of Talent at Great Hill Partners, where she leads talent acquisition strategies across the portfolio.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinpeterson/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Chris Fahey, SVP of Talent and HR at Volition Capital, discusses the often-overlooked value of org charts for growing companies. He discusses how they can pinpoint hiring gaps and the importance of focusing on roles, not just people. Chris also highlights the importance of aligning your company's strategy with its structure and regularly revisiting this alignment for smoother scaling. Great tips for founders and businesses aiming for efficient growth!

Highlights:

• 01:47 The Importance of Org Charts in Business
• 02:59 Challenges and Benefits of Creating Org Charts
• 04:56 Aligning Org Charts with Business Strategy
• 10:09 Defining Success Criteria for Hiring
• 13:24 Iterating and Reassessing Org Charts
• 15:19 Advice for Founders on Organizational Alignment
• 18:12 Frequency of Re-examining Org Charts

Guest:

Chris Fahey is the Senior Vice President of Talent and Human Resources at Volition Capital. With extensive experience in talent acquisition and HR leadership, Chris deeply understands organizational strategy and scaling businesses. He focuses on aligning a company's talent needs with its broader strategic goals, helping growing businesses optimize their organizational structure and enhance hiring processes. Chris is passionate about building high-performing teams and fostering company cultures that drive success, especially in high-growth environments.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fahey02

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)

In this episode, Amir interviews Keryn Koch, the Global Chief Human Resource Officer at Numerix, to discuss the M&A process from an HR perspective. They dive into the role of HR in mergers and acquisitions, the importance of culture, operational compliance, and effective communication. Keryn shares her experiences, strategies for integrating diverse company cultures, and emphasizes the importance of early HR involvement for a successful merger. She also provides a detailed look into managing HR technology post-acquisition. This episode is filled with insights and advice for anyone involved in M&As.

Highlights:

01:33 HR's Role in Mergers and Acquisitions

02:31 Early Involvement of HR in M&A

03:35 Cultural Integration in M&A

04:37 Personal Anecdote: First M&A Experience

06:24 Creating a New Culture Post-M&A

08:10 Identifying Cultural Ambassadors

11:47 Balancing Company Cultures

16:02 Advocating for Early HR Involvement

19:25 HR Technology in M&A

Guest:

Keryn Koch is the Global Chief Human Resources Officer at Numerix, where she leads the company's HR strategy and operations. With extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, talent management, and organizational development, Keryn aligns HR practices with business goals to drive growth and transformation. Her expertise includes navigating complex integrations, fostering strong company cultures, and implementing HR technologies that enhance workforce efficiency. Keryn is known for her strategic leadership in building high-performing teams and her focus on creating impactful, people-centric organizational strategies.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keryn-koch/

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Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Talent Tango, and I would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player.

Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com

Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?

Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)