199 - OKRs, Pancake Sprints, & The Power of a 30-60-90 Day Plan: Vanessa Monsequeira (VP of People, Gorilla)

Ray Martinelli, Chief People Officer at Contentful, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about his career journey, the art & science that goes into compensation, and aligning HR goals with business strategy. ----  Timestamps: (5:05) Ray's career story: From finance to Chief People Officer (7:44) Why Ray joined Contentful and key takeaways (10:32) AI’s impact on content management and HR (12:44) The state of HR in 2024: Leadership and navigating change (18:40) Addressing politics in the workplace and leadership responsibilities (22:13) What Ray had to unlearn as an HR leader (26:25) Ray’s approach to building a people strategy at Contentful (32:09) Aligning HR strategy with CEO vision and business goals (36:41) Ray’s vision for his first year at Contentful (42:38) Ray’s CPO dashboard: Key metrics on engagement, rewards, and promotions (46:39) Differentiating rewards and compensation strategies (52:52) The importance of transparent conversations in performance management (57:50) Rapid fire questions ----  📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get episode recaps 💡 Follow The Modern People Leader on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Daniel Huerta on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Stephen Huerta on LinkedIn

Sandra Schwarzer, Board & Talent Insights leader at Index Ventures, joined us on The Modern People Leader.  We talked about Index Ventures’ experience helping founders “scale through chaos”, how much time founders spend on HR-related tasks, their 14-point framework for running executive searches, and how investors evaluate founders’ view on talent. ----  Timestamps: (3:54) Sandra's career story: From East Germany to Index Ventures (10:42) Defining 'Scaling through Chaos' and key takeaways (13:56) Founders spending 50% of their time on HR-related tasks (17:44) Challenges in hiring engineering talent and how Index Ventures supports founders (20:07) Structuring time for hiring and talent-related tasks (27:05) AI adoption in the people function: Early challenges and insights (38:48) The 14-point executive search framework for successful hires (44:06) How to balance speed and cultural fit when hiring (50:26) Common mistakes in executive hiring and learning from them (54:11) The importance of organizational design and a CEO's view of the people function (56:53) Index Ventures' tool for optimizing team planning and scaling ----  📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get episode recaps 💡 Follow The Modern People Leader on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Daniel Huerta on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Stephen Huerta on LinkedIn

David Hanrahan, Chief People Officer at Flare, and Jessica Zwaan, Author of Built for People & COO at Talentful, joined us live in Austin, Texas.  We talked about how performance management is stuck in the past, the idea of team-based assessments, how to run a data-driven performance calibration, and the evolving role of compensation in driving performance. ----  This episode was brought to you by Kunik. Sign up for their exclusive roundtable on October 30th. ----  3:11: Reflections on outdated performance management practices 5:07: Thoughts on why companies are holding onto legacy review systems 6:46: The impact of AI on performance management and synthesizing feedback 9:40: Team dynamics in performance management and HR’s evolving role 12:24: Real-time tools for performance feedback and privacy concerns 14:27: Shifts in company values post-pandemic and how that affects performance reviews 17:09: Measuring team performance over individual performance 20:12: Calibration, feedback, and team assessments 23:02: Linking performance management and compensation strategies 29:03: The role of procedural and distributive fairness in compensation 32:11: Challenges of tying performance to compensation 36:02: Discussion on bonus allocation based on performance 40:12: Team performance assessments and executive decision-making 44:48: Questions from the audience on coaching and team dynamics 50:22: Closing thoughts on changing traditional HR practices ----  📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get episode recaps 💡 Follow The Modern People Leader on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Daniel Huerta on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Stephen Huerta on LinkedIn

Katie Burke, CPO & Board Member at Paycor, and Gianna Driver, Chief People Officer at Lattice, joined us for our inaugural MPL Live in Austin, Texas. We talked about the current state of HR, generational differences in the workforce, and how AI is impacting organizations.  ----  This episode was brought to you by CandorIQ. Get your free 30 minute comp consultation.  ----  2:58: Good news stories from Gianna and Katie 5:05: Celebrating episode 200 6:46: State of HR and workplace changes in 2024 8:14: Katie and Gianna's insights on doing more with less and AI adoption 9:28: Greater focus on how HR supports the business 10:42: The impact of AI on HR functions 14:25: How Lattice integrates AI into their HR processes 17:19: Challenges of managing AI adoption and workforce expectations 22:12: Strategies for managing cross-generational workforce 31:02: Balancing DEI efforts with workforce realities 35:22: Handling politics in the workplace during election years 49:00: Audience Q&A on navigating difficult topics in HR 54:46: Closing thoughts and one-word reflections ----  📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get episode recaps 💡 Follow The Modern People Leader on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Daniel Huerta on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Stephen Huerta on LinkedIn

Vanessa Monsequeira, VP of People at Gorilla, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We discussed Vanessa’s path to leadership, how to navigate hyper-growth in organizations, and the importance of mindset and unlearning for today’s people leaders. ----  (0:02) Introduction and good news stories (5:28) Vanessa’s career journey and lessons from hyper-growth (10:21) The role of mindset and resilience in leadership (14:32) Navigating fast vs. slow decision-making during hyper-growth (18:47) Gorilla’s core business and the impact of real-time data in energy utilities (27:53) The challenges of scaling people operations in a tech company (32:30) Identifying and addressing blind spots in HR leadership (40:48) The role of unlearning and relearning in leadership transitions (46:31) OKRs and the process of aligning with business goals (49:06) Advice for people leaders navigating today’s tough job market (57:42) Rapid fire questions and career advice (1:02:17) One word close ----  📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get episode recaps 💡 Follow The Modern People Leader on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Daniel Huerta on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Stephen Huerta on LinkedIn

Jeff Schmitz, Chief People Officer at Zebra Technologies, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about Jeff’s transition from marketing to HR, why Zebra is reinventing their purpose statement and values, and their cultural training programs. ----  Go get your tickets for MPL Live using our 50% off discount code, MPL-LIVE-50. Don't miss out—⁠⁠get your ⁠⁠ticket⁠⁠ now⁠⁠!  ----  (0:39) Good news stories (5:12) Jeff’s career journey (6:15) Jeff’s background from engineering to CMO and CPO (9:48) Biggest surprises transitioning from marketing to HR (12:16) Explanation of Zebra Technologies’ core business (14:41) Why Jeff loves working at Zebra (16:28) Launching Zebra’s new purpose statement and values (22:48) How Zebra involves employees in cultural transformation (24:31) Impact of culture on smaller acquisitions (27:01) Cultural integration from Zebra’s acquisition of Motorola (34:33) Cultural training programs at Zebra (38:13) Advice for HR leaders about getting buy-in for cultural transformations (42:15) Rapid-fire questions ----  📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get episode recaps 💡 Follow The Modern People Leader on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Daniel Huerta on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Stephen Huerta on LinkedIn

Nicole Hughey, the former DEIB leader at SiriusXM, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about the evolution of DEIB language, the recent SHRM debate on equity, and the critical importance of heart in driving meaningful change within organizations. ----  Go get your tickets for MPL Live using our 50% off discount code, MPL-LIVE-50. Don't miss out—⁠⁠get your ⁠⁠ticket⁠⁠ now⁠⁠!  ----  (0:44) Good news stories (9:57) Big update on the September 17th event in Austin, Texas (11:04) Nicole’s career journey and transition into DEI (21:07) Moments that shaped Nicole’s approach to DEI (26:00) State of the Union for DEI (27:18) Nicole on the misconception that DEI is going away (29:33) Discussion on SHRM’s decision to remove the “E” from DEI (34:19) The importance of maintaining rigor and responsibility in DEI work (39:00) Courage and accountability in DEI efforts (49:41) Courage as a key element in the evolution of DEI (53:22) What’s next for Nicole’s career in DEI (54:38) Rapid fire questions: Career advice, HR challenges, and future guests ----  📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get episode recaps 💡 Follow The Modern People Leader on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Daniel Huerta on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Stephen Huerta on LinkedIn

Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work®, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We discussed what the data reveals about the best leaders, why DEIB is the key to achieving massive success, and why Gen Z will choose jobs based on leaders rather than companies. ----  Go get your tickets for MPL Live using our 50% off discount code, MPL-LIVE-50. Don't miss out—⁠get your ⁠⁠ticket⁠⁠ now⁠!  ----  This episode was brought to you by Great Place To Work. Download their latest research on ⁠Employee Retention here. ----  Timestamps: (0:53) Good news stories (7:44) Michael’s career journey and his path to Great Place to Work (21:19) The importance of DEIB for business success (29:32) The impact of leadership on employee experience (32:06) Challenges and opportunities in enhancing leadership quality (41:07) Examples of companies successfully implementing DEIB initiatives (51:00) Discussion on DEIB and its connection to making “octillions” (59:45) The role of AI in the future of work and DEIB (1:19:57) Rapid fire questions ----  📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get episode recaps 💡 Follow The Modern People Leader on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Daniel Huerta on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Stephen Huerta on LinkedIn

Polly Barnes, Operating Partner, Talent at EQT Ventures, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about the qualities of high-performing founders, the emerging founder profile, and why HR leaders need to have more focus than ever right now. ----  Go get your tickets for MPL Live using our 50% off discount code, MPL-LIVE-50. Don't miss out—get your ⁠⁠ticket⁠⁠ now!  ----  This episode was brought to you by Great Place To Work®. Download their latest research on ⁠⁠Return-to-Office Mandates here⁠⁠. ----  (0:48) Good news stories (7:23) Announcement: First ever live podcast event in Austin, Texas (7:25) Polly’s career journey from marketing to VC (13:53) Discussing EQT’s 20 unique indicators of high-performing founders (16:04) The importance of resilience in founders (19:00) Balancing resilience with self-reflection (21:05) Leadership and decision-making in founders (26:32) The evolving profile of tech founders with AI advancements (29:59) The role of psychological support in founder success (34:53) Operating systems and frameworks for startup success (40:09) The importance of prioritization in HR leadership (45:05) Challenges and future of DEI initiatives in startups (49:18) Opportunities and advice for modern HR leaders in VC-backed startups (52:01) Building personal brands and communities within HR (54:19) Rapid fire questions ----  📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get episode recaps 💡 Follow The Modern People Leader on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Daniel Huerta on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Stephen Huerta on LinkedIn

Melanie Rosenwasser, Chief People Officer at Dropbox, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We discussed Dropbox’s virtual-first model, how they measure its success, and the three types of in-person gatherings they organize. ----  Go get your tickets for MPL Live using our 50% off discount code, MPL-LIVE-50. Don't miss out—get your ⁠ticket⁠ now!  ----  This episode was brought to you by Great Place To Work®. Learn more at http://greatplacetowork.com/mpl. ----  (0:41) Good news stories (6:00) Melanie's career journey (9:18) What Dropbox does and why it's a great place to work (12:04) The importance of flexibility in Dropbox's virtual-first model (13:11) Key elements for success in a virtual first environment (19:39) The role of data and research in shaping Dropbox's work model (23:05) Insights from Dropbox's research on remote work (24:00) Building trust and culture in a remote-first environment (27:01) Challenges and learnings from remote work at Dropbox (30:30) The importance of in-person gatherings for remote teams (37:52) Offsite modalities and their impact on team collaboration (41:02) Experimenting with AI and its impact on the future of work (46:15) Predictions for the future of work (52:01) Rapid fire questions (55:11) One word or phrase close ----  📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get episode recaps 💡 Follow The Modern People Leader on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Daniel Huerta on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Stephen Huerta on LinkedIn