People Leader Accelerator Podcast

Episode 29: Empowering Technical Leaders Through Effective Coaching Strategies - with Kevin Rice

Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, where we explore what it really takes to build high-performing organisations.
Our guest today is Kevin Rice, an executive coach who previously led product and engineering teams through rapid growth at companies like Airbnb.
Drawing on a background that bridges hands-on technical management and leadership coaching, Kevin now partners with heads of product, heads of engineering, and CEOs, helping leaders evolve as their organisations scale. With experience developing people processes in high-growth environments and supporting leaders through changing responsibilities, Kevin brings a unique perspective to supporting both leadership and people teams.
This episode centres on the evolving challenges faced by technical leaders, particularly as their teams expand and the demands of scale intensify. We discuss the tension between technical expertise and people management, how leaders can determine where their time and focus are most valuable, and the critical partnership between HR and technical functions as companies evolve.
Discussion highlights:
Why technical leaders often face distinct scaling challenges as their teams become the largest in the company
The trap of comparing leadership roles to external models rather than identifying what the company uniquely needs
Practical frameworks for leaders to prioritise responsibilities based on position, skills, context, and passion
How high growth in technical functions drives early development of people processes such as levelling and performance rubrics
The value of 360 feedback for surfacing hidden or unspoken development needs
Navigating the “brilliant but difficult” leader dynamic and the importance of coaching readiness
Critical distinctions between coaching for growth and coaching as part of performance management
Setting clear performance expectations as a prerequisite for successful coaching engagements
The importance of engaging coaching proactively during major leadership transitions or team scale
Structuring effective collaboration and information flows between HR, direct managers, and external coaches
Measuring the ROI of executive coaching and the leverage of investing in leadership capability
Five hidden obstacles to scaling teams, including role drift, decision bottlenecks, shared mental models, process avoidance, and tenured employee resistance
Taken together, this discussion offers a practical roadmap for people leaders working alongside technical executives in dynamic, scaling environments. The episode surfaces both the hidden pitfalls and proven tools for accelerating leadership growth, structuring effective partnerships with HR, and ensuring that coaching has a measurable and lasting impact. For those supporting technical talent or navigating rapid organisational change, these insights offer valuable guidance for developing high-performing teams and resilient leadership.
For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast.
About The People Leader Accelerator 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

Episode 28: Bridging Academic Insights and Business Practice - with Brad Harris from HEC Paris

In this episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, we welcome Brad Harris, Professor of Management and Human Resources and Associate Dean at HEC Paris.
Brad brings an exceptional blend of academic rigour and deep practical experience, having taught, researched, and consulted across several continents. As a co-author of Scaling for Success and one of the core faculty members in the People Leader Accelerator program, his perspective is especially relevant for executives shaping organisational effectiveness and people strategy.
Brad’s background bridges academic research with on-the-ground leadership, advisory, and program delivery for high-growth companies. His understanding of team dynamics, leadership development, and organisational behaviour equips him to pinpoint the real challenges people leaders encounter, including those intrinsic to scaling teams, driving alignment, and navigating executive decisions.
This episode centres on the realities of building and leading high-performing teams. The discussion dives into what leaders consistently get wrong about teamwork, the critical design elements of effective teams, and the essential (but often misunderstood) balance between clarity, empowerment, and control. Brad and the hosts, Jess Yuen and Andrew Bartlow, unpack the “messy middle” where most organisations and leaders operate and share tangible approaches for aligning people and business priorities.
Listeners will gain actionable insights into diagnosing team effectiveness, optimising goal setting for clarity and alignment, and approaching empowerment in complex environments. Brad’s advice is grounded in research but always tailored to the practical realities of leadership, offering new ways for people leaders to support executives, make better trade-offs, and accelerate their own impact.
Discussion highlights:
Why HEC Paris is a leading business school and how global experience shapes HR and leadership practice
The origins of Scaling for Success and the development of People Leader Accelerator
Realities of partnership and collaboration between business and academia
Bridging the academic-practice gap: why thoughtful, evidence-based leadership is essential and practical
Common myths about teamwork and the overlooked importance of team design versus “feel-good” factors
Understanding and balancing the “collaboration tax” with collaboration gains in teams
Leadership archetypes: the “prophet” versus the “mule driver” and the dangers of extremes
How complexity and context should determine leadership style and team decision-making
Practical frameworks for increasing team clarity, alignment, and effectiveness
Why effective goal setting requires meaningful trade-offs, not just standard outcomes like “increase revenue”
The two-sided problem of empowerment and the challenges leaders face when letting go
Strategies for HR leaders to align with CEOs and drive purposeful conversations about priorities and personal growth
This conversation offers people leaders a grounded look at what it actually takes to foster effective teams and drive organisational performance. Brad’s practical frameworks and coaching stories clarify how leaders can apply academic insights without overcomplicating their approach - and why clear alignment and the right strategic bets matter most.
For HR executives, founders, and those supporting high-growth businesses, these lessons offer actionable prompts to elevate leadership, influence strategy, and empower teams.
For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast.
About The People Leader Accelerator 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

Episode 27: Transforming HR Through Community and Innovation - with Stephen Huerta from the Modern People Leader Podcast

Welcome to the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, the show where we dive into the realities of building effective organisations and accelerating the careers of people leaders.
Our guest today is Stephen Huerta, co-founder of The Modern People Leader Podcast, founder of Huertonomics, and an experienced HR entrepreneur. With a career spanning HR consulting, corporate roles at Goldman Sachs, and multiple ventures in HR tech and media, Stephen brings a seasoned perspective about both the operational and strategic sides of people leadership. His work as a podcaster and advisor has connected him with hundreds of leaders across startups, scaling companies, and enterprise organisations, making him uniquely positioned to comment on the evolving landscape of HR, leadership, and organisational culture.
In this conversation, we explore how HR leaders can expand their impact, adapt to shifting trends in people strategy, and navigate the challenges of building meaningful community - both within organisations and across the wider HR ecosystem. We discuss the practicalities of career development, entrepreneurship in HR, and why community-driven approaches are reshaping how leaders learn, build networks, and make decisions.
Listeners will gain actionable insights on advancing their own leadership careers, building engaging workplace cultures, and responding strategically to new challenges such as AI adoption and shifting stakeholder expectations. Stephen’s candid reflections offer guidance for people leaders looking to grow their network, refine their skills, and exert greater influence inside their organisations.
Discussion highlights:
The accidental career path into HR - and why curiosity drives lasting impact
Lessons learnt from corporate HR and entrepreneurial ventures in services, SaaS, and media
The origin story of The Modern People Leader podcast and its evolution from a side project to a thriving community
Why communication and PR skills are increasingly essential for HR executives
Observations on how remote-first and AI-forward companies are shaping new operating models for people functions
How HR leaders can synthesise market trends and adapt to evolving organisational needs
The importance of intentional event design in fostering meaningful professional connections
What makes Modern People Leader live events distinct from traditional HR conferences
Strategic advice for HR tech founders on go-to-market challenges, including the critical role of peer communities
How vendor outreach has shifted - with buying decisions now driven by trusted HR networks rather than cold calls
Making tech stack decisions: frameworks for assessing buy, build, borrow, and bot options
Practical tips on upskilling, reskilling, and building a network for career acceleration
This episode offers a grounded look at the realities of navigating an HR career, expanding your influence, and adapting to new forms of organisational and community leadership. Stephen’s experience highlights both the power of network and the urgency of embracing new skills in today’s environment. For senior HR leaders and executives, the discussion provides a roadmap for cultivating professional connections, making strategic decisions, and investing in your own career growth.
For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast.
About The People Leader Accelerator 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

Episode 26: HR Career Growth Through Mentorship and Networking - with Maggie Ruvoldt

Welcome to the People Leader Accelerator Podcast, where we dive deep into the realities of building and leading high-impact organisations.
Our guest today is Maggie Ruvoldt, an experienced CHRO and executive with over 30 years spanning HR, business operations, and advisory roles. Maggie’s career features significant time in education and healthcare, from building HR teams at early-stage startups to managing global people operations in billion-dollar companies. Her perspective is particularly relevant to people leaders seeking to bridge the gap between HR and business, evolve their own careers, and contribute meaningfully as both leaders and mentors.
In this episode, we explore the interplay between HR and business strategy, challenging traditional career path thinking and examining what it means to truly partner with the business. Maggie shares hard-earned lessons from her own “careen, not a career” trajectory, including how she navigated between business and functional roles, developed a personal board of directors, and cultivated the confidence to take on stretch assignments and difficult conversations.
Listeners will gain practical frameworks for career development, tools for networking intentionally, and actionable advice for influencing senior leaders and opening doors to new opportunities. Maggie offers grounded insights on seeing HR through the lens of business impact, building relationships across and beyond the function, and the critical importance of sponsors, mentors, and connectors for sustained career growth.
Discussion highlights:
• Seeing HR as a business function: why understanding the broader business context is essential for HR leaders• The “careen, not a career” approach: embracing non-linear paths and focusing on growth over rigid career planning• Taking stretch assignments and leveraging fear as a signal for learning and growth• How to open doors between HR and business roles—and why advocating for yourself matters• Structuring conversations with executives to align your skills with organisational needs• The strategic value of developing both sponsors and mentors, and how each supports career acceleration• Building a personal board of directors and finding your “pump-up” person for confidence and support• Practical tactics for intentional networking, including the “20-minute meeting” strategy• Systematising relationship management to become a super connector, even as an introvert• Giving and receiving difficult feedback: skill-building for tough conversations with senior leaders• Understanding and leveraging second-degree connections (“weak ties”) for opportunity and growth• The importance of diversity of thought and lived experience in mentorship relationships
Taken together, this episode offers an honest and practical look at career development, influence, and the human side of organisational leadership. Maggie’s journey illustrates that impact often comes from stretching outside your comfort zone, building intentional relationships inside and outside your function, and always keeping the broader organisational context in view. For HR executives and senior leaders shaping their own careers and teams, her advice is immediately applicable—and grounded in genuine experience.
For show notes and bonus resources, visit www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/podcast.
About The People Leader Accelerator 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
 

Episode 25: What Private Equity Looks for in Top HR Leaders - with John K. Anderson

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:
Key differences in what private equity and venture investors expect from HR leaders
Why value creation and direct business impact now outweigh process or experience credentials
The growing importance of data fluency and the ability to articulate HR’s impact in financial terms
How culture is increasingly treated as a business strategy linked to revenue and talent outcomes
The board’s rising expectations for CHROs to provide strategic insight on compensation, retention, and operational systems
Practical advice for candidates to prepare for executive search processes, including what to underplay and what to emphasise
Why concise, business-focused communication is essential when interviewing for senior HR roles
The importance of building a network and being open to exploratory conversations with executive search partners
Career development strategies beyond external job changes—gaining depth, cross-functional experience, and board exposure
Insights on the value of advanced degrees and certifications for aspiring CPOs and HR executives
The power of peer learning communities and cross-industry networks for people leaders’ growth
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.
About The People Leader Accelerator 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

Episode 24: How Zapier Reached 97% AI Adoption and What HR and Business Leaders Can Learn - with Brandon Sammut

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.
About The People Leader Accelerator 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

Episode 23: Exploring Leadership Through the Lens of Workplace Fun (Jess Yuen and Andrew Bartlow in Conversation)

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.
About The People Leader Accelerator 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

Episode 22: Our Thinking on HR Conferences and Communities (Jess Yuen and Andrew Bartlow in Conversation)

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.
About The People Leader Accelerator 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

Episode 21: From Consultant to Five-Time Chief People Officer - with Jevan Soo Lenox

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.
About The People Leader Accelerator 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

Episode 20: Lessons in International People Leadership and Organizational Change - with Kelli Koschmann

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.
About The People Leader Accelerator 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