People Leader Accelerator Podcast
Welcome to “People Leader Accelerator Podcast”! On this show, we dive deep with business and HR leaders to uncover what really works when it comes to building high-performing organizations, navigating leadership challenges, and making better management decisions. Whether you’re the first People leader at a startup or a seasoned executive at a company with scale, you’ll find practical insights you can apply right away.
If one of our discussions sparked something for you, hit ’subscribe,’ leave a quick review, and share this episode with that one colleague who really needs to hear it. You know who I’m talking about. ;)
And, if you’re looking for hands-on support - from developing your leaders, to creating a high-performance culture, to hiring the right people - visit us at www.PeopleLeaderAccelerator.com/hr4hr. We’d love to help.
Episodes

Tuesday Feb 03, 2026
Tuesday Feb 03, 2026
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.
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

Tuesday Jan 27, 2026
Tuesday Jan 27, 2026
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.
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

Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
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.
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

Tuesday Jan 13, 2026
Tuesday Jan 13, 2026
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:
Ryanmae’s path from veterinary practice management and admin work to SaaS people leader
How the People Leader Accelerator and Startup Experts communities supported key career transitions
The value of transparency, healthy debate, and “hot takes” in HR and executive conversations
Strategies for communicating across functions and building deep trust with a CEO and executive peers
Lessons learned from saying “no” to a promotion, battling imposter syndrome, and eventually stepping into top HR leadership
Practical approaches for understanding your business, learning from every function, and driving influence as a strategic people leader
Humanizing HR: how to support employees through difficult moments like healthcare changes, layoffs, and personal challenges
Why quitting can be a positive sign of agency and mutual respect between employees and organizations
Ryanmae’s favorite HR learning resources, including Smart Brevity and the power of community networks
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.
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

Tuesday Jan 06, 2026
Tuesday Jan 06, 2026
Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast.
Our guest today is Eugene Lee, who joins us for an insightful conversation on investing in HR technology, the evolving responsibilities of people leaders, and how AI is transforming organizations. Eugene’s background spans M&A investment banking, operational leadership at Yahoo, Google, and Pinterest, and his current work as a venture investor at OMERS, focusing deeply on early-stage enterprise and HR tech companies.
In this episode, Eugene shares his perspective as both an operator and investor. We explore the intersection of people strategy and business impact, what investors look for in high-growth companies, and how today’s HR leaders can increase their influence by embracing innovation, especially AI.
We discuss:
What makes HR tech an attractive and evolving investment area
The shift from digitization to AI-enabled judgment and automation in HR systems
How people leaders are moving into roles such as AI transformation officers
The impact of AI on upskilling, workforce productivity, and company culture
What HR leaders can expect from board interactions at venture-backed companies
Key outcomes and metrics that matter to investors at Series A, B, and C stages
Why building business acumen and data fluency increases strategic impact for people leaders
The similarities between business operations and people leadership in cross-functional environments
Advice on networking and building AI literacy to accelerate your HR career
This episode offers practical insights for people leaders at all stages, especially those in tech or VC-backed companies looking to advance their understanding of the investment landscape, shape company culture, and become true strategic partners to their executive 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

Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
Tuesday Dec 30, 2025
Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast.
Our guest today is Kate Mason, executive communications coach and author of the fascinating new book, Powerfully Likable.
Kate’s career has spanned global tech companies and high-stakes startup environments, supporting leaders to communicate with impact. She brings together expertise in communications, coaching, and competitive debate to help professionals navigate the delicate balance of authority and warmth required to lead effectively.
In this episode, we dig into the central question so many HR and people leaders face: Do I need to choose between being powerful or likable to be effective in my role?
Drawing from her book, career experiences, and coaching practice, Kate reveals how we can transcend this false binary, communicate more authentically, and deploy strategic warmth without sacrificing authority.
We discuss:
Kate’s unique journey from world champion debater and big tech communications leader to executive coach
The genesis and message of Powerfully Likable: Why “power versus likability” is a false choice for leaders
How cultural context and company norms shape the way we communicate—including what it means to show warmth, when to use smiles strategically, and ways to ask directly without apologizing
Practical techniques for HR professionals to deliver decisions, hold authority, and maintain relational currency
Patterns of deference and the pitfalls of downplaying expertise to seek likability
The impact of likability in the era of AI, remote work, and polarizing politics
Leveraging curiosity and calm as powerful tools for navigating difficult conversations and building influence
How to handle fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses in stressful workplace dynamics
Scripts, strategies, and mindset shifts for showing up with confidence—especially in environments where power imbalances exist
Kate’s top recommended resources for learning and honing your communications skills
For those looking to strengthen their leadership presence and maximize impact within their organizations, Kate’s insights are both actionable and thought-provoking.
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

Tuesday Dec 23, 2025
Tuesday Dec 23, 2025
Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast.
Our guest today is Debbie Ko, a US-born cultural psychologist now based in Singapore, whose career journey has traversed academia and tech in global environments. Debbie’s expertise bridges social psychology, cultural dynamics, and real-world application for business and people leaders. She publishes the popular blog, PsykoBabble, where she explores behavioral science in organizations and the psychological roots of workplace challenges.
As Senior Research Manager, APAC and SEA Consumer and Marketing Insights at Google, Debbie directs research strategy for the SEA region. Her job is to take complex human data and turn it into a clear path forward.
In this episode, we sit down with Debbie to explore culture beyond HR and the practical implications of cultural psychology when working across geographies, generations, and organizational boundaries. We dive into frameworks for understanding team friction, the evolving “psychological contract” between employers and employees, and how technology, especially AI, is impacting communication, feedback, and team trust.
We discuss:
What cultural psychology is and why it matters for leaders in global and multi-cultural organizations
Erin Meyer’s Culture Map framework and how workshops help teams identify and resolve hidden sources of friction
Real examples of culture clashes, from grading participation in American classrooms to meeting silence in East Asian settings
The impact of high-context versus low-context cultures on communication styles, conflict, and trust-building - especially over video and chat
How seemingly small details (like punctuality or emojis) can drive misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and even offense in cross-cultural teams
The power and challenges of surfacing and aligning on “psychological contracts” - the unwritten expectations that shape loyalty, productivity, and burnout
Organizational culture through the lens of mergers, acquisitions, and generational shifts, and the role of clear, explicit agreements
Surprising research on AI adoption, including why many employees accept feedback more easily from machines than humans, and how prompt psychology shapes AI responses
Best practices for encouraging AI adoption and responsible usage within distributed teams
Actionable advice on clarifying expectations, building trust, and leading diverse teams with empathy and cultural curiosity
This episode is packed with grounded insights for anyone involved in people leadership, especially those working with distributed, cross-functional, or multi-cultural teams.
Debbie’s stories and frameworks offer practical strategies for building more resilient, connected, and effective organizations.
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

Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast.
Our guest today is Daniel Illes, who joined us for an in-depth discussion on career transitions, scaling high-growth organizations, and the realities of global people leadership. Daniel’s journey has taken him from New York-qualified lawyer to startup operator, people leader, and currently, a Venture Capital operator at Atomico, supporting founders across Europe on all things people, culture, and leadership.
In this episode, Daniel shares candid reflections on working at companies like Lyft, WeWork, and Vinted - each with their own explosive growth stories and operational challenges. We explore his approach to navigating major career pivots, what it takes to build and lead teams at scale, and how deep business acumen can help people leaders become true strategic partners.
We discuss:
Daniel’s unique career path through law, operations, HR, and venture capital
Lessons from scaling Lyft, WeWork, and Vinted through periods of rapid growth
Cultural complexity in European organizations and how that shapes leadership and HR programs
Building global benefit policies, including approaches to parental leave across multiple countries
What changes when leading small teams versus large, cross-functional HR organizations
The value of first principles thinking versus “best practices” and when to challenge playbooks
How structured learning and formal business education can elevate a career in HR
Practical advice for HR leaders looking to become more AI-curious and drive innovation
This conversation is filled with insights for those navigating high-growth environments, making big career moves, or looking for ways to deepen their impact as people leaders - especially across borders and cultures. Daniel’s experience offers concrete takeaways on how empathy, business fluency, and adaptability help people leaders thrive.
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

Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast.
Our guest today is Jamie Thorpe, SVP, People at Pursuit, joining hosts Jess Yuen and Andrew Bartlow for a candid conversation about leading people functions in hospitality and attraction-based organizations. Jamie brings over twelve years of HR experience covering restaurant operations, corporate HR, and high-growth environments, with prior roles at Sonic Drive-In, Taco Bueno, and Alamo Drafthouse.
In this episode, we explore Jamie’s career path from frontline operations to HR leadership, including lessons learned about authenticity, vulnerability, and strategic partnership at the executive level. Jamie shares insights into the distinctive challenges and opportunities of supporting hourly workforces and transitioning organizations through acquisitions and growth.
We discuss:
The unique transition from operations to HR and how persistence and networking shaped Jamie’s career trajectory
How to approach a new people leadership role with effective assessment, relationship-building, and transformation
Comparing public company HR leadership with private equity and privately held organizations
The importance of longer-term strategic planning, carving out “thinking time,” and involving peers in working sessions
Hourly workforce realities - compensation, housing, training access, and employee experience
The practical impacts of technology, AI adoption, and external economic shifts on HR strategy
The value of learning from mentors, formal programs, and targeted professional development
Jamie’s “spicy take” on performance reviews and why she believes impact comes from building manager capability rather than process alone
Whether you work with hourly teams or exempt staff, lead in hospitality or tech, or are considering your next step in people operations, you’ll find Jamie’s reflections and tactical advice immediately relevant.
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

Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Welcome to another episode of the People Leader Accelerator Podcast.
Our guest today is Q Hamirani, a seasoned Chief People Officer whose unconventional career journey - from electrical engineering and finance to leading HR at companies like Airbnb and High Level - has influenced how he thinks about building effective people teams and driving business outcomes. Hosted by executive coach Jess Yuen and PLA co-founder Andrew Bartlow, we dig into practical, honest conversations about what it takes to lead modern organizations and drive impact at scale.
In this episode, Q shares his pathway from engineering and FP&A into people leadership, including the pivotal role that understanding finance, business strategy, and human-centered problem solving has played in his approach as a people leader. We explore how people leaders can work more closely with CFOs and cross-functional teams, translating HR initiatives into the language of business value.
Q also takes us inside his hands-on experimentation with AI tools and describes tangible ways his team has used automation to enable growth, streamline HR, and unlock new organizational capacity.
We also discuss:
How early career experiences in finance and FP&A can give HR leaders a business edge
Why translating people programs into the language of business outcomes matters
Approaches for building trust and credibility with senior leaders across disciplines
Practical examples of using AI to automate compensation planning and drive communication at scale
How AI can break down traditional HR silos and change the way teams are structured
The potential impact of AI on the future of HR and business support functions
What it looks like to move from managing metrics to enabling business success
How to cultivate curiosity and cross-functional agility as a modern people leader
Links:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hamirani
Website: www.hamirani.com
Whether you’re in your first HR role or leading people at a fast-growing company, this conversation is filled with actionable insights on bridging the gap between people and business, scaling impact with technology, and thinking ahead in a changing world.
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








