#10 Human-Centered Leadership: From HR to Operations and Thriving After 40 with Elena Krutova

In this episode of the Build by People Leaders podcast, host Daria Rudnik speaks with Elena Krutova, a seasoned HR and operations leader with over 20 years of experience. Elena shares her journey from recruiter to Chief Operations Officer, highlighting the importance of human-centric leadership, integrity, and delivering tangible results. She discusses strategies for HR professionals to be true business partners, the challenges of leading transformations in both fast-growing and struggling organizations, and the role of AI as an efficiency-enhancing tool rather than a replacement for human connection. Elena also shares her advice for sustaining a successful career after 40, emphasizing persistence, confidence, and continuous learning. Takeaways HR earns a real seat at the table by delivering outcomes, not just “the right theory”. A sustainable career in fast-growing companies comes from clarity of purpose, strong values, and doing consistent “baby steps”. Moving from HR into broader operational leadership is possible when you understand how people work and can connect human, financial, legal, compliance, and process perspectives. The hardest transformations aren’t growth—they’re restoring health in struggling organizations, making fair but sometimes unpopular decisions with a “surgeon” mindset. AI should boost HR’s efficiency (policies, comms, materials) but never replace human connection. Linkedin - https://cy.linkedin.com/in/elenakrutova Company - www.voiso.com HR, leadership, business partner, AI in HR, career growth, organizational transformation, employee engagement, human resources, operations, workplace dynamics