Building Thriving Teams from the Start | Katie Hajec | Director of Talent & Culture at Create Tribe

Katie Hajec knows that strong teams don’t happen by accident. They’re built with intention from day one. As Director of Talent & Culture for LA startup Create Tribe, she’s on a mission to create workplaces where people can grow, contribute, and actually enjoy coming to work. From hiring the right people to shaping culture, Katie blends HR expertise with a deep commitment to human development. In this conversation, we get into the shifts happening in the HR world, the mindset leaders need to keep their teams motivated, and why core values matter more than ever. We also talk about the practical side of building culture — from interview questions that actually work to avoiding burnout as a leader. Chapters 00:00 Meet Katie Hajec and Create Tribe 01:12 From Reno to leading in Los Angeles 03:00 What “Talent & Culture” means today 05:20 Why hiring the right people is step one 07:15 Building employee experience from scratch 09:40 The shift from traditional HR to human development 12:00 Radical candor and better communication at work 14:15 Avoiding burnout while leading a team 16:30 The three to five things leaders should focus on daily 18:40 Balancing startup demands with employee well-being 21:00 Why core values are a leader’s greatest tool 23:15 How to create a culture of trust and accountability 25:30 Interview questions that reveal the real fit 27:45 Advice for anyone stepping into a leadership role 30:00 Katie’s vision for the future of work The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices