Silvia Van Dusen, Executive VP, CHRO at LinQuest

In this episode of the Built by People podcast sponsored by Previ, host Toby interviews Silvia, an experienced HR executive, about the unique challenges and strategies in HR, especially within private equity-backed companies. Silvia shares her journey from payroll to HR leadership, highlighting the agility and business focus required in a PE setting. She delves into preparing a workforce for potential acquisition, maintaining transparency, and the critical role of cultural alignment. Silvia also discusses transitioning from an operator to a consultant during acquisitions, emphasizing change management and process maturity. She provides insights into workforce planning, demonstrating performance through analytics, and offers advice on the rewards and risks of working in private equity. 00:16 Sponsor Message: Financial Well-being with Previ 00:44 Career Journey: From Payroll to HR Executive 01:25 HR in Private Equity vs. Corporate Settings 02:13 Preparing for Acquisition: Strategies and Compliance 04:07 Transitioning from Operator to Consultant 06:11 Critical Factors in Mergers and Acquisitions 09:10 Evolving Workforce Planning Strategies 11:33 Analytics and Performance Metrics 12:57 Advice for HR Leaders in Private Equity 14:12 Conclusion and Farewell