EPISODE · Nov 19, 2025 · 24 MIN
Steve Cadigan: Interview With LinkedIn's Very First Chief HR Officer
from Start With A Win · host Adam Contos
What if everything we thought we knew about loyalty, leadership, and the future of work is about to be rewritten? In this episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with Steve Cadigan - LinkedIn’s first-ever Chief Human Resources Officer and one of the most respected minds in global talent strategy - to explore the shifting realities of today’s workforce. From the rise of a restless generation to the untapped power of learning and mobility inside organizations, this conversation challenges leaders to think beyond old models of retention and success. It’s a provocative look at how businesses can thrive amid constant change - and why the key to keeping your best people might be the very thing that sets them free.Steve Cadigan is a globally recognized talent advisor and founder of Cadigan Talent Ventures, a Silicon Valley firm that has worked with top organizations like Google, Intel, and the BBC. As LinkedIn’s first CHRO, he guided the company through its IPO and shaped its culture, which later became the foundation for a Stanford University course. With over 25 years of HR leadership, he has advised leading VC and consulting firms such as Andreessen Horowitz, McKinsey, and Deloitte. A sought-after speaker and media expert, he frequently appears on Bloomberg, CBS, and CNBC and teaches at major universities. His book, Workquake, debuted as a #1 Amazon Hot New Release in 2021. Recognized annually since 2021 as a top 100 thought leader in talent, he serves on multiple boards and advisory panels, helping leaders craft innovative talent strategies. Having lived and worked in Singapore, Canada, and the U.S., he brings a global perspective to the future of work. Based in California, he enjoys coaching basketball and playing tennis.00:00 Intro02:15 This is my moment…have you found yours? 03:40 This is the last thing companies think about!05:05 Ways of winning without a team that has been together for a long time08:25 The need for this has accelerated! 11:01 A person is loyal to this13:30 CEOs need to do a better job in removing the silo thinking18:30 Would you rather…?20:50 Advice, listen up!23:30 I do this for my twinshttps://stevecadigan.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadigan/ [email protected] https://www.tiktok.com/@stevecadigan?lang=en===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory
What this episode covers
What if everything we thought we knew about loyalty, leadership, and the future of work is about to be rewritten? In this episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with Steve Cadigan - LinkedIn’s first-ever Chief Human Resources Officer and one of the most respected minds in global talent strategy - to explore the shifting realities of today’s workforce. From the rise of a restless generation to the untapped power of learning and mobility inside organizations, this conversation challenges leaders to think beyond old models of retention and success. It’s a provocative look at how businesses can thrive amid constant change - and why the key to keeping your best people might be the very thing that sets them free.Steve Cadigan is a globally recognized talent advisor and founder of Cadigan Talent Ventures, a Silicon Valley firm that has worked with top organizations like Google, Intel, and the BBC. As LinkedIn’s first CHRO, he guided the company through its IPO and shaped its culture, which later became the foundation for a Stanford University course. With over 25 years of HR leadership, he has advised leading VC and consulting firms such as Andreessen Horowitz, McKinsey, and Deloitte. A sought-after speaker and media expert, he frequently appears on Bloomberg, CBS, and CNBC and teaches at major universities. His book, Workquake, debuted as a #1 Amazon Hot New Release in 2021. Recognized annually since 2021 as a top 100 thought leader in talent, he serves on multiple boards and advisory panels, helping leaders craft innovative talent strategies. Having lived and worked in Singapore, Canada, and the U.S., he brings a global perspective to the future of work. Based in California, he enjoys coaching basketball and playing tennis.00:00 Intro02:15 This is my moment…have you found yours? 03:40 This is the last thing companies think about!05:05 Ways of winning without a team that has been together for a long time08:25 The need for this has accelerated! 11:01 A person is loyal to this13:30 CEOs need to do a better job in removing the silo thinking18:30 Would you rather…?20:50 Advice, listen up!23:30 I do this for my twinshttps://stevecadigan.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadigan/ [email protected] https://www.tiktok.com/@stevecadigan?lang=en===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ===========================YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEOApple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT===========================Connect with Adam:===========================Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEOTwitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEOInstagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/#adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory
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Steve Cadigan: Interview With LinkedIn's Very First Chief HR Officer
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