When Success Means New Bosses: A Startup Growth Story

Kelli and Nolan unpack the delicate art of layering – that awkward moment when someone gets a new boss – while calling out the pitfalls of secret searches and celebrating the often-forgotten heroes of early startup days. Equal parts tactical advice and therapy session for growing companies.*Email us your questions or topics for Kelli & Nolan: [email protected] coaching and advising inquire at https://kellidragovich.com/HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.—📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccessSupport HR Heretics Sponsor:Metaview is the AI assistant for interviewing. Metaview completely removes the need for recruiters and hiring managers to take notes during interviews—because their AI is designed to take world-class interview notes for you. Team builders at companies like Brex, Hellofresh, and Quora say Metaview has changed the game—see the magic for yourself: https://www.metaview.ai/hereticsKEEP UP WITH NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDINNolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/—TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:13) Layering Question on Dear Heretics(02:06) Initial Thoughts on Layering(02:58) Human Aspect of Layering(03:43) Importance of Coaches & Advisors(04:00) New Hires vs Existing Employees(07:16) Confidential Search on Layering(10:08) Sponsor: Metaview(12:02) Handling Layering: CEO/CPO Perspective(14:13) Expanding Roles in Startups(16:00) New Executives and Fail States(16:57) The Shepherd Role of a Leader(17:18) The Layered Employee's Perspective(18:05) Two Paths: Spiteful vs. Gracious(20:18) Building Something Bigger Than Yourself(20:59) Maturity Matters(21:20) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com