Becoming Better with StartupExperts

Recorded live at Transform 2026, Benji shares the journey of building Ashby—from early research and deep customer conversations to creating a product designed for increasingly tech-savvy People teams.He dives into key lessons from scaling a fast-growing company, including the importance of hiring with discipline, documenting clear operating principles, and maintaining strong alignment between founders and People teams.Benji also explores how AI is changing the recruiting landscape, enabling teams to operate more efficiently while raising the bar for technical fluency across HR and talent functions.From founder-led culture to the future of recruiting technology, Benji offers a thoughtful and practical perspective on what it takes to build and scale high-performing teams.Tune in for an insightful conversation on hiring, culture, and the evolving role of People teams in a rapidly changing world!

Recorded live at Transform 2026, Dutta shares key takeaways from a panel discussion on one of the most important questions facing organizations today: as AI adoption accelerates, who ultimately owns the risk?He explores the need for strong governance frameworks, the importance of maintaining both efficiency and quality, and why keeping a human in the loop is critical when deploying AI in the workplace. Dutta also highlights how company culture—especially around ownership and accountability—plays a key role in managing risk effectively.Beyond AI, Dutta reflects on broader themes from Transform, including the growing importance of change management and the challenges organizations face in helping teams adapt to rapid technological shifts.Whether you're navigating AI adoption, managing compliance, or supporting global teams, Dutta’s insights offer a thoughtful perspective on balancing innovation with responsibility.Tune in for an insightful conversation on AI, risk, and building human-centered systems in a rapidly evolving world!

Recorded live at Transform 2026, guest host Michelle Arietta sits down with Jeet Mukerji, CEO and co-founder of Kinfolk, to explore how AI is reshaping the way People teams operate.With a background in AI and HR tech, Jeet shares the story behind building Kinfolk—a platform designed to remove friction from work by automating repetitive but critical HR processes.In this conversation, they cover:What “agentic AI” actually means for People teamsHow HR can move beyond repetitive tasks and focus on higher-impact workWhy knowledge bases matter more than ever in AI adoptionHow leading organizations are approaching AI readiness and change managementThe shift from experimenting with AI to driving real ROIJeet also shares practical advice for People leaders navigating the next phase of AI adoption—from rethinking workflows to building internal capability before investing in new tools.Whether you're early in your AI journey or looking to scale your efforts, this conversation offers a grounded and practical perspective on what it takes to implement AI effectively in the workplace.Tune in for insights on AI, HR, and building more efficient, human-centered systems!

Recorded live at Transform 2026, Payal Maheshwari sits down with Jared Kleinert, CEO of Offsite and a valued StartupExperts partner, for a conversation on why intentional in-person experiences still matter—especially in a remote and hybrid world.Jared shares his background in the People space, his early experience at 15Five, and the journey that led him to build Offsite, a company helping teams plan more effective and engaging offsites at scale.In this conversation, they explore:Why offsites are more than just a perk—they’re a strategic investmentHow remote and hybrid companies can think about connection, alignment, and cultureWhat leaders often miss when evaluating the cost of gathering in personWhy many teams still want a human partner, even in an AI-driven worldTrends Jared is seeing across startup clients as companies rethink work, engagement, and ROIJared also shares practical insight into how companies can plan more intentionally, reduce unnecessary spend, and create experiences that actually support team performance.Whether you're leading a People team, planning an all-hands, or rethinking how your company gathers, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at the value of bringing people together.Tune in for a practical conversation on offsites, culture, and building stronger teams through intentional connection.

Recorded live at Transform 2026, Payal Maheshwari sits down with JC Ramos from Network Right to unpack one of the most overlooked challenges in startups today: building the right IT foundation early.JC shares his journey from cybersecurity sales to partnerships at Network Right, and how his experience—and even a layoff—led him to a company focused on helping startups scale smarter through fractional IT and security support.In this conversation, they explore:Why IT often becomes a bottleneck as startups growThe hidden cost of “just making it work” in early-stage teamsHow to internally advocate for external support and resourcesThe role of AI in enabling (not replacing) teamsWhy human support still matters in high-stakes, real-world scenariosThe importance of community for operators working as teams of oneJC also shares insights on what high-performing startups do differently—from investing early in infrastructure to staying intentional about how teams spend their time.Whether you're in HR, operations, or leadership, this conversation offers practical advice on scaling efficiently without sacrificing focus.Tune in to learn how to build smarter systems—and stronger teams—from the ground up!

Recorded live at Transform 2026, Camino shares insights from working closely with People leaders and highlights what sets high-performing teams apart—intentionality, iteration, and a strong focus on human connection.He explores the balance between technology and the human experience, emphasizing that while AI can support efficiency, meaningful onboarding and workplace culture are still deeply human challenges. Camino also reflects on evolving trends in HR, from AI adoption to the growing need for connection, belonging, and sustainable ways of working.Whether you're building onboarding programs, scaling People teams, or navigating the intersection of AI and culture, Camino’s perspective offers practical and thoughtful guidance on creating better experiences for employees.Tune in for an insightful conversation on how to build more intentional, human-centered workplaces!

Recorded live at Transform 2026, Boost shares his journey into the StartupExperts community and reflects on the power of connection—especially during moments of transition and change. From finding support after a layoff to building meaningful relationships, his story highlights the importance of community in career growth.Boost also dives into some of the biggest questions shaping the future of People teams today. From reimagining performance management to exploring how AI may transform the role of HR generalists, he offers a thoughtful and grounded perspective on balancing innovation with responsibility.Whether you're leading through hypergrowth, adapting to new technologies, or thinking about the future of work, Boost’s insights will challenge you to think more deeply about how we build, support, and evolve our teams!

Recorded live at Transform 2026, Farrah shares her experience as a first-time attendee and reflects on the power of community—from reconnecting with a life-changing mentor to instantly finding belonging within the StartupExperts network.Farrah dives into key insights from the event, including how trust is built through shared experiences, the role of fun in strengthening teams, and the importance of connection in a world facing increasing loneliness. She also opens up about her personal journey of finding her voice and having the courage to share it with others.Whether you're leading teams, navigating personal growth, or seeking deeper community, Farrah’s perspective is a powerful reminder of the impact of connection, vulnerability, and showing up fully.Tune in for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with one of the standout leaders to watch in 2026!

In this episode of Conversations with SuE Live at Transform 2026, Payal Maheshwari sits down with Misty Dodd, a StartupExperts member attending Transform for the first time.Misty shares her journey of transitioning from Canada to the U.S. and how StartupExperts has played a key role in helping her build community, navigate new professional landscapes, and grow her network. She highlights the value of the Slack community as a space for both learning and giving back.The conversation also touches on an insightful takeaway from the conference—AI bias in talent and HR systems—emphasizing the importance of thoughtful implementation and governance.Overall, the interview captures the spirit of StartupExperts: connection, support, and continuous learning.

In this episode of Becoming Better, Jesse sits down with Meica Hatters — Talent Strategy & Senior Program Partner at Restaurant365 and VP of Member Experience at StartupExperts.Meica shares what drives her passion for building meaningful communities and why she chose to invest her time in StartupExperts’ leadership team. From growing membership engagement in past organizations to leading a team of 40+ volunteers today, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at how SuE structures the member journey — from onboarding to leadership circles to social impact initiatives.The conversation explores:Why relationship — not programming — is the true point of communityHow the Go-Giver philosophy shapes SuE’s cultureWhat it takes to move from passive membership to active participationHow StartupExperts is building systems to scale without losing connectionThe importance of designing touchpoints for both in-person and virtual membersMeica also shares how her team is reimagining onboarding through a “gifts conversation” approach — asking members what they want to contribute, not just what they want to receive.If you care about leadership, community-building, and creating spaces where operators genuinely support one another, this conversation is for you.Subscribe for more conversations with leaders from the StartupExperts community!

In this episode of Becoming Better, Jesse sits down with Clay Steele from HiBob for a candid conversation about trust, authenticity, and what it really means to build relationships in sales.Clay shares the personal experiences that shaped his approach to connection — from teaching English in rural Thailand to fostering dogs to learning from his mother that real success is measured by impact on other people’s lives.Together, he and Jesse explore why so few buyers fully trust sales reps, how great sellers earn credibility, and what both buyers and vendors can do to run a better process.They also discuss:- How authenticity shows up under pressure- Why honesty matters more than hype- What separates a strong HR buyer from a weak one- How to give and receive feedback in a sales process- The questions HR leaders should ask when evaluating technology partners- Why great sales is really about helping people make the right decision — even when it doesn’t benefit you directlyThis conversation is thoughtful, practical, and deeply human — a strong listen for anyone who works in partnerships, HR tech, or trust-based selling.

In this final Becoming Better at StartupExperts episode of the year, Jesse sits down with Holly Hatlo, Lead HR Business Partner at Hatch and one of our 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025. Holly shares her career journey through the startup ecosystem—from early-stage growth at DoorDash to leading people strategy at Hatch—and reflects on the moments that shaped her most as an HR and People Ops leader. She speaks candidly about the power of community, the importance of belonging, and how StartupExperts has influenced not only her professional growth, but how she shows up as a human. The conversation dives into practical leadership lessons, including embracing “wet paint” work, learning faster through iteration, empowering managers, and why asking better questions matters more than having all the answers. Holly also opens up about her love of reading, book clubs, and the personal connections that make this work meaningful. A thoughtful, energizing conversation on leadership, humility, curiosity, and what it truly means to grow—together.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts, Jesse Freese sits down with Elisabeth Woodfield, one of our Leaders to Follow in 2025, for a thoughtful conversation on modern talent leadership, simplicity, and the evolving role of AI in recruiting. Elisabeth shares her journey from Goldman Sachs to leading talent teams in high-growth startups, including her upcoming role as Head of Talent at Centrelink. Together, they explore how talent acquisition is shifting from a transactional function to a deeply human, relationship-driven practice. The conversation dives into the power of simplicity as a leadership principle, how AI can free teams to focus more on meaningful human connection, and why aligning recruiting efforts with business strategy creates better outcomes for candidates, teams, and companies alike. This episode is part of our Becoming Better short-form conversations, where we spotlight exceptional leaders in the StartupExperts community and share their perspectives, lessons learned, and practical wisdom.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts, Jesse sits down with Dave Carhart, one of our 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025 and a long-time contributor to the StartupExperts community. Dave shares his career journey from technical recruiting in Milwaukee to leading HR teams through hyper-growth, IPO, and acquisition — and eventually transitioning into his current role as a fractional CPO and compensation/AI consultant. The conversation explores Dave’s reflections from his time on the StartupExperts Executive Leadership Team, how the community became a lifeline for him during the pandemic, and why emotional resilience and self-management have become central to his leadership philosophy. Dave also dives into his unexpected passion for gardening, the lessons it taught him about patience and limitations, and how those same lessons show up in HR and fractional consulting. Jesse and Dave discuss the evolving role of AI in HR, the mindset shift required to think like a product manager, and the power of experimentation as a career and life strategy. Dave closes by sharing a powerful piece of advice for the community: stay curious, try things, and keep experimenting — especially as AI reshapes the future of work. A thoughtful, candid conversation with a leader who has been instrumental in shaping the StartupExperts community.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts, Jesse sits down with Chelsea Gregory, Head of Global HR at Suki and one of StartupExperts’ “25 Leaders to Follow in 2025.” Chelsea shares her remarkable journey from teaching in Spain to joining Suki as an office manager in 2018 and growing into a senior HR leadership role. The conversation explores her parallel growth with StartupExperts, her passion for cultivating meaningful employee experiences, and her commitment to supporting teams during rapid scale. Chelsea opens up about personal “cringe moments,” the value of vulnerability, what she’s learned through leading our AI Roundtables, and how embracing humanness is critical to thriving in an increasingly tech-driven world. Chelsea also offers insight into what’s ahead for Suki in 2026, how the organization is preparing for significant growth, and the importance of preserving culture while scaling globally. A thoughtful, grounded, and inspiring conversation—perfect for HR, Finance, and Ops leaders looking to lead with authenticity and curiosity in a changing world.

In this Becoming Better short-form conversation, Jesse sits down with Shayne Kuhaneck, Sr. Vice President of Finance of Fanatics Betting and Gaming and one of StartupExperts’ 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025. Shayne shares his remarkable career journey — from serving on a nuclear submarine in the U.S. Navy, to technical leadership roles at the Financial Accounting Standards Board, to navigating the fast-moving world of tech at Meta, and now helping build a true startup environment inside Fanatics Betting & Gaming. Together, they explore Shayne’s passion for travel, his commitment to continuous learning, and how adopting technology can unlock more strategic thinking and team development. Shayne also reflects on meaningful lessons from his career, including the power of over-communication, relationship-building, and bringing others along during times of change. This episode offers insightful perspectives on leadership, adaptability, and how finance professionals can evolve in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts, Jesse sits down with Sarika Lamont, Chief People Officer at ARD and one of our 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025. Sarika shares her unique, nontraditional path into HR—beginning in sales and marketing at Philip Morris, moving into management consulting, and eventually stepping into senior HR leadership through a deep understanding of business systems, people strategy, and organizational scale. Together, Jesse and Sarika unpack lessons from building fast-growing organizations, bridging the gap between business and people teams, and gaining credibility as a talent leader without a traditional HR background. She reflects on leading through transformational moments, including today’s rapid AI shift, and how pausing before reacting has reshaped her leadership style. Sarika also offers candid advice on navigating careers with a “lattice mindset,” the importance of leaning into your strengths, and how choosing fulfillment and impact—rather than titles—ultimately leads to better growth and better leadership. A thoughtful, energizing conversation with one of the most grounded and strategic CPOs in our community.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts, Jesse sits down with Heather Dunn, Chief People Officer at Brex and one of our 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025. Heather shares her journey from starting in HR at just sixteen to leading people strategy at some of the most innovative companies in tech. She opens up about the lessons learned along the way — from navigating cultural misalignment to redefining what balance and fulfillment look like in leadership. Together, Jesse and Heather explore how slowing down, listening to your instincts, and staying true to your values can transform both how you lead and how you live. Heather also gives us a glimpse into Brex’s bold new talent philosophy, “Be the founder of your career,” and how it’s reshaping the future of work.   Tune in for a thoughtful, honest conversation on growth, self-awareness, and what it really means to become better.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts, Jesse Freese sits down with Adam Hill, seasoned startup leader and one of StartupExperts’ 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025. Adam shares his journey through the startup ecosystem — from co-founding an accelerator in North Carolina to leading People Operations and recruiting for venture-backed tech companies in New York. Now at Sidecar, a FinTech supporting early-stage investors, Adam reflects on what he’s learned across five startups and one recent acquisition. Together, Jesse and Adam explore the realities of startup leadership: building processes that scale, learning from hindsight moments, and balancing ambition with well-being. Adam also shares his insights on the evolving role of AI in hiring and the importance of staying intentional about your career — from setting clear expectations to knowing when to walk away. Tune in for an honest, down-to-earth conversation about growth, reflection, and leading with intention in the fast-paced world of startups.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts: 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025 series, Jesse Freese sits down with Eliza Bell, an experienced People Leader and consultant who currently serves as a fractional Head of People for multiple clients. Eliza shares her unique journey into HR — from working in the startup world at a company called Kitchen Surfing to leading People teams in robotics and tech — and how her early experiences shaped her leadership philosophy today. Together, Jesse and Eliza explore the evolving role of HR and leadership, discussing how traditional systems like performance reviews and engagement surveys are being reimagined for a more human-centered future. Eliza reflects on lessons learned from leading StartupExperts Leadership Circles, offering thoughtful insights on community, experimentation, and rethinking long-standing structures in People Operations. From embracing change to speaking up even when it’s uncomfortable, Eliza’s perspective reminds us that great leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about staying curious, connected, and courageous enough to try something new.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts – 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025, Jesse Freese sits down with Tanaz Mody Operating Partner at Lerer Hippeau, to explore what it means to build people-first organizations from the ground up. Tanaz shares lessons from her journey across early-stage startups and venture, offering candid insights on how culture and leadership must evolve as companies grow. She reflects on the importance of self-awareness, clear communication, and setting expectations early — not as corporate formality, but as the foundation of trust and alignment within every team. From navigating tough leadership decisions to experimenting with AI tools that empower founders, this conversation is a reminder that great organizations are built not on frameworks alone, but on empathy, curiosity, and the courage to learn from every chapter. 🎧 Listen now and discover how Tanaz continues to lead with heart, awareness, and intention.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts — 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025, Jesse Freese sits down with Ashley Hall, Head of People and Culture at Cocokind, a Bay Area skincare brand redefining beauty with authenticity and sustainability. Ashley shares her nonlinear journey from horticulture and environmental work to startup leadership, and how she’s cultivated a people-first culture that mirrors Cocokind’s mission to be a community-first brand. She reflects on her biggest leadership lessons—like the importance of “not trusting the textbook” and knowing when to evolve programs that have outlived their usefulness. The conversation also explores how slowing growth can actually unlock creativity, why in-person connection is a cultural investment, and how great leaders empower rather than protect their teams. It’s an inspiring chat about growth, adaptability, and the human side of leadership.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts, Jesse Freese sits down with Maggie Ruvoldt, Chief Human Resources Officer at LEARN Behavioral and one of StartupExperts’ 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025. With over 30 years of experience in HR, Maggie shares her journey from aspiring social worker to becoming a seasoned people leader who believes that HR sits at the heart of every great business. She opens up about the power of feedback, the importance of courage in difficult moments, and the subtle ways our language shapes how we lead. Together, Jesse and Maggie explore what it means to stay truly open to learning — even when we think we already are — and how to navigate the evolving intersection between human leadership and AI. Maggie also reflects on the art of building genuine relationships, offering timeless advice: “Treat your network like a bank account — make deposits when you don’t need it.” It’s a thoughtful, grounded conversation about growth, humility, and the strength that comes from leading with empathy and intention.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts, Jesse Freese sits down with Sreyas, Head of People and Talent at Stay AI, and one of this year’s 25 recognized community leaders within StartupExperts. Sreyas shares her journey from starting in recruiting to leading people operations in fast-growing tech companies, including her current work in the AI space. She discusses the evolution of her career, lessons learned from scaling teams, and what it means to bring a “builder mindset” to leadership — empowering others to create, experiment, and grow using the tools and technology available today. The conversation touches on themes that resonate across the StartupExperts community: The importance of finding your professional community early — and learning through others’ experiences. How AI is transforming people and talent work, and how leaders can embrace innovation without losing the human touch. The value of self-awareness and confidence — knowing your unique strengths and using them intentionally throughout your career. Sreyas’s thoughtful perspective is a great reminder that growth comes not just from expertise, but from connection, curiosity, and a willingness to build alongside others.

In this “25 Leaders to Follow in 2025” edition of Becoming Better with StartupExperts, Jesse Freese spotlights Patrick Sutton—his pivot from film to people leadership, two decades across Fortune 500, public sector, startups, and back again, and the people-first philosophy that anchors his work. Patrick opens up about the habits that shaped him (including his “1% better every day” lens), hard-won lessons on balance, and his forthcoming book inviting leaders to trade the unicorn myth for legendary leadership—with a teaser from the chapter “The Seduction of Complacency.” This conversation is all about Patrick’s story, his craft, and how he’s helping leaders show up with empathy and intention.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts, Jesse Freese sits down with Bob Starr, VP of Human Resources at Zap Surgical Systems and one of our 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025. Bob reflects on his 20+ year career in HR — from his early days at Atari to leading people operations at innovative medical device companies. He shares lessons learned along the way, including: Why vulnerability can be a powerful leadership tool. The importance of making the right hiring decisions. How stepping outside of HR into other functions can make you a stronger leader. His excitement about the potential of AI in the workplace and the groundbreaking technology Zap is developing to transform cancer treatment and beyond. This conversation is part of our special series highlighting the 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025, where we celebrate the stories, wisdom, and perspectives of standout community members. Tune in to hear Bob’s journey, his insights on leadership, and his advice for the next generation of HR professionals.

Jesse sits down with Emily—recently named one of our “25 Leaders to Follow in ’25” and our VP of Learning & Content—to talk about leading through curiosity, building a culture of learning, and why giving back compounds impact. In this conversation, Jesse thanks Emily for her outsized contributions to our community and team, spotlighting why she was selected as one of our 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025. Emily reflects on what it means to lead learning-first: creating simple systems that make growth habitual, turning feedback into fuel, and designing content that meets people where they are. Together they unpack practical ways leaders can nurture engagement—how to scaffold learning so it sticks, invite participation without pressure, and translate insights into everyday behaviors. Emily also shares how service and mentorship shape her approach, and why consistent, small improvements beat big, sporadic initiatives.

In this episode of the Becoming Better Podcast — 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025 series, Jesse sits down with Alan Federman to talk about the values that truly shape great leadership. Jesse reflects on a recent conversation with his daughter that reminded him of two core values he carries with him in work and in life: curiosity and kindness. Together, Jesse and Alan explore how those values influence the way leaders show up, build relationships, and continue to grow. Listeners will also catch a lighthearted “easter egg” moment (hint: Watergate 👀) that reminds us leadership is about being authentic, not perfect. Join us for this thoughtful, human conversation — and celebrate Alan as one of our 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025.

In this edition of our 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025 Series, we sit down with Fredo Alban, a trailblazing leader shaping the future of business and impact. Fredo shares his journey and perspective on what it means to lead with resilience, innovation, and authenticity in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. From navigating complex challenges to championing inclusive growth, his leadership offers a blueprint for balancing vision with execution. Whether you’re driving strategy in People, Operations, or Finance, Fredo’s insights will push you to rethink how leadership can inspire not only organizational success but also meaningful change in the communities we serve. Tune in for an inspiring and practical conversation with one of the standout leaders to watch in 2025.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts, we sit down with Adriana Asdourian, a purpose-driven leader at Sequoia Social Impact, to explore how companies can embed social good into their core strategies—not just their CSR decks. Adriana shares her perspective on what it means to build cultures that align performance with purpose, how impact initiatives can drive business growth, and why intention matters more than perfection. Whether you're leading People, Ops, or Finance, her insights will challenge and inspire you to lead with greater clarity, conviction, and care. Tune in for a thoughtful, practical conversation on building better companies—inside and out.

In this episode, we chat with the team at ApplyAI about how they’re making AI more approachable and actionable for professionals. From common misconceptions to real-world use cases, we explore how teams can confidently integrate AI into their workflows—and what leaders need to know to stay ahead.

In our 7th episode, we meet Emily Gaine who serves as our Leadership Team Director and supports all of our volunteer leaders in StartupExperts. While many of us started our HR careers right out of college and are now in senior leadership roles, Emily is an amazing individual because she entered the HR field after 4-years at the US Naval Academy and then after a 7-year career in the US Navy. In this discussion we learn why she chose to serve in the US Military, how she transitioned from the US Navy to her current HR role, and why social impact volunteering is so important to Veterans. 

In our 6th episode, we meet Olivia Bowser as she serves as our Director of Member Wellbeing. In this role, she dedicates herself daily to supporting StartupExperts by sharing wellbeing ideas and thoughts in our online workspace. In this discussion we learn about Olivia's own personal journey and why she became a wellness expert, how she founded her own company Liberate, and why she's so passionate about helping others. We also discuss her visit on Shark Tank and what she learned from that experience. 

In our 5th episode, we meet Anita Pagin who leads up our Private Leader Circles program and is, by far, our most active community member with well over 15k posts. She also is one of our more popular members and lives our Go-Giver spirit because nearly every post is in service to another person. In this discussion, we learn about Anita, her talent leader career and current role, what's she's learned so far, and her passion for doing triathlons. 

In our 4th episode, we meet Nathan Sheranian who is a longtime StartupExperts member now living in Salt Lake City. We learn how he got into HR after thinking he'd be a musician, why kindness is so important to him, and the value of saying yes as much as possible in one’s career. We also talked about the role of HR in an organization, how a leader should approach building their HR team, and who in his life influenced him.

In this third episode, we take it on the road to Seattle to meet Jen Haller, the Chief of Staff at Ascend Venture Capital. Our discussion cover a wide range of topics including the Seattle Startup Scene, what it's like to be a Chief of Staff and why Jen thinks its the perfect role for her, and also how she became the first person in the entire world to take the COVID vaccine.

In this second episode of our new Becoming Better with StartupExperts podcast we're excited to introduce CJ Tinloy, one of our longer-term members. After serving in various Finance Leader roles for a number of startups, she recently stepped up into a Chief Financial Officer position at her current company.  This discussion focuses on how she became a finance leader in a field dominated by men, what she's learned so far in her career to date, and how she is approaching her new leadership responsibilities. We also explore where she grew up and her passions outside of work. Hint: she likes to dress up in Where's Waldo Costumes!

This is the first episode of our new Becoming Better with StartupExperts podcast and we're excited to host the amazing Payal Maheshwari. Payal is a People Leader with many years of experience, an infectious energy, yet what intrigues us most is her background and how she arrived at becoming an HR Leader and Coach.  Over the least few years, Payal has made a meaningful contribution to the StartupExperts Community as a member of our Executive Leadership team, she helped build and support our Portfolio Support Program, and now she's focused on a special project that we will announce soon. We also have her to thank for us being on Slack. In short, she's amazing and an obvious choice to be our first guest.