Built by People Leaders

In this episode of the Built by People Leaders podcast, host Daria Rudnik speaks with Chris Farr, Operations Executive at Invision Technologies, about leadership, organizational growth, and how HR can become a true operational partner during periods of rapid change and AI transformation. Drawing from his experience leading teams in the MSP and technology space, Chris shares practical insights on scaling businesses without losing culture, building trust during uncertainty, and why communication is the foundation of effective leadership. The conversation explores how HR supports growth far beyond hiring — through onboarding, process building, coaching leaders through difficult conversations, and helping organizations maintain alignment during constant change. Chris also discusses the importance of leaders listening to employees instead of making decisions in isolation, and why trust must be built long before companies face restructuring, mergers, or other difficult transitions. Takeaways Trust must exist before organizations go through change — employees accept uncertainty more easily when leadership credibility is already established. HR creates the most value when it helps scale culture, communication, and operational consistency during growth. Leaders make better decisions when they stay close to frontline employees instead of operating in isolation. Successful AI adoption starts with improving employee efficiency and reducing repetitive work, not replacing people. Companies need clear AI governance and employee education to avoid security, compliance, and operational risks. AI transformation is ultimately a leadership and communication challenge as much as a technology challenge. www.invtech.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-farr-409b3585/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:08 Chris Farr's Leadership Journey 01:58 The Role of HR in Organizational Growth 03:15 Strategic Support from HR 04:25 Shared Responsibility for Company Culture 04:55 Successful HR Partnerships 06:07 Collaboration Between HR and Business Leaders 06:56 Finding Balance in HR Leadership 08:18 The Essence of Great Leadership 09:36 Learning from Leadership Experiences 10:31 Navigating Change in Fast-Growing Companies 11:05 Supporting Employees Through Change 12:25 Handling Uncertainty and Transparency 14:58 AI's Impact on Workplaces 16:01 AI as a Tool for Efficiency 17:52 AI Adoption in Organizations 20:19 The Role of AI Officers 22:17 HR's Role in AI Transformation 24:04 Building AI Governance 25:01 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

In this episode of the Built by People Leaders podcast, host Daria Rudnik speaks with John Pezoulas, co-founder and managing partner of Ready Set Exec, about the realities of executive hiring in startups and scaling companies. With from more than 20 years in recruitment and executive search, John shares why recruiting is ultimately about helping people find opportunities where they can succeed — not just filling roles. The conversation explores how startups often overhire for titles they don’t actually need yet, why great recruiters rely more on curiosity and research than industry background alone, and how executive turnover can quietly damage business momentum and team trust. John also explains why founders need to balance ambition with realistic compensation, how employer branding became essential for attracting senior talent, and why companies should treat recruitment as a long-term culture-building exercise rather than a transactional process. Takeaways Strong recruiters succeed because they learn fast, not because they already know every industry. Curiosity, research, and the ability to deeply understand a business matter more than starting as a subject-matter expert. Startups often hire for aspirational titles instead of current business needs. A company may not need a C-level executive yet — sometimes a strong director plus fractional leadership creates better results at an earlier stage. Executive turnover creates hidden operational costs beyond replacement fees. Every leadership change disrupts trust, team dynamics, decision-making speed, and institutional knowledge across the company. Employer branding is no longer optional for startups hiring senior talent. Candidates increasingly evaluate founders’ visibility, company reputation, and online presence before considering high-risk opportunities. Recruitment is fundamentally a culture-building function. Every leadership hire reshapes how teams collaborate, communicate, and perform together over time. https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/ readysetexec.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Recruitment and Career Paths 02:22 The Satisfaction of Recruitment 05:38 Understanding the Role of Recruiters 06:27 The Importance of Industry Knowledge 10:09 Consultation and Strategy in Executive Search 14:29 Navigating Startup Hiring Challenges 20:01 Retention of Executive Leaders 23:50 The Cost of Turnover in Leadership 26:52 Onboarding and Team Dynamics 27:50 Job Market Predictions for 2026

In this episode of the Built by People Leaders podcast, host Daria Rudnik speaks with Jason Aydelott, Fractional Chief Learning Officer and L&D strategist, about how Learning & Development can evolve from a cost center into a measurable business driver. Drawing on over 25 years of experience, Jason explains why most L&D functions struggle to prove impact—and how shifting from content creation to performance consulting changes everything. The conversation explores how to align learning initiatives with real business KPIs, why measurement should not start with tools but with design, and how L&D leaders can influence decision-making by asking better questions instead of pushing solutions. Jason also shares a practical example of redesigning onboarding to cut training time in half while doubling speed to proficiency. The episode also dives into the future of work in the age of AI—how organizational structures are flattening, why individual contributors are becoming managers of AI agents, and why “soft skills” should be reframed as critical human skills that drive business outcomes. Takeaways L&D proves its value when it starts with business KPIs, not training needs. ROI becomes clear when learning is directly tied to performance metrics like revenue, CSAT, or time to proficiency. Measurement doesn’t fix bad design. If learning isn’t built around real outcomes from the start, no AI tool or dashboard will make it look valuable later. Asking better questions is more powerful than pushing solutions. L&D becomes strategic when it uncovers root causes instead of blindly delivering requested training. AI won’t replace people—but it will change what “individual contributor” means. Employees will need leadership-level thinking to manage AI agents effectively. Most training fails because it focuses on content instead of practice. Real performance improvement comes from building experiences, not delivering information. You’ll also learn how AI is reshaping leadership, why “soft skills” should be redefined as human skills, and how L&D leaders can step into a strategic role within the organization.   https://jasonaydelott.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonaydelott/ 

In this episode of Built By People Leaders, Daria Rudnik sits down with Ochuko Dasimaka, Career Strategist, HR Leader, and Founder of Career Heights Consulting, to explore what it really takes to build a successful career—and lead people through complex organizational change. With experience across global companies like Shell, Amazon, Unilever, and Rio Tinto, Ochuko shares her perspective on navigating large-scale transformations, including restructurings and business closures, while maintaining trust, transparency, and dignity for employees. The conversation dives into the evolving role of HR as a strategic partner, not just a support function, and how leaders can take real ownership during difficult moments like layoffs and organizational shifts. Ochuko also brings her expertise in career coaching, sharing how professionals can take control of their career paths and position themselves for long-term growth. Key topics include: How to lead people through restructurings and layoffs with empathy Why transparency and overcommunication matter in times of change The role of HR as a strategic partner (not a “cleanup” function) How to align leadership accountability during difficult decisions Career strategy: becoming the CEO of your own career Supporting employees through transitions and redeployment https://www.linkedin.com/in/ochukodasimaka Www.careerheights.org  https://www.instagram.com/careerheights/

What happens when success is no longer enough? In this deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation, Daria Rudnik speaks with Catherine Dudtschak—former banking CEO turned Conscious Leadership Advisor—about the hidden cost of high performance and the journey toward authentic, essence-led leadership. After more than 30 years in executive leadership, Catherine shares how burnout, identity suppression, and a personal breaking point led her to redefine leadership—not as control or performance, but as integration, presence, and purpose. Together, they explore what it really takes to build human-centered organizations, why most companies still operate from fear, and how leaders can move toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative way of working. This episode is for leaders who have mastered the external game—and are ready for something deeper. Key Takeaways Sustainable leadership starts with inner integration, not external achievement. Your effectiveness as a leader is defined less by your skills and more by how aligned you are with your true self. Burnout is not caused by workload—it’s caused by misalignment. When people operate too long from roles and expectations instead of their essence, breakdown becomes inevitable. Organizations operate from two modes: fear or nurturing. Fear-driven systems create competition and fragmentation. Nurturing systems create resilience, collaboration, and long-term value. Culture transformation must be CEO-led—but HR is the amplifier. Without personal evolution at the top, cultural change remains superficial and unsustainable. Human potential cannot be measured by experience alone. True capability comes from the integration of three dimensions: essence, physical/inherited self, and lived experience. Most transformative leaders are shaped by personal crisis. Deep leadership evolution often begins when identity breaks—and a more authentic self emerges. https://sincerelykatherine.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-dudtschak-icd-d-7673a036/    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Conscious Leadership 01:37 Catherine's Journey: From Banking to Authentic Leadership 07:51 The Importance of Embracing One's Essence 13:50 Creating Inclusive Workplaces: Real-World Examples 19:01 The Role of Leadership in Cultural Change 23:14 The Human Condition: Collaboration vs. Competition 38:54 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this episode of Built By People Leaders, Daria Rudnik speaks with Daniela Morein Bar, Founder of Inspired Marketing, about how employer branding has evolved into a critical growth function for modern companies. Daniela shares how her background in B2B marketing led her to build recruitment marketing systems for tech companies like Teva, HiBob, and Intel. She explains why employer branding is no longer just about messaging—but about uncovering a company’s real DNA and turning it into a structured, measurable talent acquisition engine. Together, they explore how companies can align HR and marketing, build recruitment funnels from awareness to retention, and why “controlling the narrative” is essential in a transparent digital world. Daniela also breaks down how startups and enterprises approach employer branding differently, and how AI is reshaping—but not replacing—human creativity in the process. Key Takeaways: Why employer branding is similar to product marketing Building a recruitment funnel: awareness, trust, conversion, retention The importance of company DNA and authenticity gaps How startups vs. enterprises approach talent attraction differently The role of AI in modern recruitment marketing Why retention starts before hiring A practical, strategic conversation for HR leaders, talent teams, and founders building companies in fast-changing markets.   https://www.inspiredmarketing.co.il/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielamoreinbar/    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Employer Branding and Recruitment Marketing 03:07 The Journey of Inspired Marketing 05:54 Understanding Company DNA for Effective Branding 09:04 Tailoring Messaging for Diverse Audiences 11:56 Building Awareness and Trust in Recruitment 14:42 The Importance of Retention and Employee Advocacy 17:44 Navigating Recruitment Challenges in Startups vs Enterprises 20:31 The Role of AI in Recruitment Marketing    

In this episode of Built by People Leaders, host Daria Rudnik sits down with Jim Carlough — Leadership Identity Architect and author of The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership. With over 30 years of experience scaling organizations from $100M to $1B, Jim shares a powerful perspective: leadership isn’t about skills alone — it’s about identity. Together, they explore why most managers fail not because they lack knowledge, but because they never evolve into leaders. Jim breaks down his proven “Six Pillars” framework and explains how organizations can build strong, loyal, and high-performing teams — even in times of uncertainty and change. From reducing attrition to creating psychologically safe environments, this conversation is packed with practical insights for CEOs, HR leaders, and anyone responsible for developing talent at scale.   Key Takeaways: Why the biggest leadership gap isn’t skills — but identity, and how to bridge it How strong leadership directly reduces costly employee attrition What truly builds trust in teams (and why it’s nearly impossible to recover once lost) A practical approach to leading through layoffs while maintaining engagement and loyalty Why mentoring — not one-off training — is the most underutilized leadership development tool The six timeless leadership pillars that remain effective across generations and industries https://www.jimcarlough.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcarlough  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Development 02:50 The Importance of Building Leaders 05:47 Corporate Culture and Leadership Responsibility 08:50 The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership 09:47 Integrity: The Cornerstone of Leadership 13:44 Compassion and Empathy in Leadership 21:43 Stability and Focus in Leadership 26:38 The Role of Humor in Leadership 29:20 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions

In this episode of the Build by People Leaders podcast, host Daria Rudnik speaks with Monica Duque, senior people leader and AI transformation driver, about what it really takes to build an AI-first organization. Drawing from her hands-on experience transforming a company through AI, Monica shares how HR can move from a support function to the driver of organizational change. Instead of waiting to be invited to the table, she explains why HR must lead by example — starting with its own processes, automating workflows, and proving impact through measurable results. The conversation explores how AI is reshaping not just tools, but entire organizational structures. Monica introduces the concept of “blended teams” — combining full-time employees, AI agents, and fractional experts — and explains why this model is becoming essential for modern companies. They also dive into the practical side of AI adoption: how to train non-technical teams, run internal AI challenges, and create a culture of experimentation that actually delivers ROI. Finally, Monica shares her “secret recipe” for successful AI transformation — and why the real challenge is not technology, but mindset.   Key Takeaways HR becomes a driver of AI transformation only when it builds and proves solutions itself, not when it facilitates or coordinates others. AI adoption works only through bottom-up learning — real change happens when teams experiment hands-on, not when leaders mandate it. The emerging org model is not just “AI-powered” — it’s blended teams: employees + AI agents + fractional experts working as one system. The real ROI of AI is not in tools, but in headcount leverage — the ability to scale output without scaling teams. The biggest shift is not technological but behavioral: mindset changes only when leaders actively learn and build alongside their teams.   https://www.influur.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/m%C3%B3nica-duque-est%C3%A9vez/    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI-Ready Organizations 07:37 Measuring AI Transformation Success 16:14 Framework for AI Deployment 23:53 Mental Health and Cybersecurity in AI

In this episode of the Build by People Leaders podcast, host Daria Rudnik speaks with Kurt Uhlir, CMO and growth operator, about what truly changes when companies move from startup chaos to scalable systems. Drawing from his experience scaling companies to hundreds of millions in revenue, Kurt shares why the very traits that make founders successful early on often become the bottleneck at the next stage. He explains the critical shift from directive leadership to outcome-driven, servant leadership — and why scaling requires systems, not heroics. The conversation explores how companies can introduce structure without killing speed, why documentation is not bureaucracy but a foundation for clarity, and how leaders must rethink hiring and team design as complexity grows. Kurt also shares a candid perspective on AI in organizations — why most companies are getting it wrong, what roles are actually changing, and why human judgment is becoming more important, not less. Finally, the episode dives into one of the most overlooked leadership skills: speaking the language of business. Kurt explains how misalignment in language — even in hiring — can lead to costly mistakes, and why HR and leaders must learn to translate their work into business outcomes to earn trust at the executive level. Takeaways The skills that help you reach $10–20M often become the bottleneck at scale — especially founder-driven, directive leadership. Documentation is not bureaucracy — it’s what makes teams scalable, resilient, and independent of individuals. AI doesn’t replace roles — it shifts everyone into managing systems and “teams of tools,” not just people. Curiosity is a strategic skill: without understanding investor expectations and time horizons, HR and leaders operate blindly during growth. Most leaders lose influence not because of плохие идеи, but because they can’t translate them into business outcomes. https://kurtuhlir.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtuhlir/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI-Ready Leadership 01:11 Kurt Uhlir's Nonlinear Journey to CMO 02:52 Enterprise vs. Scale-Up: Leadership Differences 06:15 The Importance of Documentation in Growth 09:41 Navigating Leadership Changes During Funding Rounds 11:46 Curiosity in Leadership: Understanding Team Dynamics 15:13 AI's Impact on Team Dynamics and Roles 18:58 The Perception of HR in AI Transformation 21:48 Speaking the Language of Business 26:55 Lost in Translation: The Importance of Clarity

In this episode of the Build by People Leaders podcast, host Daria Rudnik speaks with Diana Abdrahmanova, organizational architect, strategic HR advisor, and former Head of HR, about what it really takes for HR to become a true business driver. Drawing from her experience leading HR in fast-growing companies and complex M&A environments across regions, Diana shares how the role of HR must evolve from operational support to strategic partnership. She explains why HR professionals need to stop thinking like “HR” and start thinking like business leaders — understanding financial models, market dynamics, and how companies actually make money. The conversation dives into one of the toughest parts of leadership — managing uncertainty and transformation. Diana shares practical insights on navigating acquisitions, dealing with disengaged teams, and why transparency (even when the truth is uncomfortable) is the most powerful tool leaders have. They also explore the real impact of AI on HR, shifting the function from administrative execution to organizational architecture, and discuss why many CEOs still don’t see HR as a strategic partner — and how to change that. Finally, Diana shares a powerful perspective on leadership: how HR can help CEOs become more human, more vulnerable, and ultimately more effective by engaging people instead of trying to lead alone. Key Takeaways HR only becomes strategic when it understands how the business makes money — not just how people work. In M&A, the real challenge isn’t integration — it’s negative motivation from people who didn’t choose to join you. Honest uncertainty (“we don’t know yet”) builds more trust than polished but empty communication. Great HR isn’t about retaining everyone — it’s about creating the right match between people and the system. AI doesn’t elevate HR by default — it removes admin work, shifting value to decision-making and execution. The biggest barrier between HR and the CEO is not tools, but lack of business thinking. https://dianabdrakhmanova.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianabdrakhmanova/    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to HR and AI in Leadership 02:46 Diana's Journey in HR 05:37 Transformations and Challenges in HR 08:35 Creating Engagement in Acquisitions 11:33 The Value of Transparency in HR 14:25 The Role of HR in Business Success 17:07 AI's Impact on HR 20:05 Bridging the Gap Between HR and CEOs 22:44 Final Thoughts and Surprising Trades in HR

In this episode of the Build by People Leaders podcast, host Daria Rudnik speaks with Martin Beischl, VP of People & Culture, about how the role of HR evolves as startups grow into complex organizations. Drawing from his experience scaling B2B tech companies from early growth to successful exit, Martin shares how people leaders must shift from intuitive decision-making to structured, business-aligned people strategy.   The conversation explores how HR can become a true strategic partner by speaking the language of the business, simplifying processes instead of overengineering them, and protecting organizational clarity during rapid growth. Martin also shares practical insights on hiring leadership in early-stage companies, designing career paths that go beyond people management, and why many companies might be better off eliminating bonus systems entirely.   The episode also dives into the role of HR in the age of AI — not just adopting new tools, but protecting employees’ cognitive bandwidth and ensuring technology actually creates value rather than noise.   Takeaways - Process doesn’t slow companies down — bad hierarchy does. Simple, well-designed processes actually speed up decisions, while unnecessary organizational layers are what truly create bottlenecks. - HR becomes strategic when it starts solving revenue problems. Talking with leaders about ramp times, quotas, and pipeline makes HR part of business outcomes, not just people operations. - AI in HR should reduce cognitive load, not create more content. The real responsibility of HR is filtering and implementing AI tools that meaningfully simplify work. - Many bonus systems don’t drive behavior at all. When goals constantly change in scaling companies, bonuses often create confusion and stress instead of motivation.   LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-martin-beischl-71058594/   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to People Leadership in Tech 03:01 The Evolution of HR in Scaling Companies 05:58 Balancing Speed and Structure in HR 08:53 Hiring Strategies in Uncertain Times 11:45 The Role of HR as Business Partners 14:49 Navigating AI in the Workplace 19:37 The Case Against Bonuses in Organizations

In this episode of the Build by People Leaders podcast, host Daria Rudnik speaks with Andrew Bolton, CEO and co-founder of Tech Rescue, about one question many companies have forgotten to ask: What are we actually trying to accomplish? Andrew shares his unconventional journey from financial markets and hedge funds to building a tech-for-good company that provides real human tech support instead of automated systems. Along the way, he offers a blunt perspective on the corporate world, leadership decisions, and why many organizations have lost clarity around their real goals. The conversation dives into the role of HR in shaping companies that actually deliver results — not just perks and processes. Andrew argues that HR becomes powerful only when it is tightly connected to business outcomes and understands exactly what the organization is trying to build. They also explore the impact of AI on the workforce, why many “generalist” roles may disappear, and how professionals can stay relevant by becoming deeply specialized and using AI as an amplifier rather than a replacement. This episode is a candid and thought-provoking discussion about leadership clarity, the future of work, and why defining the goal is the first step to building any successful company. Takeaways Many organizations operate without a real goal. When companies cannot clearly state what they are trying to achieve in one sentence, hiring, culture initiatives, and strategy quickly become disconnected and ineffective. AI will compress the job market toward true expertise. As AI automates generalist tasks, professionals who cannot clearly define a specific skill or domain expertise will struggle to stay competitive. Traditional employment structures may shift toward individual expertise. With AI enabling companies to find and contract specialized talent globally, the future of work may rely less on permanent roles and more on highly skilled individuals working with companies on demand. HR’s strategic power comes from asking the right question. Instead of focusing on processes or perks, HR can reshape organizations by forcing leadership to define a clear, measurable goal — and then building the team required to achieve it. https://www.youtube.com/@TechRescueLlc  https://www.linkedin.com/company/techrescue-llc/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Tech-Rescue-Llc  https://www.instagram.com/techrescuellc/ https://x.com/TechRescuelllc  https://techrescue.io/    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tech Rescue and Andrew Bolton 01:46 Andrew's Journey: From Finance to Tech for Good 06:00 The Role of HR in Achieving Company Goals 09:04 The Importance of Defining Goals in Business 15:49 AI's Impact on Jobs and the Future of Work 21:25 Building a People-Centric Company in an AI World

In this episode of the Build by People Leaders podcast, host Daria Rudnik speaks with Traci Austin, transformational leadership strategist and founder of Elevated Talent Consulting, about what it really takes to scale organizations without losing care for people. Drawing from her unconventional career path — from building HR departments from scratch to leading nursing homes and advising trade businesses — Traci shares practical, field-tested strategies for building culture that actually lives beyond the walls. Takeaways Scaling breaks when succession is accidental. If leaders can’t move up without preparing someone to replace them, growth will eventually stall — or burn people out. Core values don’t belong in posters — they belong in interview questions. The way you design hiring conversations determines whether culture survives scale. AI won’t replace HR — but incurious HR will replace itself. Strategic advantage comes from using AI to challenge your thinking, not confirm it. Facts dissolve emotional noise. When HR anchors difficult conversations in data (impact on revenue, customers, retention), they earn a seat at the executive table. Curiosity is a strategic skill. The ability to ask better questions — of leaders, of data, of AI — is what transforms HR from tactical support into business partnership. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Transformational Leadership 02:57 The Journey into HR and Leadership 05:51 Scaling with Care: Balancing Growth and Culture 09:04 Defining and Owning Organizational Culture 11:40 Practical Hiring Strategies for Cultural Fit 14:49 AI in HR: Embracing Change and Overcoming Fear 18:03 The Role of Curiosity in HR 20:39 Tough Conversations: A Blueprint for HR Leaders

In this episode of the Build by People Leaders podcast, host Daria Rudnik speaks with Oksana Lukash, People & Culture executive and fractional Chief People Officer with over 25 years of experience helping high-growth companies scale sustainably. Oksana shares practical insights on what it really means for HR to understand the business, why culture must be treated as organizational infrastructure, and how leaders can adopt AI and growth strategies without turning their companies into copies of others. The conversation explores how people leaders can balance rapid growth, limited resources, and human-centered leadership in today’s evolving workplace.   Key Takeaways Understanding the business means understanding how value is created end-to-end. HR earns credibility when it speaks the operational language of the company—not external frameworks or trends. Culture cannot be owned by HR alone. Sustainable culture exists only when every employee takes responsibility for how work gets done. AI should create capacity, not just efficiency. The real opportunity of AI is freeing people to focus on collaboration, learning, and human connection. The biggest leadership mistake is copying successful companies. Organizations perform better when they design culture, benefits, and ways of working around their own reality—not someone else’s playbook.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Oksana Lukash 00:58 Oksana's Journey into HR 03:58 Challenges in Fast-Growing Companies 05:59 Understanding Business as an HR Leader 10:23 The Role of HR in Company Culture 12:51 The CEO's Role in Culture 16:20 AI's Impact on Workplace Dynamics 24:55 Rapid Fire Questions 28:37 Lessons on Authenticity and Individuality

In this episode of the Build by People Leaders podcast, host Daria Rudnik speaks with Dr. Mary C. Kelly, a retired U.S. Navy commander and executive leadership advisor. They explore how HR leaders can earn a seat at the executive table, lead organizational transformation, and leverage AI while keeping people at the center. Mary shares insights from her extensive leadership experience, emphasizing problem-solving, mentorship, and proactive involvement in both business and technology initiatives. The conversation highlights how HR directors are uniquely positioned to develop leaders, drive engagement, and even prepare for executive roles like CEO.   Key Takeaways - HR prevents problems before they escalate.Strategic HR is about creating solutions, not just managing issues. - Small gestures drive engagement. Simple recognition and personal connection can dramatically boost motivation and productivity. - HR leads the AI transformation. Technology is a tool—success comes from guiding people on how to use it effectively. - HR experience prepares you for the CEO role. Understanding people, processes, regulations, and budgets builds the foundation for strategic leadership.   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarykelly www.ProductiveLeaders.com   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to HR Leadership in Tech 02:42 The Importance of HR at the Executive Table 06:08 Earning a Seat at the Table 09:05 Transforming HR from a Reactive to a Proactive Role 11:38 The Role of HR in Employee Engagement 14:44 AI's Impact on HR and Organizational Dynamics 17:36 Leading AI Transformation in Organizations 20:42 The Skills of an HR Director as a CEO 23:45 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

In this episode of the Build by People Leaders podcast, host Daria Rudnik speaks with Elena Krutova, a seasoned HR and operations leader with over 20 years of experience. Elena shares her journey from recruiter to Chief Operations Officer, highlighting the importance of human-centric leadership, integrity, and delivering tangible results. She discusses strategies for HR professionals to be true business partners, the challenges of leading transformations in both fast-growing and struggling organizations, and the role of AI as an efficiency-enhancing tool rather than a replacement for human connection. Elena also shares her advice for sustaining a successful career after 40, emphasizing persistence, confidence, and continuous learning. Takeaways HR earns a real seat at the table by delivering outcomes, not just “the right theory”. A sustainable career in fast-growing companies comes from clarity of purpose, strong values, and doing consistent “baby steps”. Moving from HR into broader operational leadership is possible when you understand how people work and can connect human, financial, legal, compliance, and process perspectives. The hardest transformations aren’t growth—they’re restoring health in struggling organizations, making fair but sometimes unpopular decisions with a “surgeon” mindset. AI should boost HR’s efficiency (policies, comms, materials) but never replace human connection. Linkedin - https://cy.linkedin.com/in/elenakrutova Company - www.voiso.com HR, leadership, business partner, AI in HR, career growth, organizational transformation, employee engagement, human resources, operations, workplace dynamics  

In this episode of Build by People Leaders, Daria Rudnik speaks with Dr. Shayna Cook, Chief People Officer at Dominion Payroll, about what it really takes to build modern organizations where people and performance thrive together. Shayna shares her nonlinear journey from science teacher to HR executive, why HR must think like a business owner, and how to move from “accidental organizations” to intentionally designed systems. She also walks through her practical AI transformation playbook — including governance, human oversight, and the three pillars guiding adoption — and tells the surprising story of how one employee built internal AI agents that saved the company hundreds of thousands of dollars.   A grounded, practical conversation for HR leaders navigating growth, AI, and real business impact.   Company website: www.dominionpayroll.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaynacooke/   Takeaways • From science teacher to Chief People Officer — a nonlinear path that reshaped modern HR leadership. • Why HR must think like a business owner before advocating for people. • The 3-pillar AI playbook that turns transformation into measurable impact. • How building a culture of innovation unlocks unexpected employee growth and engagement. • Stop running “accidental organizations” — start designing systems where people and performance thrive.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to HR and AI Transformation 04:50 Shayna's Nonlinear Career Path 09:54 The Role of HR in Organizational Systems 14:44 AI Integration in HR 19:57 Building a Culture of AI Engagement 24:38 Advice for HR Leaders 29:30 Unexpected Outcomes of AI Implementation

In this high-impact episode, executive coach Roshan Chander breaks down why leaders and executives get stuck in invisible decision loops that quietly limit growth, authority, and performance. Roshan explains how autopilot decision-making forms mental loops that affect leadership effectiveness, productivity, and long-term business strategy. He introduces the concept of a personal decision audit and shares practical steps leaders can take to identify patterns, build self-awareness, and move from reaction to intentional response. Through real client stories and clear frameworks, this conversation highlights how cutting decision loops can unlock clarity, confidence, and measurable business results. This episode is ideal for founders, executives, and professionals focused on leadership development, career growth, and better decision-making. Key Topics Covered: Decision-making patterns and mental loops Leadership self-awareness and personal audits Breaking autopilot behavior Executive coaching insights Productivity and performance improvement Strategic thinking and career growth Keywords: decision making, leadership, mental loops, self-awareness, personal audit, business strategy, executive coaching, productivity, decision patterns, career growth   Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Decision Loops 06:18 Identifying Personal Patterns 12:08 The Importance of Auditing Decisions 18:09 Breaking Free from Autopilot 20:27 Transformative Client Stories 22:24 Practical Steps to Cut Loops   #DecisionMaking #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #SelfAwareness #BusinessStrategy #Productivity #CareerGrowth #HighPerformance #LeadershipMindset

In this insightful episode, Dr. David Leitner explores a concept often overlooked in leadership conversations: followership. He challenges the traditional belief that leadership alone drives success and explains why followership is an active, intentional choice that plays an equally powerful role in organizational performance. Dr. Leitner breaks down the dynamic relationship between leaders and followers, emphasizing trust, mutual vision, and shared responsibility. He explains how strategic followership strengthens teamwork, improves organizational culture, and drives performance excellence. This conversation also addresses cultural biases that glorify leadership while undervaluing followership and highlights how choosing to be a follower can lead to personal fulfillment, professional growth, and long-term impact. This episode is essential listening for leaders, team members, managers, and anyone interested in personal development, servant leadership, and high-performing teams. Key Topics Covered: Leadership and followership dynamics Strategic followership in organizations Teamwork and organizational culture Mutual vision and trust building Servant leadership and energy management Personal development through followership Performance excellence and team effectiveness Keywords: leadership, followership, strategy, teamwork, organizational culture, personal development, servant leadership, energy management, mutual vision, performance excellence   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Followership 05:05 The Dynamics of Leadership and Followership 10:07 Growing Followership in Organizations 15:01 The Importance of Followership 20:04 Cultural Perspectives on Leadership and Followership 24:54 Strategic Followership and Team Dynamics 29:57 Practical Applications of Followership 35:06 Personal Insights on Followership and Energy Management 40:07 Conclusion: The Choice of Followership   #LeadershipDevelopment #Followership #Teamwork #OrganizationalCulture #ServantLeadership #PersonalGrowth #PerformanceExcellence #StrategicLeadership #WorkplaceCulture

In this powerful episode, Pavel Kovsharov shares his inspiring business journey from a corporate executive to a successful entrepreneur in the family entertainment industry. Starting his first business at just 16, Pavel reveals how entrepreneurship became his life’s calling and what led him to leave corporate life after a pivotal vacation. Pavel dives deep into the realities of building and scaling a family entertainment business, navigating global challenges like the pandemic and war, and leading teams through uncertainty. He highlights the critical role of company culture, leadership principles, and adaptability in long-term business success. This conversation also explores international expansion, market analysis, brand reputation, and personal growth as essential pillars for sustainable entrepreneurship. Whether you are a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or business leader, this episode offers practical insights on resilience, leadership, and building businesses that last. Key Topics Covered: Entrepreneurship and early business mindset Transition from corporate executive to entrepreneur Building and scaling a family entertainment business Overcoming business challenges and global crises Leadership principles and company culture International expansion and market adaptability Brand building and long-term personal growth Keywords: entrepreneurship, business journey, family entertainment, company culture, leadership principles, international expansion, overcoming challenges, personal growth, market analysis, adaptability Chapters: 00:00 Pavel’s Entrepreneurial Journey Begins 07:33 Building a Family Entertainment Empire 11:08 Overcoming Challenges in Business 15:56 Expanding Internationally 23:52 Creating a Positive Company Culture 30:26 Leadership Principles and Lessons 35:54 Adapting to Change in a Dynamic World   #Entrepreneurship #BusinessJourney #FamilyEntertainment #LeadershipDevelopment #CompanyCulture #InternationalBusiness #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #FounderStories

In this episode, Sebastian Gerhardt, founder of Flee, shares his entrepreneurial journey and deep insights into improving developer experience in modern software organizations. He explains why developer productivity cannot be measured by output alone and how organizational structure, team culture, and feedback systems play a critical role in engineering success. The conversation explores how CTOs and engineering leaders can identify friction points, foster open communication, and build high performing teams, especially in remote and distributed work environments. Sebastian Gerhardt also shares practical advice for adapting engineering management practices to the future of work. Key Topics Covered Developer experience and productivity in software teams Why output based metrics fail engineering teams Team culture and psychological safety Feedback systems and survey driven insights Organizational structure and engineering management Remote work and the future of software development LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastiangerhardt/ helloflea.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/helloflea #DeveloperExperience #EngineeringLeadership #CTO #SoftwareDevelopment #TeamCulture #RemoteWork #EngineeringManagement #Productivity #FutureOfWork

In this powerful episode, Davidson Oturu shares hard-earned insights from years of working with startups and first-time CEOs. He breaks down why having a great idea is not enough to run a successful business and highlights the most common mistakes new CEOs make in execution, operations, and financial management. David emphasizes the importance of understanding core business principles, building a leadership team with complementary skills, and defining company culture from day one. He also explores the critical relationship between CEOs and boards, the importance of aligning vision with stakeholder expectations, and why leadership must be treated as a continuous learning journey. This episode is essential listening for founders, first-time CEOs, and startup leaders aiming to build sustainable, high-performing companies. Key Topics Covered Common mistakes made by first-time CEOs Why ideas alone do not build successful businesses Business strategy and execution fundamentals Team building and leadership composition Company culture and long-term success CEO and board alignment Leadership development in startups LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsonoturu/ #StartupAdvice #FirstTimeCEO #LeadershipDevelopment #CompanyCulture #StartupSuccess #BusinessStrategy #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #FounderLeadership

In this insightful episode, Simon Mulder shares his journey from software engineering to becoming a global HR leader. He explores how leadership styles evolve across large corporations and fast growing scale-ups, the real challenges behind mergers and acquisitions, and why many organizations struggle with integration and alignment. Simon Mulder also draws powerful parallels between parenting and leadership, emphasizing transparency, adaptability, and long-term thinking. From corporate culture to continuous learning and strategic decision-making, this conversation offers practical insights for leaders navigating the future of work. Key Topics Covered HR leadership and organizational development Corporate culture in scale-ups vs large enterprises Leadership styles across growth stages Mergers and acquisitions challenges Parenting principles applied to leadership Continuous learning and future-ready organizations LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonmulder/?originalSubdomain=nl #HRLeadership #CorporateCulture #FutureOfWork #LeadershipDevelopment #ScaleUps #MergersAndAcquisitions #OrganizationalDevelopment #ContinuousLearning #StrategicLeadership #PeopleLeadership

In this episode, Veiko Valkiainen explores the concept of self-managed organizations and how they are reshaping leadership, decision-making, and workplace culture. The conversation breaks down the principles of self-management, the role of Holacracy, and why clear role boundaries are critical for success. We dive deep into decentralized decision-making, team dynamics, and the challenges organizations face when shifting away from traditional hierarchies. Veiko also shares why autonomy and empowerment are becoming essential skills for the modern workforce and how organizations can adapt responsibly. This episode is a must-listen for leaders, founders, HR professionals, and anyone curious about organizational design and the future of work. Key Topics Covered   What self-managed organizations really mean How authority is distributed across roles The fundamentals of Holacracy Decision-making without traditional hierarchy Team alignment and resolving tensions Risks and challenges of self-management Empowerment, autonomy, and workplace culture Preparing organizations for the future of work Key Takeaways   Self-managed organizations distribute authority among role holders Clear role boundaries are essential for effective self-management Holacracy is a structured model for radical decentralization Decision-making happens at the role level, not the top Tensions are addressed through structured meetings Autonomy requires high ownership and accountability Empowerment is central to the future of work Resistance to change is a common challenge Meaningful contribution is replacing rigid job titles Strong team dynamics fuel collaboration and independence Chapters   00:00 Exploring Self-Managed Organizations 04:42 Understanding Self-Management 08:06 Practical Applications of Self-Management 11:28 Holacracy: A Model for Self-Management 19:45 Decision-Making in Self-Managed Organizations 25:19 Team Dynamics in Self-Management 32:46 Challenges and Risks of Self-Management 36:36 Preparing for the Future of Work   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veiko-valkiainen/   #FutureOfWork #SelfManagement #Holacracy #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalDesign #WorkplaceCulture #TeamEmpowerment #DecentralizedLeadership #ModernWorkplace #PeopleFirst

In this episode of Build by People Leaders, we’re talking about the seat at the table — and why it’s built, not given. For years, HR leaders have worked to be recognized as true business partners, not just support or administrative functions. While progress is happening, there’s still a critical gap — especially when it comes to AI. According to IBM’s 2025 CEO Report, only 1% of CEOs expect HR to support their company’s AI transformation. That number should stop us. AI is already reshaping how we work, how we lead, and how organizations build capability. If HR and People leaders are not at the core of this shift — preparing leaders, designing systems, and shaping new ways of working — then who is? This episode sets the tone for why Build by People Leaders exists: to elevate those internal leaders who are earning trust, building capability, and turning people strategy into business strategy. Because the seat at the table isn’t given. It’s built — by People Leaders.

Welcome to Build by People Leaders, a podcast brought to you by Aidra.AI, an AI coach for leaders in tech, and hosted by Darya Rudnik, team architect and executive leadership coach. This podcast is created for in-house HR leaders, people partners, founders, and executives who are building the people side of fast-growing organizations. On this show, you’ll hear real stories — not just frameworks — from internal leaders shaping culture, scaling leadership, and aligning people strategy with business impact. Our guests work in tech, fintech, SaaS, and other growth-focused sectors, sharing how they earn trust, drive change, and build teams that fuel performance. If you care about leading from within and shaping how organizations are built, you’ll feel at home here. This is Build by People Leaders.