In this episode of The Alignment Podcast, Jacob Crockett chats with Donna Brown, founder of Cultivation HR. After decades leading HR and tech functions in Fortune 100 environments and the last five years embedded in high-velocity startups, Donna now partners with CEOs as a fractional HR advisor and operator—translating business plans into people strategies that actually ship results.
Highlights
* What “thriving” really means
For people and companies: clear purpose, high performance, healthy processes, and mutual investment—not bureaucracy.
* The cost of ignoring culture
Turnover isn’t abstract: replacement costs (direct + indirect) crush the P&L. Measure it first, then fix it.
* Leaders stuck in “wring the towel” mode
Why legacy systems reward stale behaviors—and how to move leaders toward retention, growth, and trust.
* Ownership done right
Fewer pointless meetings, more decisions and outcomes. Define what “act like an owner” actually looks like day to day.
* AI without fear
Introduce AI as a learning partner and accelerant (starting small), not a headcount cudgel; upskill people while removing grunt work.
* Career agency
No one will care about your career more than you—say yes, seek stretch, and ask for the support and recognition you need.
Practical Takeaways
For leaders
* Audit: Do we have the right leaders for this stage of growth?
* Make clarity non-negotiable: outcomes, connection to company progress, rewards for over-performance, consequences for under-performance.
* Reframe AI: From threat → tool for learning, speed, and creativity.
* Calculate turnover cost now; let data drive your retention roadmap.
For employees
* Say yes to stretch work; learn out loud.
* Check alignment: Does this role ignite your purpose?
* Own the path: Ask for support, feedback, recognition—and move if it’s not there.
