You've diagnosed the problem. Now here's how to fix it.
In Part 1, we unpacked why 31% of first-time CHROs are fired within 18 months and why doing a "good job" on HR metrics isn't enough. The issue? A strategy gap that starts as unclear language, becomes structure, and ends with a quiet exit.
In Part 2, we're giving you the playbook.
Scott Morris (former CHRO, founder of Propulsion AI) and Jackson Lynch break down the three concrete moves you can make starting Monday morning to close the gap before month 7, before the CEO's tone shifts, before the compliments land oddly, before the narrative moves against you.
This isn't about working harder. It's about working differently.
What You'll Learn
The fundamental shift:
What co-authorship actually looks like:
The three-move playbook:
The execution traps to avoid:
Key Quotes
"A strategic CHRO doesn't deliver a section of the deck. They shape the story the deck is built around."
"Access is earned by demonstrating that you see things others don't. Not by asking for a seat at the table."
"The shift isn't do more. The shift is do fewer things that remove constraints."
"If you think your role is building people up, you go one way. If you think your role is driving the business forward by building people up, you go a different direction."
"Organizations where CFOs and CHROs co-lead initiatives are 2.4x more likely to achieve transformation outcomes."
"You cannot neglect operational excellence while chasing strategic relevance. Operational excellence is the foundation. It's not the ceiling."
The Diagnostic Questions
About the Hosts
Jackson Lynch is founder of Talent Sherpa and creator of the CHRO Ascent Academy.
Scott Morris is a former CHRO and founder/CEO of Propulsion AI.
Connect
Listen to Part 1 for the diagnosis: why 31% of first-time CHROs are fired in 18 months and 52% are replaced within a year of a new CEO.
Until next time: Keep raising the bar, keep building the discipline, and keep climbing
If this episode landed, the next move is yours.
Coaching is where it closes fastest — Jackson has developed CHROs from both sides of the table, as their leader and as their coach. The CHRO Ascent Academy, Private Coaching, Mandate Protocol, CHRO Chronicles, and the best-selling Substack are there too.
All at mytalentsherpa.com.
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In private equity: Propulsion AI surfaces workforce risk before the close and translates strategy into individual accountability after it. Before AI automation - drive outcome clarity with digital teammates to do the work fast and at scale.
All at getpropulsion.ai.
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CHRO podcast, CEO Podcast, Business, Management
CHRO strategy, HR strategy, talent management, leadership development, talent management podcast, human capital strategy, mandate clarity, peacetime wartime leadership, talent hat framework, leadership pipeline, senior leadership, people strategy
