Description

In this insightful episode, host Amir speaks with Tanaz Mody, Head of People Operations and Talent at Lerer Hippeau, to explore the unique challenges founders face in hiring and leadership. The conversation highlights the complexities of transitioning from founder to CEO, building trust, and making strategic hiring decisions in early-stage startups. Tanaz provides practical advice on delegation, setting expectations, and the evolving role of People Operations in supporting business growth.

Episode Highlights

• Founders and Hiring Challenges

  • The emotional attachment founders have to their business often makes hiring decisions difficult.
  • Common pitfalls in hiring due to lack of alignment on company needs.

• Delegation and Trust

  • The importance of founders learning to delegate effectively and trust their teams.
  • Building safe spaces for transparent communication and collaboration.

• Strategic Decision-Making

  • Setting milestones and frameworks to align hiring with business goals.
  • How People Operations can facilitate smoother transitions during early-stage growth.

• From Founder to CEO

  • The mindset shift required to evolve from a hands-on founder to a strategic CEO.
  • Overcoming the challenges of scaling leadership and adapting to new roles.

• VC Talent Partners’ Role

  • Unique insights from VC-backed talent advisors to help startups scale efficiently.
  • Support for founders in aligning business strategy with leadership growth.

Key Takeaways

1. Trust and Delegation are Non-Negotiable
   Founders must embrace delegation and trust their team to scale the business effectively.

2. Strategic Hiring Requires Milestones
   Establish clear benchmarks to ensure hires align with the company’s current and future needs.

3. Transitioning to CEO Requires a Mindset Shift
   Founders need to focus on big-picture strategy rather than micromanaging daily tasks.

4. People Operations is Key to Scaling
   A well-defined People Ops strategy ensures smoother transitions and long-term growth.

Listen now for actionable insights on building a stronger team, scaling leadership, and navigating the founder-to-CEO journey! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more engaging conversations with industry leaders.

Guest: 

Tanaz Mody is the Head of People Operations and Talent at Lerer Hippeau, where she drives strategic hiring and fosters high-performing teams. With extensive experience across industries, she specializes in innovative recruitment strategies, inclusive work environments, and aligning talent with organizational goals.

LinkedIn: