Emily Ellis, Chief People Officer at DriveWealth, joins the show to explore what it really takes to lead with compassion when the decisions are hard. From layoffs and shifting priorities to hiring in high-growth startups, Emily shares how people leaders can balance business realities with humanity—and why that balance ultimately strengthens culture and trust.
Key Takeaways
• Feedback is a gift when delivered with honesty and care—it prevents harder issues later.
• Hiring slow and with clarity sets the stage for fewer painful exits down the road.
• Compassion in layoffs means clarity, transparency, and support beyond the exit.
• Employer-employee relationships are dynamic; alignment requires ongoing communication.
• Building inclusion into daily practices makes teams stronger in both calm and chaotic times.
Timestamped Highlights
02:20 What "hard things" really mean for leaders and talent teams
06:05 The quiet, often-unspoken contract between employers and employees
08:54 Why hiring managers and people leaders define urgency differently
12:37 How to push back on urgency and find better options without slowing growth
15:36 Delivering layoffs with compassion and clarity in the middle of crisis
18:10 The role of inclusion and cultural belonging as a core leadership responsibility
20:49 How optimism and realism coexist when planning for inevitable change
A line that stood out
"Feedback is a gift. Telling someone only what they want to hear might feel easier in the moment, but it usually leads to a much harder conversation down the road."
Call to Action
If you found value in this episode, share it with another talent leader who could use a reminder that compassion and business results don't have to be at odds. Follow the show on your favorite platform so you don't miss future conversations.
