Brett Queener is a partner at Bonfire Ventures, with a background extending to nearly every function as an operator at Salesforce, Smart Recruiters, and more. Brett is well-versed in the mechanics of early-stage companies and this conversation covers the death rate of startups, the point of board meetings, getting people to work outrageously hard for you, and more.
Kelli and Nolan’s segment this week (54:00-01:09:30) discusses Jack Dorsey’s decision to eliminate PIPs and expands into a broader discussion of the right sized management layer, span of control, performance review systems and how businesses can change their approach towards feedback and evaluations

HR Heretics is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co
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RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
Check out Run The Numbers! Kelli and Nolan were guests on the most recent episode: a deep dive into FIRING CEOs and EXECS. This one's hilarious. Listen here, wherever you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/runthenumbers
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KEEP UP WITH BRETT, NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDIN
Brett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettqueener/
Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/
Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/
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LINKS:
Brett Queener’s exceptional (free) Guides and templates: https://www.bonfirevc.com/team/brett-queener
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00) Preview
(04:31) Insights on what's in store for investors, founders, and execs for 2024
(09:06) Making that pivot in 2024
(12:32) The economics of how a VC works
(16:34) Sponsor - Continuum | Metaview
(19:20 There's nothing that replaces the soul of a founder
(23:11) On talent planning at the executive level
(29:39) Sponsor - Lattice
(30:50) Signs that how a company has the right people leader
(35:50) Does Brett think HR leaders, founders, companies have gone a little soft?
(41:51) How to get people to love working hard and appreciate it and the negative connotations of the 40-hour work-week
(46:21) On the importance of the relationship between the CHRO and the founder for company health
(50:20) Brett's best hire who has transformed a company
(52:49) Brett's favorite interview question that gives the best signal on candidates?
(54:00) Kelli & Nolan's segment on PIPs, Performance Reviews, and Managers vs ICs

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

Brett Queener Unfiltered: A Wake Up Call for Tech, 2024 Planning, and Driving High Performance

“HR Heretics” | How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies