In this episode, Kelli Dragovich and Nolan Church are joined by Lucy Adams, founder of Disruptive HR. Adams critiques traditional HR's rigid policies, advocating instead for judgment-based approaches that treat employees as grown-ups. The conversation explores challenges facing HR business partners, the evolution of DEI initiatives, and how organizations can create environments where people thrive through high-trust cultures, rather than compliance-driven systems.

*Email us your questions or topics for Kelli & Nolan: hrheretics@turpentine.co

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KEEP UP WITH LUCY, NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

Lucy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucykadams/

Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/

Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/

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LINKS:

Disruptive HR: https://disruptivehr.com/

Lucy’s article “HR Business Partner: The toughest role in HR?”: https://disruptivehr.com/hr-business-partner-the-toughest-role-in-hr/

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:17) Lucy's Background and BBC Experience

(03:08) Personal Connection and BBC Stories

(04:25) Origins of Disruptive HR

(07:00) Evolution of HR and Post-COVID Workplace Changes

(11:39) Trust and Autonomy in Workplace Decisions

(16:56) Trust as Foundation for Business Success

(17:32) Sponsors: Thatch | Planful

(20:27) Progressive HR Policies and Examples

(23:53) HR Business Partner Role Challenges

(25:13) Sponsor: Metaview

(27:55) Messy Reality of Great HR Work

(31:00) HR's Focus on Process vs. Real Impact

(33:26) Current HR Trends and Community Concerns

(35:56) DEI Evolution and Conversation Approaches

(45:53) Wrap

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

Rethinking the HRBP Role with Lucy Adams, Disruptive HR

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