Dear Heretics is back! Kelli and Nolan explore strategic board engagement for people leaders, covering presentation frameworks, relationship building, and navigating the delicate balance between board influence and CEO loyalty.

For today's essential Heretics 101 feature, we talk to David Heinemeier Hansson (aka DHH), creator of Ruby on Rails and co-owner & CTO of 37signals. He critiques DEI implementation and workplace wokeness, advocates political neutrality at work, and outlines his organizational philosophy emphasizing minimal management, creative constraints, and HR as leadership firewall.

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

For coaching and advising inquire at https://kellidragovich.com/

HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.

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KEEP UP WITH NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

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

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

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:48) Dear Heretics: The Board Question

(01:15) There Is No Best Practice

(02:38) Know Your Level (Don't Be 27 at DoorDash)

(03:49) If You Don't Set Strategy, Someone Else Will

(05:34) The Carta Framework: Show Value, Ask for Help

(06:30) Earn the Right Through Your CEO

(07:28) Sponsors: Planful | Metaview

(10:00) Board Presentation Framework

(11:00) Run It Like a Business: The QBR Method

(11:51) Building Board Relationships: Start Early

(13:00) They're Just F*cking People

(14:00) Board Members Are Your Career Funnel

(15:50) Start With One: The Relationship Strategy

(17:16) The Loyalty Warning: Team CEO, Period

(19:32) 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

Building Relationships with Board Members

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

Building Relationships with Board Members