Ep. 21 - Scaling Without Breaking: HR in Hypergrowth

In this episode, host Nahed Khairallah speaks with Vanessa Gilardi about her journey as a global people leader who has navigated both corporate giants and nimble startups. Drawing from her experiences at companies like Moonpay and Blockchain.com, Vanessa reveals how HR functions differ fundamentally between large organizations and startups—with corporate environments offering structured processes but slower change, while startups demand entrepreneurial thinking and rapid value demonstration. Her career philosophy of prioritizing experience over titles resonates throughout as she emphasizes the importance of personal agency in developing adaptable skills for today's evolving workplace.

As the discussion shifts to scaling organizations and AI's growing influence, Vanessa offers practical frameworks for HR leaders navigating global expansion, stressing the delicate balance of strategy, purpose, and culture. She shares optimistic yet pragmatic insights about AI's role in transforming HR, highlighting specific applications in meetings, career coaching, and learning development that are already showing value. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, Vanessa advocates for transparency and responsible implementation, suggesting that by focusing on uniquely human capabilities, professionals can thrive alongside technology in a workplace that ultimately becomes more fulfilling as mundane tasks are automated.

Connect with Vanessa Gilardi on LinkedIn.

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