Building Trust with Founder CEOs and Elevating HR Leadership with Kelli Dragovich

HR Superstars

How do you gain founders' trust and lead HR in high-growth companies?

Kelli Dragovich, Former Chief People Officer at Pendo.io, believes it all begins with understanding who they are and what they care about.

With over two decades of HR leadership, Kelli reveals how she’s built successful partnerships with visionary founders while navigating the complex world of company culture and leadership.

She highlights the importance of adaptability and staying focused on long-term career growth while remaining true to your leadership style. Kelli’s perspective offers a roadmap for HR leaders to balance business priorities with personal values, helping them navigate challenges and thrive in their roles.

Join us as we discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to the episode with Kelli Dragovich

(04:16) Kelli’s transition to executive coaching and her business-first approach to HR

(07:06) Challenges of working with founders and aligning HR with their unique leadership styles

(13:04) How to choose the right organizations and leaders to work with

(16:44) Advice for mid-level HR leaders looking to level up their careers

(24:45) The value of networking and looking beyond your current role

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, Or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

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