Becoming Better with StartupExperts

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts: 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025 series, Jesse Freese sits down with Eliza Bell, an experienced People Leader and consultant who currently serves as a fractional Head of People for multiple clients. Eliza shares her unique journey into HR — from working in the startup world at a company called Kitchen Surfing to leading People teams in robotics and tech — and how her early experiences shaped her leadership philosophy today.
Together, Jesse and Eliza explore the evolving role of HR and leadership, discussing how traditional systems like performance reviews and engagement surveys are being reimagined for a more human-centered future. Eliza reflects on lessons learned from leading StartupExperts Leadership Circles, offering thoughtful insights on community, experimentation, and rethinking long-standing structures in People Operations.
From embracing change to speaking up even when it’s uncomfortable, Eliza’s perspective reminds us that great leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about staying curious, connected, and courageous enough to try something new.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts – 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025, Jesse Freese sits down with Tanaz Mody Operating Partner at Lerer Hippeau, to explore what it means to build people-first organizations from the ground up.
Tanaz shares lessons from her journey across early-stage startups and venture, offering candid insights on how culture and leadership must evolve as companies grow. She reflects on the importance of self-awareness, clear communication, and setting expectations early — not as corporate formality, but as the foundation of trust and alignment within every team.
From navigating tough leadership decisions to experimenting with AI tools that empower founders, this conversation is a reminder that great organizations are built not on frameworks alone, but on empathy, curiosity, and the courage to learn from every chapter.
🎧 Listen now and discover how Tanaz continues to lead with heart, awareness, and intention.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts — 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025, Jesse Freese sits down with Ashley Hall, Head of People and Culture at Cocokind, a Bay Area skincare brand redefining beauty with authenticity and sustainability.
Ashley shares her nonlinear journey from horticulture and environmental work to startup leadership, and how she’s cultivated a people-first culture that mirrors Cocokind’s mission to be a community-first brand. She reflects on her biggest leadership lessons—like the importance of “not trusting the textbook” and knowing when to evolve programs that have outlived their usefulness.
The conversation also explores how slowing growth can actually unlock creativity, why in-person connection is a cultural investment, and how great leaders empower rather than protect their teams.
It’s an inspiring chat about growth, adaptability, and the human side of leadership.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts, Jesse Freese sits down with Maggie Ruvoldt, Chief Human Resources Officer at LEARN Behavioral and one of StartupExperts’ 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025.
With over 30 years of experience in HR, Maggie shares her journey from aspiring social worker to becoming a seasoned people leader who believes that HR sits at the heart of every great business. She opens up about the power of feedback, the importance of courage in difficult moments, and the subtle ways our language shapes how we lead.
Together, Jesse and Maggie explore what it means to stay truly open to learning — even when we think we already are — and how to navigate the evolving intersection between human leadership and AI. Maggie also reflects on the art of building genuine relationships, offering timeless advice: “Treat your network like a bank account — make deposits when you don’t need it.”
It’s a thoughtful, grounded conversation about growth, humility, and the strength that comes from leading with empathy and intention.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts, Jesse Freese sits down with Sreyas, Head of People and Talent at Stay AI, and one of this year’s 25 recognized community leaders within StartupExperts.
Sreyas shares her journey from starting in recruiting to leading people operations in fast-growing tech companies, including her current work in the AI space. She discusses the evolution of her career, lessons learned from scaling teams, and what it means to bring a “builder mindset” to leadership — empowering others to create, experiment, and grow using the tools and technology available today.
The conversation touches on themes that resonate across the StartupExperts community:
The importance of finding your professional community early — and learning through others’ experiences.
How AI is transforming people and talent work, and how leaders can embrace innovation without losing the human touch.
The value of self-awareness and confidence — knowing your unique strengths and using them intentionally throughout your career.
Sreyas’s thoughtful perspective is a great reminder that growth comes not just from expertise, but from connection, curiosity, and a willingness to build alongside others.

In this “25 Leaders to Follow in 2025” edition of Becoming Better with StartupExperts, Jesse Freese spotlights Patrick Sutton—his pivot from film to people leadership, two decades across Fortune 500, public sector, startups, and back again, and the people-first philosophy that anchors his work.Patrick opens up about the habits that shaped him (including his “1% better every day” lens), hard-won lessons on balance, and his forthcoming book inviting leaders to trade the unicorn myth for legendary leadership—with a teaser from the chapter “The Seduction of Complacency.” This conversation is all about Patrick’s story, his craft, and how he’s helping leaders show up with empathy and intention.

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts, Jesse Freese sits down with Bob Starr, VP of Human Resources at Zap Surgical Systems and one of our 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025.
Bob reflects on his 20+ year career in HR — from his early days at Atari to leading people operations at innovative medical device companies. He shares lessons learned along the way, including:
Why vulnerability can be a powerful leadership tool.
The importance of making the right hiring decisions.
How stepping outside of HR into other functions can make you a stronger leader.
His excitement about the potential of AI in the workplace and the groundbreaking technology Zap is developing to transform cancer treatment and beyond.
This conversation is part of our special series highlighting the 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025, where we celebrate the stories, wisdom, and perspectives of standout community members.
Tune in to hear Bob’s journey, his insights on leadership, and his advice for the next generation of HR professionals.

Jesse sits down with Emily—recently named one of our “25 Leaders to Follow in ’25” and our VP of Learning & Content—to talk about leading through curiosity, building a culture of learning, and why giving back compounds impact.
In this conversation, Jesse thanks Emily for her outsized contributions to our community and team, spotlighting why she was selected as one of our 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025. Emily reflects on what it means to lead learning-first: creating simple systems that make growth habitual, turning feedback into fuel, and designing content that meets people where they are.
Together they unpack practical ways leaders can nurture engagement—how to scaffold learning so it sticks, invite participation without pressure, and translate insights into everyday behaviors. Emily also shares how service and mentorship shape her approach, and why consistent, small improvements beat big, sporadic initiatives.