From CPO to CEO: Michelle Wagner Tells All

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From CPO to CEO: Michelle Wagner Tells All

Former CPO of AOL and Evernote Stepped Into CEO Role at MindStrong During the Pandemic

HR Heretics

Jul 02, 2024

Transcript

In this episode of HR Heretics, Kelli and Nolan sit with Michelle Wagner as she shares her journey from Chief People Officer at AOL and Evernote to becoming the CEO of MindStrong, a healthech company.

Michelle, who may be “N of 1” in the CPO to CEO company trajectory, discusses her early career, the challenges she faced in different leadership roles, and the strategic decisions she made during her tenure as CEO of MindStrong.

This candid conversation offers valuable insights for HR professionals and aspiring leaders, highlighting the multifaceted responsibilities and realities of executive leadership — plus what the job search looks like after you’ve been a CPO and a CEO.

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

HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.

Support HR Heretics Sponsors:

Planful empowers teams just like yours to unlock the secrets of successful workforce planning. Use data-driven insights to develop accurate forecasts, close hiring gaps, and adjust talent acquisition plans collaboratively based on costs today and into the future. :writing_hand: Go to http://planful.com/heretics to see how you can transform your HR strategy.

Metaview is the AI assistant for interviewing. Metaview completely removes the need for recruiters and hiring managers to take notes during interviews—because their AI is designed to take world-class interview notes for you. Team builders at companies like Brex, Hellofresh, and Quora say Metaview has changed the game—see the magic for yourself: https://www.metaview.ai/heretics

Discover Workvivo, Zoom’s employee experience platform, designed to delight your hybrid workforce. With dynamic and intuitive features people actually like using, Workvivo fosters a sense of belonging and boosts retention and productivity. Join Ryanair, Dollar General, and Virgin — head to https://bit.ly/hrhereticsworkvivo to book a demo (tell them Kelli and Nolan sent you).

This episode is brought to you by Warp. Don’t let payroll and compliance hold your startup back: visit https://joinwarp.com/peel to get started and receive a $1000 gift card when your first run payroll.

KEEP UP WITH MICHELLE, NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

Michelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelledwk/

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

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

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:52) Nostalgia and Beginnings at AOL

(04:43) Evernote: Peaks and Challenges

(08:46) The Unexpected CEO Transition at MindStrong

(12:50) Navigating Chaos and Rebuilding: The First Year as CEO

(15:00) The Tension of a CEO Transition: Navigating Dynamics and Loyalty

(16:42) Sponsors: Planful | Workvivo

(19:23) The Tension of a CEO Transition: Navigating Dynamics and Loyalty (continued)

(29:06) The CEO Learning Curve: Mastering Business Acumen and Facing Vulnerability

(33:03) Heartbreak and Determination

(33:44) Sponsors: Metaview | Warp

(35:49) The Acquisition Process: Balancing Patient Care, Investor Expectations, and Team Stability

(40:30) Finding the Next Chapter and Overcoming Preconceived Notions

(41:52) Career Reflections and Future Plans

(47:00) The Unfairness of Expectations on CPOs

(55:26) The Power of Transparency: A Case Study in Building Trust and Respect

(1:03:11) Wrap

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

After a decade+ of “blitz-scaling” companies, HR, talent, and People leaders now face an uncertain economy that has already seen big booms and busts. What will it take to construct the next generation of incredible businesses – and where can people leaders have the most business impact?

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This show is for those who are ready to ditch conventional wisdom and figure out from first principles what works for their culture, business model, and industry, with the goal of building a resilient and enduring company. You’ll come away with real guidance for seeing around corners, building enduring companies, and carving out an impactful career – plus a newly-honed bullshit detector.

Topics frequently touched on in this season include: building high performing cultures, compensation negotiation, performance reviews, company design, equity, M&As, recruiting the best talent, and how to manage your own psychology as a people leader.

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