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.

In this episode of the Becoming Better Podcast — 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025 series, Jesse sits down with Alan Federman to talk about the values that truly shape great leadership.

Jesse reflects on a recent conversation with his daughter that reminded him of two core values he carries with him in work and in life: curiosity and kindness. Together, Jesse and Alan explore how those values influence the way leaders show up, build relationships, and continue to grow.

Listeners will also catch a lighthearted “easter egg” moment (hint: Watergate 👀) that reminds us leadership is about being authentic, not perfect.

Join us for this thoughtful, human conversation — and celebrate Alan as one of our 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025.