Summary

In this episode of the Built by People podcast, host Dallin Demke speaks with John Paul Ales-Barnicoat about his unexpected journey into HR, the current priorities of his organization, and the importance of genuine communication in fostering employee engagement. They discuss the challenges of scaling a startup, the role of technology in enhancing communication, and the significance of understanding employees as individuals. John shares his aspirations for the future of the organization and offers valuable advice on leadership and personal development.

Takeaways

• John Paul Ales-Barnicoat's career path was not traditional, starting as a recruiter.
• The organization is focused on scaling its commercial business globally.
• Effective communication is crucial in a dispersed workforce.
• A leadership series was introduced to bridge communication gaps.
• Genuine communication fosters a stronger organizational culture.
• Understanding employees as individuals enhances engagement.
• Slack is a key tool for community building within the company.
• AI tools are being leveraged to improve communication authenticity.
• Future aspirations include ensuring every employee understands their role in the company's growth.
• Leadership is about serving the people and mission, not personal ego.