March 28, 2025

222 - Michele Bousquet (Chief People Officer, Strava): Stop overcomplicating HR

Michele Bousquet joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about her career journey, leading with heart, and why HR shouldn’t be so complicated.

---- 

🔗 Request a demo of ChartHop.

🔗 Buy your ticket for MPL Live San Francisco.

---- 

(08:41) Michele’s career journey: From temp to Chief People Officer

(14:45) Lessons from navigating adversity and leading with heart

(21:52) The importance of authenticity and listening in leadership

(24:14) How Strava’s people team fosters human connection

(29:59) Simplifying HR: Leading with common sense and empathy

(35:18) Data-driven decisions: Using data with purpose and insight

(39:16) Rewarding and retaining talent through human connection

(43:53) Human-centered HR: Managing people teams like a product

(47:54) The power of people-focused leadership at Strava

(54:39) Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and building community

(58:02) Handling tough situations with honesty and compassion

---- 

📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get episode recaps

💡 Follow The Modern People Leader on LinkedIn

😊 Follow Daniel Huerta on LinkedIn

😊 Follow Stephen Huerta on LinkedIn

---- 

Past guests on MPL include Brené Brown, Annie Dean (VP of Team Anywhere, Atlassian), Josh Bersin, Katie Burke (Chief People Officer, Harvey), Liz Fosslien, Helen Russell (Chief People Officer, HubSpot), Dave Scott (Chief People Officer, ADT), Melanie Rossenwasser (Chief People Officer, Dropbox), Crystal Boysen (Chief People Officer, Sprout Social), and many more.