Does a formal HR function help or hinder a fast-scaling startup?

Harry Stebbings · Jun 1, 2026

No great CEO loves HR, because HR slows companies down by implementing policy and procedure

In his experience meeting CEOs, none like it; policy and process are pure friction

Scope: based on the CEOs he has met

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Harry Stebbings · Jun 20, 2026

Every great CEO hates HR

He is echoing Adam from AppLovin's view and says he thinks Adam is right

Scope: originally Adam's formulation, which Harry endorses

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Brendan Foody · Jun 1, 2026

HR foundations are critical when scaling headcount even though big tech companies over-empower HR; without them, culture and performance-management problems emerge

Going from 40 to 400 people created challenges maintaining the talent bar, mission buy-in, and first-time managers giving feedback so nobody is surprised by a review

65:44 Hr foundations are necessary to hold the bar while scaling

Ryan Petersen · Jun 20, 2026

HR must represent the company and the CEO rather than act as union representatives for employees, and an HR leader perceived as siding with employees is a problem

A CEO needs a trusted HR leader focused on business outcomes; his company and the industry have had periods with HR leadership that wasn't

43:24 Hr must represent the company not the employees