Hire the Person, Lead the Person

In this episode of The Good Human Company Podcast, Matt Wheeler sits down with Yolanda Menegazzo, CEO of LagomHR, for a powerful conversation about hiring, culture, leadership, and the human side of business. Drawing from 16 years of HR expertise, Yolanda shares why people are the only sustainable competitive advantage, how to build high-performing teams, and what leaders often get wrong when managing growth, change, and remote teams. The conversation dives into practical strategies like the 50-50 rule of management, cross-training for business continuity, and balancing AI with human connection. Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, manager, or someone looking to become a better leader, this episode is packed with timeless wisdom and actionable insights. Topics Covered: 00:04 Introduction to Yolanda Menegazzo 02:31 The pitfalls of neglecting HR in startups and scaling companies 03:38 Hiring the person, not the resume: What it really means 08:15 Why training and cross-training are critical for team success 10:23 How to transition from manager to leader 13:38 The importance of SOPs and backup training 14:45 How remote work changes the game for company culture 15:32 Managers as culture carriers: Hiring for alignment, not just skills 16:42 Short-term hires vs. long-term loyalty: When to prioritize impact over tenure 18:14 Manager evaluations by employees: A sign of great leadership 19:34 What makes a great manager? Proactive support, accountability, and empathy 21:26 Treating employees like family (but not actually family): Supporting their lives outside work 25:53 The role of AI in HR: Enhancing, not replacing, human connection 27:57 What is a “Good Human Company”? Defining purpose and impact 29:57 Paying it forward: Why mentorship and opportunity matter 30:47 Invest in HR strategy: The key to stronger teams and higher performance 31:40 Final advice: Build HR structure before you need it If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who is committed to building stronger teams, better workplaces, and a more connected world. #Leadership #HR #Hiring #CompanyCulture #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship #CEO #Management #GoodHumanCompany #YolandaMenegazzo #MattWheeler