{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Setting the Stage for Influence as Head of People","description":"In this episode, Amir sits down with Michelle King, Head of People and Talent at Notable Health, to break down what it really means to have a strategic relationship with the CEO. From spotting red flags in the interview process to pushing back (with impact) once you're in the seat, Michelle shares lessons from the trenches\u2014no fluff, all substance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in a people\/talent role looking to elevate their business partnership game and hold their own in the executive room. \ud83d\udd11 Key Takeaways: Start Before You Start: The foundation of a strong CEO relationship begins in the interview process. Ask tough questions and look for signs of trust across the ELT. Business Acumen Isn\u2019t Optional: Michelle stresses that understanding the business is critical. Process alone won\u2019t get you a seat at the table\u2014insightful problem-solving will. Pushback Is Partnership: Don\u2019t default to yes. Strong people leaders challenge assumptions and influence decisions, even when it\u2019s uncomfortable. First 90 Days Matter: Use that window to deeply understand the business and build credibility. Skip the cookie-cutter playbook\u2014adapt to the org\u2019s context. Train for Influence Early: People functions need to develop business fluency across all levels, not just at the top. Siloed ops teams can\u2019t build real impact. \u23f1\ufe0f Timestamped Highlights: [00:01:00] \u2013 What defines a healthy CEO\u2013People partnership (hint: trust and strategic tension). [00:03:00] \u2013 Why the relationship starts before day one\u2014what to ask in interviews to spot red flags. [00:07:00] \u2013 How Michelle probes for trust dynamics across the ELT during hiring. [00:08:00] \u2013 The blueprint for the first 90 days\u2014how deep business knowledge fuels impact. [00:11:00] \u2013 Process \u2260 progress: why strong relationships are built through solving business problems, not running playbooks. [00:15:00] \u2013 Why leaders can\u2019t hide behind \u201cprocess comfort\u201d if they want a seat at the table. [00:22:00] \u2013 The art of saying no: Michelle\u2019s case for pushing back and protecting the business. [00:26:00] \u2013 Why transparency about your leadership style in the interview phase sets the stage for success. [00:28:00] \u2013 Final thoughts: if the org isn\u2019t ready for tough conversations, it\u2019s probably not the right seat. \ud83d\udcac Quote of the Episode: \u201cIf you continue to say yes to everything, you become known as that person. And then it's just like\u2014I'm not coming to you for strategy. I'm just coming to you to execute. You become an order taker, not a strategic partner.\u201d   ","author_name":"The Talent Tango","author_url":"http:\/\/www.elevano.com","html":"