{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"AI Won\u2019t Replace HR \u2014 But It\u2019ll Shrink Your Team","description":"What does it really look like to run the entire People function solo \u2014 and still operate at a strategic level? In this episode, Anisha Thomas, Head of People at Inscribe, shares what it takes to be a team of one at a fast-paced AI startup. From managing headcount planning without over-hiring to leaning on tech to avoid burnout, she offers a refreshingly honest look at how she keeps her footing in the chaos. If you\u2019ve ever worn \u201call the hats,\u201d this one\u2019s for you. \ud83d\udd11 Key Takeaways Leadership Without a Team Anisha reflects on how returning to IC work after leading a team has sharpened her understanding of what real leadership requires \u2014 trust, delegation, and a deep knowing of where she adds the most value. Strategy Needs Time Balancing operational fire drills with strategic priorities is hard \u2014 but having a clear North Star for the day, week, and quarter helps her stay grounded and protect time for long-term thinking. AI as a Teammate, Not a Threat From tools like Ashby and Lattice to constant use of ChatGPT, she\u2019s finding ways to automate the admin and protect energy for what matters most \u2014 culture, trust, and conversations. Reimagining Headcount Planning Instead of annual hiring plans, Inscribe ties new roles to real business triggers. It\u2019s a shift from \u201cgut feel\u201d to metrics and milestones \u2014 and it could help stabilize People orgs for the long haul. \u23f1\ufe0f Timestamped Highlights 00:55 \u2013 \u201cI\u2019m a team of one.\u201d Anisha shares how her role has evolved from builder to leader\u2026 and back again. 02:19 \u2013 How she splits her time between candidate calls, performance reviews, and strategy. 04:14 \u2013 The cost of context switching, and how she protects her time with clear priorities. 06:04 \u2013 Why she was nervous to hire her first team\u2026 and what she learned about delegating. 09:48 \u2013 Connecting the dots across the org \u2014 even without a big team. 12:20 \u2013 The People tech stack she swears by \u2014 and how AI makes her life easier. 14:25 \u2013 The future of People teams: small, efficient, and AI-enabled. 16:57 \u2013 How tying headcount to revenue milestones changes the talent game. 18:50 \u2013 Why being in the weeds will always be a superpower \u2014 even for leaders. \ud83d\udd01 Quote Worth Sharing \u201cI don\u2019t want there to be a disconnect between what we\u2019re building and how we work. So being AI-enabled isn\u2019t optional \u2014 it\u2019s table stakes.\u201d \u2014 Anisha Thomas \ud83d\udcce Resources Mentioned Ashby (for recruiting automation) Lattice (performance + engagement) ","author_name":"The Talent Tango","author_url":"http:\/\/www.elevano.com","html":"