As we look ahead to the rest of 2025, we’re sharing a curated list of high-impact resources to help you stay on top of the trends shaping our work. Whether you’re exploring AI, refining comp strategy, or designing more people-centered systems, there’s something here to dig into.
Here are some guiding resources for you!
📌 AI Isn’t to Blame for the Rise in Layoffs — Your Systems Are — (By Jared Navarre)
AI might be the convenient scapegoat for today’s layoff headlines, but the real issue runs deeper. This piece explores how poor organizational design, unclear roles, and weak talent management are driving dysfunction — and how AI, rather than fixing the problem, often just automates the chaos. If we don’t fix the system, the tools we layer on top won’t help.
Rather than fixing flawed systems, AI often ends up automating the chaos. Leaders looking to the future need to take a hard look inward and reexamine how their organizations function at the core. If the foundation is unstable, no amount of tech will save it. This is a timely and important read for anyone navigating organizational change, workforce planning, or scaling in the AI era. Read the full report above!
📌 Sequoia's Top 6 Equity Refresh Grant Trends for Tech Companies in 2025 — (By Dylan Hughes)
Equity refresh grants are becoming an increasingly important part of compensation strategy as companies focus on retention and long-term alignment.
According to Sequoia’s 2025 Comp & Equity Trends Report, more companies are moving toward performance-based refreshes—especially for executives—while also offering them more frequently but at smaller amounts. Even smaller startups are adopting refresh programs as a cash-saving retention tool.
Executives are more likely to receive performance-tied refreshes, while non-executives typically receive them through promotions. Stock options remain the dominant equity vehicle, though RSUs and performance-based stock are on the rise. For full report, feel free to access the link above.
📌 From HR to Business Partner: Earning a Seat at the Leadership Table — (By Nicole Hirsch from Lattice)
In this practical guide from Lattice’s Nicole Hirsch, HR leaders are encouraged to shift from behind-the-scenes contributors to strategic business partners. Nicole outlines five key principles: get curious, lead with data, add value, be self-aware, and build relationships.
Through real-world experience and actionable advice, the article helps People leaders elevate their influence, make data-driven decisions, and earn trust from the top. It’s a timely read for anyone in HR looking to drive impact and step confidently into more strategic conversations. Read the full report above.
And people . . .
We’re always looking to spotlight folks in our community who bring energy, depth, and authenticity into their work and relationships. Here are two people who absolutely deserve a spot on your radar:
Emily is the Founder of Catch Consulting and an expert in helping leaders and teams thrive—especially through growth and change. With over a decade of experience in leadership development, coaching, and culture strategy, she’s known for turning emotional intelligence into actionable tools that drive performance and connection. She’s worked across tech, biotech, education, and media, and brings a trauma-informed, neuroscience-backed approach to everything from burnout prevention to exec coaching. Emily recently stepped up as StartupExperts’ new VP of Learning and Content, and we’re lucky to have her guiding the next chapter of community learning.
Follow her for real, practical wisdom on leadership, growth, and building teams that actually work!
With a ton of experience dedicated to improving employee experience, Clay is all about humanizing the workplace and building deeper connections between people and their employers.
As a Sr. Account Executive at HiBob (one of our newest partners!) and Director of People Leader Experience at StartupExperts, Clay supports HR and People leaders across the West Coast—hosting events, making meaningful introductions, and helping new members get plugged into the community.
Clay brings warmth, insight, and energy to every conversation—and if you’re looking to stay grounded in what truly matters in People Ops, he’s someone worth following! He also recently got married a few weeks ago so a big congratulations is in order!
