In the Season 12 finale of Redefining Work, I had the privilege of sitting down with Laszlo Bock, former head of People Operations at Google, Humu Founder, bestselling author, and pioneer in redefining HR.
From revolutionizing HR with Google’s data-driven approach to launching his Berkeley course for CHROs, Laszlo’s career is a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and courage.
We unpacked his journey from a two-year-old refugee to becoming one of the most influential figures in HR. If you’re looking for insights on leadership, culture, or the future of work, buckle up—this conversation delivered on all fronts.
The Roots of Leadership: From Romania to Google
Laszlo’s journey began as a refugee from communist Romania. His early exposure to entrepreneurship and empathy came from his parents, who built their own businesses while maintaining a deep sense of fairness.
“My dad secretly had a pension plan for his employees—he wanted them to stay because they cared about the work, not for a payout,” Laszlo shared.
This foundation shaped Laszlo’s belief in treating people right and building impactful organizations. It’s a reminder that our values often start at home and grow with us.
Redefining HR at Google: People Operations and Beyond
Laszlo’s tenure at Google is legendary for a reason. He not only elevated the term "People Operations" but also redefined what HR could be.
His team pioneered people analytics, proving that data and science could transform hiring, management, and culture.
We also spent some time debunking myths about Google’s culture. One standout moment was when he eliminated brain teasers in interviews.
“Not only do they not predict performance, but the people who like giving them tend to be more narcissistic,” Laszlo said.
Instead, his team implemented structured behavioral interviews, reducing interview rounds from 14-20 to just four—without compromising on talent quality.
Key takeaway: Structured, data-driven hiring practices are not just efficient; they ensure better outcomes.
Courage and Culture: Scaling Values, Not Just Teams
When asked about scaling culture in hypergrowth organizations, Laszlo offered a clear point of view.
“Size isn’t the issue; it’s about leaders with clear values and the courage to articulate and uphold them.”
This perspective is critical as companies navigate volatile environments. Whether it's responding to societal issues or guiding organizations through AI-driven transformation, HR leaders must align actions with values. “To do the HR job well, you need to be willing to walk away if those values aren’t supported,” he emphasized.
The Future of HR: AI, Burnout, and Building Talent Pipelines
AI was an inevitable part of our discussion, and Laszlo was candid about its potential—and its pitfalls.
🔹 On AI’s current state: “It’s better at making below-average performance average, but it struggles with complex tasks.”
🔹 On HR’s role: “Ethan Mollick from Wharton argues HR should own AI because its impact is ultimately on people. I couldn’t agree more.”
🔹 On long-term risks: AI may replace entry-level roles, creating a future bottleneck for management talent. “If we don’t address this, we’ll see a shortage of line managers five years from now.”
HR leaders must embrace AI thoughtfully, balancing efficiency with humanity.
Advice for Aspiring CHROs
A fascinating part of our conversation covered the leadership tree from Google. Heidrick & Struggles Partner Brad Warga conducted lineage research to identify where current Chief People Officers came from and found that over 100 could be traced back to Laszlo’s team at Google.
Laszlo’s advice for emerging HR leaders was as actionable as it was inspiring:
Master Data and Science: “The truth is your greatest weapon. Use analytics to lead with authority.”
Be Courageous: Align your decisions with your values, even if it means making tough calls.
Lead with Empathy: “Every interview is a sales opportunity. Even rejected candidates deserve respect.”
For those seeking to take their careers to the next level, his Transformative CHRO Leadership Program at Berkeley offers a blueprint for becoming a transformational CHRO.
Conclusion: Building the Future of Work
Laszlo’s journey and insights remind us that HR isn’t just about managing people—it’s about transforming organizations. Whether you’re navigating AI, scaling culture, or rethinking leadership, the principles he champions—courage, analytics, and empathy—are your north star.
As we head into an era of unprecedented change, the question isn’t just what HR can do for your organization. It’s what kind of organization you want to build.
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