Startups operate at a fast pace with lean teams, and while this fosters innovation, it can also lead to burnout if not managed effectively.
This session will explore practical strategies for preventing burnout while maintaining productivity, focusing on HR policies, leadership approaches, and cultural shifts that allow for high performance without exhaustion, including:
Identifying early warning signs of burnout and implementing proactive HR interventions
Promoting employee well-being while maintaining a lean operation
The critical role of leadership in preventing burnout and fostering resilience
Leveraging flexible work policies and benefits to create a healthier work environment
Practical methods for maintaining high energy and motivation in resource-constrained teams
This session is part of Startup Boston Week 2025 and is perfect for founders, People Ops leaders, and managers who are looking to build resilient, motivated teams while keeping operations efficient.
HR and People Ops leaders often face challenges in securing the resources they need because People functions are not always prioritized by founders and finance leaders. This session will provide effective strategies for advocating for People Ops investments, demonstrating their value, and positioning People Ops as a strategic driver of business success—not just a support function. We’ll explore how strong People practices fuel growth, reduce risk, and build long-term value across the organization, including:
Positioning People Ops as a strategic function rather than a cost center
Leveraging data and metrics to advocate for People Ops resources
Aligning People Ops initiatives with core business objectives to drive measurable impact
Communicating HR and People priorities in ways that resonate with founders and finance leaders
Measuring and demonstrating ROI on People Ops investments
Understanding the difference between People Ops and HR—and how to brand your organization accordingly to attract talent, align internally, and communicate externally
This session is part of Startup Boston Week 2025 and is ideal for HR leaders, People Ops professionals, startup founders, and finance leaders who want to integrate People strategy into business strategy and better advocate for the resources and support these functions need to thrive.
As startups scale, maintaining a strong company culture becomes increasingly challenging. This session will dive into why it’s essential to build an intentional culture early on - and how it can optimize your company’s chance of success as you grow.
We’ll provide a clear roadmap for creating and evolving your culture, so that your company, your clients, and your people can thrive together. Key topics include:
Understanding what culture is and why it matters - especially in the early stages
Getting started with establishing your culture
Operationalizing culture so it’s woven into your employee lifecycle and aligned with your company strategy
The importance of discipline and evolution in maintaining a healthy culture
Practical strategies to scale culture intentionally as your company grows
You will leave this session with actionable insights to build a culture that supports sustainable growth and enhances your company’s long-term success.
This session is a part of Startup Boston Week 2025 and is perfect for founders, CEOs, early-stage startup leaders, and managers responsible for culture and engagement in high-growth companies.
AI is revolutionizing every aspect of the workplace, and People Ops is no exception. From streamlining recruiting and onboarding processes to enhancing performance management and employee engagement, AI-powered tools present startups with both opportunities and challenges.
This session will explore how startups can harness the power of AI to build efficient, sustainable teams while navigating the complexities of HR processes. Covering key insights on:
Improving hiring and talent acquisition through AI-driven tools and automation
Evaluating the best AI tools for People Ops and how startups can assess their value
Ethical considerations when implementing AI in HR processes
Leveraging AI-driven insights to enhance employee engagement and retention
Understanding the limitations of AI in People Ops and where human oversight is essential
You will leave with a clear understanding of how to integrate AI into your HR practices effectively while maintaining a focus on ethics and human-centered decision-making.
This session is a part of Startup Boston Week 2025 and is perfect for startup founders, People Ops professionals, and managers interested in leveraging AI to streamline HR processes and improve the overall employee experience.
Startups often face the challenge of balancing the need for structure with the flexibility that drives innovation. This session will explore various performance management approaches—from formal review cycles to continuous feedback models—and provide guidance on how startups can tailor their approach to align with their stage of growth. We’ll discuss:
Deciding when to introduce a formal performance management system in a startup
Evaluating the pros and cons of continuous feedback versus structured performance reviews
Providing meaningful feedback in small teams without creating bureaucracy
Aligning compensation and promotions with performance management
Building a culture of feedback and accountability in fast-paced environments
Navigating the tension between “fire fast” mentalities and a culture of development—how to make intentional decisions about coaching versus letting go, and when each is the right path
This session is part of Startup Boston Week 2025 and is ideal for startup founders, managers, and People Ops professionals looking to refine or implement performance management strategies that suit their team’s needs and growth.
With regulatory and political pressures mounting, startups face unique challenges in maintaining their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This session will explore how startups can continue prioritizing DEI in a way that is both impactful and legally sound, ensuring that inclusive cultures thrive despite shifting external dynamics.
This session will cover key insights on:
Balancing DEI with evolving regulations—how startups can stay compliant while championing diversity
Alternative strategies for fostering inclusion without relying on traditional DEI language
Measuring DEI progress in a landscape where some metrics are under scrutiny
Understanding legal risks associated with DEI programs and ways to mitigate them
How business leaders can keep DEI a business priority amid political and legal challenges
You will leave with actionable insights on navigating the complex DEI landscape, ensuring your startup can sustain an inclusive culture while adapting to external pressures.
This session is a part of Startup Boston Week 2025 and is perfect for startup founders, People Ops leaders, legal and compliance professionals, and managers committed to fostering inclusive workplaces despite external challenges.
