People masterminds

Hosted by Kristel Moedt; Eveliese Luiting

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Apr 2026

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Scaling got you spinning? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. The People masterminds podcast is here to cut through the noise and delivers you fresh inspiration on everything People, Culture & Org. Forget cookie-cutter advice, we bring you the goods - real insights, killer tips, practical cases, and honest conversations with the people who’ve been in the trenches. Listen in and get ready to level up with the People masterminds podcast. Want to know more about our services? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.peoplemasterminds.com

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April 29, 2026Episode 6952 min

#69 - When your management team is not a team, with Ton Keunen from TicketSwap

🎙️ Episode summary:In this episode, we explore the dynamics of leadership teams and why many are, in reality, still just groups of individuals. Together with team coach Ton Keunen, we unpack how ego, past experiences, and unspoken truths impact team effectiveness, and what leaders can do to build real cohesion.📖 In this episode:00:00 Introduction to Ton Keunen and his motto04:21 Sensing team dynamics07:31 What makes a team a real team?11:06 The role of ego and polarization14:46 Four types of dysfunctional teams18:00 The cost of a suboptimal team23:06 The role of the CEO and leadership28:09 Facing the truth33:02 A war story about a difficult client37:52 Statements43:28 Personal trauma and the impact of leaders💡 Key takeaways:Recognize the signs of a dysfunctional team, such as “stacking” opinions instead of engaging in real discussion.Understand how ego can be a major barrier to effective teamwork and open communication.Learn about the four types of “problem teams”: the hero team, the complaining team, the victim team, and the dying team.Discover the impact of a CEO’s trauma on the entire organization, and how it can create distrust.Face the truth: real change in team dynamics starts with the CEO taking responsibility for the existing issues.📌 Resources mentioned:⁠nilohealth.com/masterminds for 10% discount on the 1st year of mental health support for your team➡️ About us:People masterminds is a team of former scale-up People & Culture leaders who love working with fast-growing companies. We design what scale (or rightsizing) demands. No slide decks, just sharp minds and deep experience. This podcast is our way of sharing knowledge and experience for free. Want to know more about our other services? Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠contact us⁠⁠ at info@peoplemasterminds.com

March 16, 2026Episode 6846 min

#68 - The future of office design, with Mattijs Kaak and Floor van der Oord from Ditt Officemakers

🎙️ Episode summary:Discover how Mattijs Kaak and Floor van der Oord from Ditt Officemakers design offices that boost productivity and culture by looking far beyond traditional workspaces. In this episode, we discuss the future of office design, neuro-inclusive workplaces, and sustainability in a hybrid world, and share practical insights. Are you about to move offices, redesign your workspace, or simply want to understand what really matters in office design in 2026? Then this episode is for you.📖 In this episode:00:00 The modern office: a strategic tool06:38 The office as a home base09:02 No policy, just attraction13:04 Investing in functionality and identity16:55 Office needs and occupancy levels21:02 Leadership and office decisions23:59 Common mistakes in office strategy28:48 Trends: flexible offices and neurodiversity31:09 Sustainability and adaptability in offices36:32 Reception desks and productivity39:37 Office design and behavior💡 Key takeaways:Involve employees early in the design process to create an office that truly fits their needs and builds ownership.Focus on functionality and the strategic purpose of the office, not just aesthetics.Consider neuro-inclusive and activity-based design to support different working styles and needs.Invest in the “social heart” of the office, such as the pantry or kitchen area, to encourage spontaneous interaction and connection.Choose sustainable and adaptable design solutions so the office can evolve with your company and workforce.➡️ About us:People masterminds is a team of former scale-up People & Culture leaders who love working with fast-growing companies. We design what scale (or rightsizing) demands. No slide decks, just sharp minds and deep experience. This podcast is our way of sharing knowledge and experience for free. Want to know more about our other services? Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠contact us⁠⁠ at info@peoplemasterminds.com

January 28, 2026Episode 6741 min

#67 - AI is breaking the job market, with Dirk Jonker from Crunchr

🎙️ Episode summary:AI is rapidly reshaping the modern workforce, impacting everything from recruitment processes to organizational structures. “AI is coming for our brains!” 🧠 Join us and Dirk Jonker, founder and CEO of Crunchr, as we discuss the differences between the current AI shift and past industrial revolutions, highlighting AI’s influence on cognitive work and the urgent need for HR and leadership to adapt.📖 In this episode:00:00 Introducing Data Dirk02:22 AI Revolution vs. Industrial Revolution06:49 Five Steps Towards AGI11:43 AI’s Impact on the Labor Market17:53 Embracing AI in Organizations21:30 Rethinking Recruitment in the AI Era25:24 Ethical Considerations and HR’s Role33:57 AI’s Future: Performance and Leadership💡 Key takeaways:Differentiate the current AI shift from past revolutions, noting its speed and impact on cognitive tasks.Understand the five stages toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and current progress.Recognize the “hype cycle” of AI and why leadership must stay current with its rapid advancements.Adapt recruitment strategies to identify essential human skills like leadership and critical thinking, rather than just technical output.Cultivate a company culture that encourages experimentation with AI tools, fostering adoption over fear.➡️ About us:People masterminds is a team of former scale-up People & Culture leaders who love working with fast-growing companies. We design what scale (or rightsizing) demands. No slide decks, just sharp minds and deep experience. This podcast is our way of sharing knowledge and experience for free. Want to know more about our other services? Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠contact us⁠⁠ at info@peoplemasterminds.com

December 17, 2025Episode 6644 min

#66: Feeling unsafe: fact or fiction, with Tica Peeman from VIStrainingen

🎙️ Episode summary:Explore the true meaning of psychological safety in fast-moving scale-up environments. Tica Peeman, a leadership and group dynamics expert, discusses how to build robust team foundations and distinguish genuine safety from discomfort.📖 In this episode:00:00 Introduction to Tica Peeman04:31 Defining Psychological Safety08:25 Understanding Unsafe Statements13:02 The Hard Side of Psychological Safety18:48 Psychological Safety in Scale-Ups23:11 Building a Strong Team Foundation27:57 Feedback, Comfort, and Growth33:40 Leaders’ Role in Fostering Safety40:28 Final Advice: Speak Up Your Mind💡 Key takeaways:Define psychological safety using Amy Edmondson’s definition to take interpersonal risks without negative consequences.Recognize humor (or lack thereof) as a strong indicator of psychological safety within teams.Question deeply when someone expresses “feeling unsafe” to understand if it’s true unsafety or another issue like insecurity or discomfort.Establish concrete team rules, goals, and boundaries to provide stability, especially in rapidly changing scale-up environments.Applaud individuals who speak up, particularly to those higher in the hierarchy, fostering a culture where voicing concerns is encouraged.📌 Resources mentioned:LinkedIn post by Tica Peeman➡️ About us:People masterminds is a team of former scale-up People & Culture leaders who love working with fast-growing companies. We design what scale (or rightsizing) demands. No slide decks, just sharp minds and deep experience. This podcast is our way of sharing knowledge and experience for free. Want to know more about our other services? Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠contact us⁠⁠ at info@peoplemasterminds.com

November 12, 2025Episode 651 hr 10 min

#65 - LIVE: AI, work & collaboration, with Kilian Wawoe

🎙️ Episode summary:AI is rapidly reshaping work, creating discussions on its impact on tasks, jobs, and human collaboration. In this very special LIVE episode we explore with Kilian Wawoe the nuances of AI adoption, the importance of human connection, and HR’s critical role in navigating this evolution.📖 In this episode:00:00 Introducing Kilian: AI’s Impact on Work03:13 Who Adopts AI and Why?06:35 AI’s Impact on Collaboration & Hybrid Work09:05 AI as an Autonomous Colleague13:15 Responsible Transition Amidst Job Changes17:03 Overcoming AI Fear and Incompetence21:10 The Need for AI Training and Mentoring26:35 AI and Performance Gaps31:28 AI, Communication, and Empathy36:46 Job Titles, Functions, and AI40:36 AI as an Excuse for Layoffs44:31 AI’s Impact on Work Pressure49:23 Rethinking Education and Critical Thinking53:34 HR’s Evolving Role in the AI Era57:43 Optimism and Risks of AI01:00:09 Training Junior Staff in the AI Age01:02:17 AI, Education, and Digital Divide01:04:15 AI and Feedback Culture01:08:24 AI Training vs. Coaching💡 Key takeaways:AI adoption varies: Age, gender, and culture influence how quickly individuals and organizations integrate AI tools.Human connection remains key: AI excels at tasks, but personal relationships, empathy, and creative problem-solving are human strengths that AI cannot fully replicate.Upskilling requires coaching: Effective AI literacy means personalized mentoring, not just generic training, ensuring employees adapt to new tools and critical thinking.📌 Resources mentioned:Kilian Wawoe’s books on rewards, performance management, and hybrid workingPersonio’s Workforce Pulse Report➡️ About us:People masterminds is a team of former scale-up People & Culture leaders who love working with fast-growing companies. We design what scale (or rightsizing) demands. No slide decks, just sharp minds and deep experience. This podcast is our way of sharing knowledge and experience for free. Want to know more about our other services? Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠contact us⁠⁠ at info@peoplemasterminds.com

October 13, 2025Episode 6445 min

#64 - International payroll unraveled, with Anita Lettink from HRtechradar

🎙️ Episode summary:People leaders often focus on culture, engagement, or perks… but none of that matters if your team isn’t paid correctly (or on time). That’s usually manageable when you operate in one country. But once you start expanding internationally… how do you get it right? In this latest episode we talk about the critical topic of global payroll with Anita Letink, HR & payroll expert, author, and future-of-work thought leader.📖 In this episode:00:00 Welcome Anita, Payroll Expert02:29 Payroll: From Back Office to Strategic Asset08:08 Trends: Financial Wellness and Real-time Payroll12:49 Navigating International Payroll Solutions19:08 Choosing the Right Global Payroll Partner23:09 Risks of Remote Work and Global Compliance32:09 Agree or Disagree?36:15 AI’s Impact on Payroll Teams40:43 Pay Transparency and Final Advice💡 Key takeaways:Reframe payroll: View payroll as a strategic data source, not just a back-office function.Promote financial wellness: Implement programs like earned wage access and financial education to support employee well-being and reduce stress.Choose global solutions wisely: Understand the different international payroll options (global providers, EOR, overlay solutions, representative offices) and their implications for cost, risk, and data collection.Mitigate international risks: Establish clear policies for employees working abroad to avoid legal, tax, GDPR, and insurance complications.Prepare for pay transparency: Start assessing job architectures, salary bands, and running pay gap reports today to meet the EU directive deadline.📌 Resources mentioned:Anita Lettink’s website for more information and books Free downloads Pay Time! newsletterFuture of Work newsletterHR Tech newsletter➡️ About us:People masterminds is a team of former scale-up People & Culture leaders who love working with fast-growing companies. We design what scale (or rightsizing) demands. No slide decks, just sharp minds and deep experience. This podcast is our way of sharing knowledge and experience for free. Want to know more about our other services? Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠contact us⁠⁠ at info@peoplemasterminds.com

August 27, 2025Episode 6344 min

#63 - Corporate vs. Scale-up HR, with Annelot Fluitman from ING Netherlands

🎙️ Episode summary:In this episode, Annelot Fluitman discusses the contrasting worlds of corporate HR and scale-up HR, providing insights into culture, strategy, and the impact of HR in different organizational structures. She shares her experiences at Shell, Uber, Best Secret, and ING, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities in each environment. This episode offers actionable advice for HR leaders looking to bridge the gap between corporate stability and scale-up agility.📖 In this episode:00:00 Welcome Annelot Fluitman04:22 Culture shock: corporate to scale-up09:17 HR Role: scale-up vs. corporate13:53 Making impact in HR17:14 Shaping culture and leadership24:59 Lessons learned: corporates and scale-ups30:13 HR Practices: transferability and letting go33:39 Agree or disagree: 5 statements39:35 AI in HR & the ideal HR team💡 Key takeaways:Embrace change: Adopt a proactive approach to change, understanding the business agenda to drive impact.Build strong foundations: Establish essential HR processes and policies early, including job frameworks and performance assessments.Foster a bias for action: Encourage a “yes” mentality and resilience in the face of challenges.Understand the business: Stay close to the business to be strategic.Focus on skill sets: Focus on hiring for agility, data-centered roles, and business acumen.➡️ About us:People masterminds is a team of former scale-up People & Culture leaders who love working with fast-growing companies. We design what scale (or rightsizing) demands. No slide decks, just sharp minds and deep experience. This podcast is our way of sharing knowledge and experience for free. Want to know more about our other services? Visit our ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠contact us⁠⁠ at info@peoplemasterminds.com

June 25, 2025Episode 6243 min

#62 - Executive compensation done right, with Camiel Selker from Optiver

🎙️ Episode summary:In this episode, Camiel Selker joins to discuss executive compensation strategies for scale-ups. Learn how to attract and retain top leaders while aligning compensation with company culture and budget. Gain actionable insights on structuring salary, bonuses, and equity packages to incentivize long-term growth and navigate investor expectations.📖 In this episode:00:00 Introduction to executive compensation05:02 Investor perspectives on compensation07:35 Designing effective compensation packages11:57 Evolving compensation structures15:20 Bonuses and performance incentives19:07 The role of founders in compensation design21:29 Benchmarking compensation effectively23:43 Linking compensation to achievements27:32 The cost of experience30:05 Equity and internal equity33:08 Stock options as a reward36:00 The impact of short-term bonuses38:09 Common mistakes in compensation design41:15 Current trends in executive compensation42:34 Golden rules for founders💡 Key takeaways:Balance founder generosity with investor expectations when structuring early compensation packages.Differentiate compensation as the company matures, focusing on internal equity and the value of specific roles.Use short-term bonuses cautiously to avoid short-term focus and transactional behavior.Document all compensation agreements to avoid future disputes and misunderstandings.Design compensation plans with the future in mind, anticipating the need to attract experienced talent at higher salaries.📌 Resources mentioned:Index Ventures ESOP Guide➡️ About us:People masterminds is a team of former scale-up People & Culture leaders who love working with fast-growing companies. We design what scale (or rightsizing) demands. No slide decks. No theatre. Just sharp minds and deep experience. This podcast is our way of sharing knowledge and experience for free. Want to know more about our other services? Visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠contact us⁠⁠ at info@peoplemasterminds.com

April 28, 2025Episode 6143 min

#61 - Driving AI adoption in your company, with Bas Moeyaert from Loop Earplugs.mp3

🎙️ Episode summary:In this episode, Bas Moeyaert from Loop Earplugs shares Loop’s journey into AI adoption, the structure and function of their dedicated AI team, and actionable strategies for integrating AI into various departments. Discover how Loop creates an AI mindset throughout the organization and overcomes challenges in AI implementation. This episode is a must-listen for leaders aiming to boost organizational performance through AI.📖 In this episode:(00:00) Building an AI-driven company (00:31) Meet Bas Moyart from Loop (02:12) The birth of the AI mindset (03:27) From inspirational sessions to action (06:09) Setting up the AI team (09:04) AI adoption across departments (11:20) Personalizing AI with agents (14:01) Smarter performance reviews with AI (20:21) Boosting creativity and collaboration (23:00) Fighting copycats with AI (27:44) Customer service and legal AI use (31:45) Ethical boundaries of AI (34:03) Scaling AI bottom-up and top-down (36:30) Future dreams with AI at Loop (40:45) Practical tips for starting with AI💡 Key takeaways:Find a passionate champion for AI within your organization to drive adoption and enthusiasm.Position your AI team as strategic partners within the company to understand departmental needs and workflows.Foster a bottom-up approach by allowing employees to experiment with AI tools and share best practices.Track AI tool usage across departments to identify areas needing more support and training.Use AI as an advisor and tool, but always ensure humans make the final decisions, especially in areas requiring ethics and cultural awareness.📌 Resources mentioned:Video Loop EarplugsBook Radical Candor by Kim Scott➡️ About us:People masterminds is a team of former scale-up People & Culture leaders who love working with fast-growing companies. We design what scale (or rightsizing) demands. No slide decks. No theatre. Just sharp minds and deep experience. This podcast is our way of sharing knowledge and experience for free. Want to know more about our other services? Visit our ⁠website⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠contact us⁠.⁠

March 31, 2025Episode 6038 min

#60 - Hacking ownership with steward-ownership, with Gijsbert Koren from We Are Stewards.mp3

🎙️ Episode summary:In this episode, Gijsbert Koren explains how steward ownership helps companies stay true to their mission by separating voting rights from economic rights. Instead of maximizing profits for shareholders, the company serves its purpose long-term. Gijsbert shares examples like Patagonia and Time to Momo, and discusses the pros (mission continuity, employee engagement) and cons (harder fundraising, smaller financial exits).📖 In this episode:(00:00) The power of ownership (00:31) Introduction to steward ownership (02:12) Meet Gijsbert Koren (03:27) What is steward ownership? (06:09) Historical context and evolution (09:04) Steward ownership in the Netherlands (10:03) Starting with steward ownership (11:20) Challenges and misconceptions (14:01) Principles of steward ownership (20:21) Attracting investors (23:00) Consumer appeal and talent (27:44) Decision-making in steward ownership (31:45) Agree or disagree: statements (34:03) Transitioning to steward ownership💡 Key takeaways:Consider steward ownership to keep your company mission-focused.Separate voting rights from economic rights to enable self-governance.Define “enough” profit to align financial goals with your company’s purpose.Involve stakeholders in steward selection for diverse perspectives.Weigh the challenges of attracting capital against the benefits of mission control.📌 Resources mentioned:We Are StewardsShareTribeConnect With Gijsbert➡️ About us:People masterminds is a team of former scale-up People & Culture leaders who love working with fast-growing companies. We design what scale (or rightsizing) demands. No slide decks. No theatre. Just sharp minds and deep experience. This podcast is our way of sharing knowledge and experience for free. Want to know more about our other services? Visit our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or contact us.⁠