Episode SummaryWhat if your HR team had to operate like a profit center—would it survive? In this episode of Built by People, host Dave D’Angelo sits down with Sean Hartley, a seasoned HR executive with over 25 years of global experience, including COO roles and expat assignments in France and the Netherlands. Sean shares how stepping outside of traditional HR roles shaped his leadership philosophy, why context and trust are essential for team success, and how he shifted from legacy-building to stewardship.

With stories from the trenches and actionable advice for HR professionals and business leaders alike, Sean challenges listeners to break down silos, say yes to growth opportunities, and lead with perspective. Whether you’re early in your HR journey or shaping the future of people leadership, this episode delivers grounded wisdom with a global lens.

Key Timestamps

• [00:42] – Sean’s unconventional entry into HR and early career story

• [01:49] – Lessons from global roles and business unit leadership

• [02:28] – A powerful mindset shift: HR as a service the business would pay for

• [03:47] – Why no single career moment defines success

• [05:26] – The leadership blind spot that transformed Sean’s team approach

• [06:48] – Rethinking legacy: why stewardship matters more

• [08:10] – Parting advice: take the opportunity, even when it’s outside your lane

Actionable Takeaways

• Lead HR like a business function—consider how you'd add value if you had to justify every dollar.

• Share context, not just direction—your team performs better when they understand the “why.”

• Let go of the legacy myth—focus on leaving roles better than you found them.

• Trust your team—empowered people deliver better outcomes.

• Say yes to growth opportunities—even those outside your comfort zone.

• Recognize that visibility across the org is a strategic advantage for HR.

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