In this episode of the Stop Scrolling, Start Scaling podcast, Emma sits down with Kira LaForgia, founder of Paradigm, a company revolutionizing HR for modern small businesses. As entrepreneurs, it can be difficult to know how to approach HR on our small teams. Can we handle the responsibilities ourselves? What does that look like? And when is it time to hire support? With years of experience managing over 500 employees for a multi-million-dollar company, Kira brings invaluable insights on building effective HR practices, leading teams, and balancing the pressures of entrepreneurship to this episode. Plus, she shares her personal journey of navigating corporate burnout and shares actionable advice for how to empower yourself, your people and your workplace culture.
Listen in as Emma and Kira discuss:
- The importance of HR in small businesses and why it’s often overlooked
- Effective leadership: balancing operational success with personal authenticity
- How to let go of control and empower your team to take the reins
And much, much more!
The Importance of HR in Small Businesses and Why It’s Often Overlooked
Many entrepreneurs don’t realize how crucial HR is until it’s too late. Kira highlights how HR impacts nearly every aspect of a business—from payroll to leadership training—and explains why entrepreneurs should consider HR even when they think their company is too small for it. HR isn’t just about following laws or avoiding risks; it’s about building a strong, supportive company culture that fuels growth and innovation. For Kira, the success of her clients comes from their ability to balance operational processes with the human side of their business—an approach that her company, Paradigm, is designed to support.
Effective Leadership: Balancing Operational Success with Personal Authenticity
Kira dives into the idea that women can and should lead authentically. She challenges the misconception that women need to fit into traditional molds of leadership, encouraging women to bring their true selves to the table. However, she also stresses the importance of being equipped with the right tools, particularly HR policies and procedures, to navigate leadership confidently. Kira believes that effective leadership is a learned skill—it’s not about being “born” a leader but about intentionally developing those skills while staying true to yourself.
How to Let Go of Control and Let Your Team Take The Reins
Kira’s journey emphasizes the critical lesson many entrepreneurs overlook: learning how to delegate and trust their team. She shares a powerful story about her own burnout and how her team stepped up when she had no choice but to let go. Kira discovered that leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself but about equipping others to succeed. Her experience of panic and stress transformed into a deeper appreciation for the value of well-trained, empowered employees. By letting her team take ownership, Kira not only protected her mental health but also saw her company grow by 30%.
Connect with Kira:
Listen to Kira’s podcast, On the Up and Up
Take the Paradigm quiz to Discover your People Leader Archetype
See all of the services Paradigm has to offer
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