Episode
Ep 68: HR Is Not Your Friend. Or Are They?
- Published
- May 27, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2996
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Summary
Is HR really your friend? In this episode of Leading Below the Surface, LaTonya Wilkins sits down with two seasoned HR veterans, Turiya Gray (HR Unconfidential) and Krista Lane (HR Peep Show) for a candid, unfiltered conversation about what it really means to work in and with HR. From surprise performance reviews to AI-driven layoffs to the myth of the strategic seat at the table, they go below the surface on what HR is actually for, who holds the power, and what it looks like when HR leaders show up with courage. 🎥 Prefer to watch? This episode is also available on YouTube with chapters: https://www.youtube.com/@changecoaches/podcasts Episode Chapters & Key Moments [00:00] Is HR your friend? Setting the stage LaTonya shares what inspired this episode: layoffs, bad experiences, and a question she couldn't shake. [03:15] Introducing Turiya Gray, fractional CPO, 25+ years in HR From leading HR teams at tech companies to fractional work and why she's "over the HR profession." [05:00] Introducing Krista Lane,fractional HR for startups and nonprofits Why she got into fractional HR and what she means by "secretly not boring." [06:40] LaTonya's HR horror stories: A mentor who gave a surprise bad review. A senior leader who fast-tracked her then ghosted her. Sound familiar? [09:55] Performance reviews: the real story. Why surprises in reviews signal a broken system, misaligned incentives, and a culture of fear instead of growth. [10:00] Turiya's honest take: HR is not your friend. What HR should be and why conflating the role with friendship creates unrealistic expectations and real harm. [13:40] So who is HR actually for? Navigating the multi-spoke service model between company, leaders, and employees, and where the hierarchy really lives. [23:50] AI a…