A Founder's Guide to the Growth-Focused Chief People Officer

The Role of a Growth-Focused CPO in Scaling Startups

For tech startups and all growing businesses, success hinges on their people. During the early stages, founders are deeply involved in their team's challenges. However, as the organisation scales, priorities shift to growth strategies, product development, and securing investment, often overlooking people and culture (P&C).

Think & Grow has been advising founders for over 15 years on hiring capabilities, crafting people strategies, and placing top-tier talent in startups to enable sustainable growth. We emphasise to every founder the importance of investing in people early, especially as talent expectations evolve to include flexibility, diversity and inclusion, hybrid work, and work-life balance.

The Critical Need for a Growth-Focused CPO

Reducing talent turnover, navigating ambitious growth, and hiring effectively all point to the need for a Chief People Officer (CPO). Below, Think & Grow partners Dan Spencer and Paul Marks—seasoned executive search professionals—discuss the CPO's role in fast-growing tech startups and how founders can align people strategies with growth objectives.

Why the CPO Role is Often Misunderstood

Founders may hesitate to hire a CPO due to misconceptions about the role. A mismatch between expectations and capabilities can result in a poorly aligned hire, leaving founders reluctant to try again.

Yet, the CPO plays a vital role in defining company culture, driving talent acquisition and retention, and aligning leadership development with the company's broader vision.

“The focus on the CPO role has intensified, especially in managing talent shortages and navigating global expansion challenges,” says Paul Marks.

How the CPO Role is Evolving

1. Wellbeing The emphasis on employee wellbeing has grown alongside the rising importance of mental health initiatives. Startups are now prioritising these earlier in their lifecycle.
2. Recognition The role of P&C leaders is becoming increasingly integral, with representation on boards and in venture capital leadership growing.
3. Support In times of uncertainty, CPOs help manage organisational challenges like layoffs and restructuring, ensuring smooth transitions.
4. International Expansion For startups scaling globally, CPOs are essential for navigating market entry strategies, growing headcount, and maintaining cultural alignment between regions.
5. Data-Driven Performance Modern CPOs use data to craft KPIs and optimise talent strategies, ensuring measurable results.

Expert Tips for Hiring a Growth-Focused CPO

• Define Your Needs: Understand your company's P&C challenges to determine the skills required.
• Hire Strategically: Avoid over- or under-hiring. Candidates must match the company's growth stage.
• Prioritise Cultural Fit: A CPO shapes culture, so alignment with company values is non-negotiable.
• Seek Expert Advice: Think & Grow specialises in bespoke talent solutions, ensuring startups find the right fit.
• Build a Team: A CPO alone isn't enough—invest in scaling a robust P&C team as your business grows.

What Type of CPO Does Your Business Need?

The right CPO can unlock your startup's full potential by translating growth strategies into actionable people-focused initiatives. They balance business objectives with employee satisfaction, fostering a culture of excellence that supports global scalability.

If your startup aspires to rapid expansion, having a growth-focused CPO is not just an option—it's a necessity.