Episode 85: Going to Work at a “Rocket Ship” Startup to Make it Rich with Nahed Khairallah
Synopsis
Episode 85. Finding a fast growing business that is ready to grow like a rocket is tough, but we’ve all heard the stories of employees who join early and cash-in big with stock options on an exit. The nuances behind finding, nurturing and growing those companies is hard. Sometimes the great ideas with lots of momentum go to zero.
In this episode of the Lifetime at Work Podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Nahed Khairallah, an HR expert and former founder who has worked with over 100 companies. Karela shares his unique journey from IT to HR, driven by curiosity about why successful companies fail.
They discuss the common pitfalls of scaling startups, particularly issues with founders hoarding work and rapid, unmanaged hiring. Karela offers insights into identifying when to hire, fixing internal processes first, and engaging employees in the company’s vision. Learn valuable lessons on building strong organizational infrastructure and the importance of effective communication from an HR professional who emphasizes process improvement over immediate hiring.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:23 Meet Nahed Khairallah: HR Expert and Founder
01:20 Nahed's Journey into HR
03:39 Pro Bono Work and Building Expertise
11:42 Scaling Companies: Common Challenges
15:51 Identifying a Good Place to Work
21:21 Hiring the Right People for Startups
26:09 Hiring the Right People: Key Strategies
27:09 Addressing Internal Issues: A Case Study
34:58 Transforming Company Culture
42:14 The Role of HR in Scaling Startups
43:37 Podcast Insights and Common Themes
48:10 Connecting with the Podcast Host
Background and Key Links
Nahed Khairallah is a leading HR strategist and advisor who has helped over 150 startups scale from early-stage ventures to 9-figure businesses across the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
He is the founder and host of the Organized Chaos podcast, where he shares actionable insights on HR, startups, and business growth. Through weekly episodes and a companion newsletter, Nahed equips founders, CEOs, and HR leaders with the tools to scale sustainably.
Connect with Nahed Khairallah on LinkedIn and visit organizedchaos.fyi to learn more.