In this episode of Reimagining Company Culture, we’re chatting with Laurie Tennant, Principal, People Advisory at Norwest Venture Partners. Laurie has more than 20 years of experience in various human resources leadership roles in both start-up and large company environments. Tune in to learn Laurie’s thoughts on leading with empathy during a reduction in force, creating space for employees post RIF, what not to do during a RIF, and more!

Laurie has more than 20 years of experience in various human resources leadership roles in both start-up and large company environments. As a member of the portfolio services team, Laurie serves as a strategic business partner to a wide variety of Norwest portfolio companies. Laurie advises portfolio executives on best practices around HR policies and programs, planning and infrastructure, and compliance guidance. She also collects and provides industry and portfolio company benchmarks for managing the people side of each portfolio company’s unique organization. Before joining Norwest, Laurie was the director of HR services at a venture-backed technology start-up company. In this role, she led the development and delivery of a comprehensive suite of products and services including benefits, payroll, training, and consulting. Earlier, Laurie was a human capital consultant at TriNet HR, and spent 12 years at Accenture, most recently as the Director of HR for Northern California. Laurie holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from Kalamazoo College and a graduate certificate in executive coaching.