Episode SummaryWhat can an engineer-turned-submarine-officer teach us about the future of HR? In this episode of Built by People, host Dave D’Angelo sits down with Cary Sparrow, Founder and CEO of WageScape, to explore a career path that defies convention—and unlocks powerful leadership lessons. From leading teams on nuclear-powered submarines to building cutting-edge HR technology, Cary brings a unique lens to workforce innovation, people leadership, and navigating change.

Cary shares pivotal moments from his journey, including a confidence-boosting lesson from his early Navy days, and a career-defining conversation that helped one of his team members pivot into a general management role. He also dives into the entrepreneurial leap from corporate HR to launching WageScape, the mindset shift required for startup leadership, and why data—not process or technology—is often the biggest bottleneck in HR transformation.

Plus, Cary offers candid advice to HR leaders on embracing AI’s accelerating impact on the world of work—and why staying passive isn’t an option.

Key Timestamps

• [00:10] – Cary’s unconventional journey from submarines to HR tech

• [02:11] – A mentor’s advice that shaped Cary’s career confidence

• [03:40] – Helping others grow: a story of transformational feedback

• [04:34] – Lessons from entrepreneurship: Why speed beats perfection

• [06:23] – What pushed Cary to leave corporate life and build WageScape

• [07:15] – Why messy data—not process—is HR’s biggest challenge

• [09:04] – Cary’s evolving leadership legacy: from systems to people

• [10:31] – Urgent advice for HR leaders on navigating AI disruption

Takeaways

• Build confidence early and trust your potential—even before you see the full picture

• Act fast and iterate: Speed is essential when launching a business

• Look beyond your current role—many career paths are broader than they seem

• Data quality is often the hidden obstacle in HR transformation

• Leadership impact is measured in people, not just performance

• Understanding AI’s implications is now a must for every HR professional

Our SponsorPrevi is an employer network that provides private pricing for employees. Joining the Previ network allows employees to save on necessities they already pay for, such as cell phone service and insurance. Previ saves the average employee $2,200/year. ⁠Join at no cost to the company.⁠