In this episode of the Build by People Leaders podcast, host Daria Rudnik speaks with Elena Krutova, a seasoned HR and operations leader with over 20 years of experience. Elena shares her journey from recruiter to Chief Operations Officer, highlighting the importance of human-centric leadership, integrity, and delivering tangible results. She discusses strategies for HR professionals to be true business partners, the challenges of leading transformations in both fast-growing and struggling organizations, and the role of AI as an efficiency-enhancing tool rather than a replacement for human connection. Elena also shares her advice for sustaining a successful career after 40, emphasizing persistence, confidence, and continuous learning.

Takeaways

• HR earns a real seat at the table by delivering outcomes, not just “the right theory”.
• A sustainable career in fast-growing companies comes from clarity of purpose, strong values, and doing consistent “baby steps”.
• Moving from HR into broader operational leadership is possible when you understand how people work and can connect human, financial, legal, compliance, and process perspectives.
• The hardest transformations aren’t growth—they’re restoring health in struggling organizations, making fair but sometimes unpopular decisions with a “surgeon” mindset.
• AI should boost HR’s efficiency (policies, comms, materials) but never replace human connection.

Linkedin - https://cy.linkedin.com/in/elenakrutova

Company - www.voiso.com

HR, leadership, business partner, AI in HR, career growth, organizational transformation, employee engagement, human resources, operations, workplace dynamics