Building the People Operating System for Startups and Scaling Companies
Fractional People Executive & Operator // ex-Chief People Officer ​
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I partner with founders and CEOs — typically at companies between 30 and 100 people — as a thought partner and operator to build the people foundations their next stage of growth actually needs.
Hi, I'm Sholeh. Founder of Startup Talent HR.
I've spent the last two decades building and leading People and Talent functions from the ground up — from scrappy startups to scaling teams across continents. Now I partner with founders and CEOs to help them do the same, with clarity and without unnecessary complexity.
You don't need a big HR team. You need someone who's been here before — who can think at the executive level and operate like a builder — someone who can connect your vision to the people systems, culture, and leadership foundations that make growth sustainable. Read More.
Expertise
People Strategy & The Startup People OS
Building the Roadmap Your Next Stage Actually Needs
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I get inside your business first — understanding where you are, where you're headed, and what's getting in the way. Then we build a clear people roadmap and act on it together.
Hiring & Talent
Building the Hiring Frameworks That Reflect Your Values & Scale With You
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Hiring at this stage isn't just about filling roles — it's about finding people who fit where you're going, not just where you are. I help you build a repeatable, values-aligned hiring process that grows with the company.
Culture & Leadership
Protecting What Makes You Great While Building What Comes Next
Your culture is real and worth protecting — but right now it may only live in your words and your earliest hires. I help you make it transferable, scalable, and felt by everyone who joins.
People Operations & HR
Simple, Pracitcal Systems That Actually Get Used
No overcomplicated playbooks. No corporate HR jargon. Just the right people systems, processes, and tech stack for your stage — built to run smoothly so you can focus on the business.
How We Work Together
Every engagement starts the same way — I get inside your business, understand where you are and where you're headed, and build a clear roadmap of priorities we act on together. The format depends on what you need most.
Fractional
Embedded as part of your leadership team on an ongoing basis — your dedicated People Executive & Operator without the full-time cost. Best for founders and CEOs who need a consistent thought partner and builder over time.
Consulting
Strategic guidance and recommendations when you need an experienced outside perspective to shape direction. Best when you have the internal capacity to execute but need someone who's been here before to help set the course.
Project-Based
Focused execution on a specific people initiative with a clear scope and timeline. Best when you have a defined challenge that needs experienced hands to build and deliver.