What does it really look like to run the entire People function solo — and still operate at a strategic level? In this episode, Anisha Thomas, Head of People at Inscribe, shares what it takes to be a team of one at a fast-paced AI startup. From managing headcount planning without over-hiring to leaning on tech to avoid burnout, she offers a refreshingly honest look at how she keeps her footing in the chaos. If you’ve ever worn “all the hats,” this one’s for you.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Leadership Without a Team Anisha reflects on how returning to IC work after leading a team has sharpened her understanding of what real leadership requires — trust, delegation, and a deep knowing of where she adds the most value.

Strategy Needs Time Balancing operational fire drills with strategic priorities is hard — but having a clear North Star for the day, week, and quarter helps her stay grounded and protect time for long-term thinking.

AI as a Teammate, Not a Threat From tools like Ashby and Lattice to constant use of ChatGPT, she’s finding ways to automate the admin and protect energy for what matters most — culture, trust, and conversations.

Reimagining Headcount Planning Instead of annual hiring plans, Inscribe ties new roles to real business triggers. It’s a shift from “gut feel” to metrics and milestones — and it could help stabilize People orgs for the long haul.

⏱️ Timestamped Highlights

00:55 – “I’m a team of one.” Anisha shares how her role has evolved from builder to leader… and back again.

02:19 – How she splits her time between candidate calls, performance reviews, and strategy.

04:14 – The cost of context switching, and how she protects her time with clear priorities.

06:04 – Why she was nervous to hire her first team… and what she learned about delegating.

09:48 – Connecting the dots across the org — even without a big team.

12:20 – The People tech stack she swears by — and how AI makes her life easier.

14:25 – The future of People teams: small, efficient, and AI-enabled.

16:57 – How tying headcount to revenue milestones changes the talent game.

18:50 – Why being in the weeds will always be a superpower — even for leaders.

🔁 Quote Worth Sharing

“I don’t want there to be a disconnect between what we’re building and how we work. So being AI-enabled isn’t optional — it’s table stakes.” — Anisha Thomas

📎 Resources Mentioned

Ashby (for recruiting automation)

Lattice (performance + engagement)