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Smarter Scaling for HR: PeopleOps & HR Tech Strategies for Startups & SMBs

Practical strategies for scaling PeopleOps and choosing HR tools that grow with your company.

Phil Strazzulla
HR Tech Expert, Harvard MBA, Software Enthusiast
Contributing Experts
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Growing a company is hard. Scaling HR while doing it? Even harder.

Startups and SMBs often run lean, and HR leaders are left juggling tactical work with long-term planning. Between headcount pressure, tool sprawl, and shifting priorities, it’s easy to lose track of what really supports the business.

This webinar is built for HR and People leaders at high-growth startups and small-to-mid-sized companies. We’ll explore how to scale PeopleOps functions and HR tech stacks in ways that are efficient, aligned, and future-proof.

In this session, we’ll cover:

  • What to prioritize when you’re the only (or first) HR hire
  • When to invest in tools vs. build manually
  • How to build your first HR tech stack without wasting budget
  • What early-stage HR teams often get wrong about culture
  • Where AI fits into your scaling strategy

Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to fix what’s already in motion, this session will help you scale smarter — not just faster.

Meet the Speakers:

Jeff Wellstead | Founder & CEO, Big Bear Partners
Jeff is an HR tech expert and strategic advisor with 20+ years of experience helping startups scale. He’s built and optimized PeopleOps functions for high-growth companies across the UK and globally, with a focus on AI-driven transformation and sustainable systems.

Alex Seiler | Fractional CPO, Speaker & Startup Advisor

Alex has led global People teams, advised early-stage companies, and helped organizations scale while staying people-first. His expertise spans DEI, mental health, and creating systems that grow with the business.

Facilitated by Phil Strazzulla, Founder of SelectSoftware Reviews

Bonus: Get Free Help Choosing HR Software

Choosing your first (or next) HRIS, ATS, or payroll tool can be overwhelming — especially with limited time and budget.

All attendees get free access to SSR’s HR Software Advisor service. You’ll receive personalized vendor recommendations based on your company’s size, goals, and budget — with no sales pressure or wasted demo calls.

🎁 Bonus: Plus a $50 gift card if we can help you find great HR tech! Whether you spend it on lunch, or something for yourself, it’s on us.*

[*​​The above offer is limited to HR leaders in the US, Canada, and other qualifying geographies who are in market to purchase a new HRIS or ATS in the next 12 months and want help shortlisting the right vendors for their organization at the time of the call.]

Get Your Free HR Software Matches

Attendee Perks

  • Live Q&A with panelists
  • Post-event Session Takeaways
  • 1 SHRM & HRCI recertification credit (pre-approved)
Phil Strazzulla
HR Tech Expert, Harvard MBA, Software Enthusiast
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Phil is the founder of SelectSoftware Reviews, a website dedicated to helping HR and Recruiting teams find and buy the right software through in-depth, expert advice. He has bought over $1 million worth of HR and Recruiting tools. Additionally, as of 2023, nearly 3 million HR professionals have relied on his advice to determine which business software they should buy.

Phil studied finance at New York University and started his career working in venture capital before getting his MBA from Harvard Business School. His in-depth understanding of the Saas landscape, especially HR Tech, stems from nearly a decade of researching and working with these tools as a computer programmer, user, and entrepreneur.

Featured in: Entrepreneur Harvard Business School Yahoo HR.com Recruiting Daily Hacking HR Podcast HR ShopTalk Podcast Employer Branding for Talent Acquisition (Udemy Course)

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