Sandra Schwarzer: Transitioning careers & putting people first at Index Ventures

Sandra Schwarzer: Transitioning careers & putting people first at Index Ventures

Author: JBM, James Mitra February 14, 2024 Duration: 53:00
“You need to figure out what you really need. Not just the role now, but looking at the future and at the competencies you need in your organisation. Figure out how you build a very complementary team, rather than having people who are all the same.”  This week’s 40 Minute Mentor is Sandra Schwarzer, VP C-Suite/Board & EU Talent/Community & Insights Team leader at Index Ventures.  Sandra works with Founders and executive teams on people related issues, including talent strategy, culture and DE&I, and advises Index’ portfolio on their most senior hires.  Before joining Index, Sandra has had a really varied career, including being a headhunter, leading the Global HR, Security & Facilities functions at Open Society Foundations, George Soros’s $23bn private philanthropy, and led INSEAD’s Career Services.  In today’s episode, we unpack the realities of transitioning careers, the complex relationship between recruitment, culture and organisational strategy, and we bust some VC myths along the way. Episode Chapters: ➡️ Why VC is far from transactional [2:01] ➡️ Growing up in East Berlin [3:20] ➡️ Stand out moments from her earlier career [10:56] ➡️ A passion for people [14:25] ➡️ Lessons from being a headhunter [16:19] ➡️ Her perception of VC & why she joined Index [18:54] ➡️ The power of relationship building in VC [20:13] ➡️ How to transition from headhunting to VC [22:54] ➡️ A deep dive into the Index structure [26:01] ➡️ Working with Founders who own their story [29:36] ➡️ Hiring top talent: secrets to success [34:04] ➡️ Getting to know candidates outside of work [39:22] ➡️ Retaining talent in uncertain times [41:19] ➡️ Working with headhunters - the recipe for success [44:54] ⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Sandra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schwarzer/  ➡️ Find out more about Index Ventures: https://www.indexventures.com/ ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what a conversation with a truly groundbreaking founder or an elite performer actually sounds like? 40 Minute Mentor captures exactly that, offering intimate, structured dialogues designed to unpack the real journeys behind extraordinary success. Hosted by James Mitra, this podcast operates on a simple but powerful premise: profound insight doesn't require hours of your time. Each episode is a focused, forty-minute session with a different leader, from purpose-driven entrepreneurs building unique companies to Olympic athletes who have mastered their craft. The conversations move beyond theory, delving into the pivotal decisions, personal challenges, and practical lessons that have shaped their paths. You'll hear not just about their triumphs, but the resilience required during setbacks, providing a honest look at what building a brilliant career or venture genuinely entails. As one of the UK's prominent business podcasts, it serves as a direct source of mentorship, aiming to elevate ambitions by sharing these powerful career narratives. Tune in for a regular dose of inspiration and actionable wisdom, all within the span of a single commute or workout.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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