Curriculum Overview
This 16 week transformational experience is equivalent in rigor and intensity to an executive MBA program.
Total Rewards
Learning and Development
Culture, Engagement, and Communications
Performance Management & Goal Setting
Legal and Compliance
People Analytics and Dashboards
Where Next? + HR Career Path
Conclusion and Capstone
Introductions and Objectives
The Role of HR in a High Growth Organization
Prioritizing, Aligning, and Influence
Strategic People Plan
Organizational Structure
Employment Value Proposition
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Talent Acquisition
A Sample Week.
Topic: Organizational Structure
You will learn how to design structures that define role boundaries, reduce conflict, and clarify decision-making rights.
The Basics.
Aim for the goldilocks zone (not too much - or too little - structure and control)
Clarify decision-making rights
Hire stage-appropriate leaders
Maintain appropriate management spans and layers
Assigned Readings.
Bartlow & Harris, “Scaling for Success”, Chapter 2
Elad Gil, “High Growth Handbook”, Chapter 5, pages 168-183
Georgina Laudi, “When lack of clarity is killing your team’s effectiveness: RACI for startups”
Gulati & DeSantola, “Startups That Last”
Larry Greiner, “Evolution and Revolution as Organizations Grow” (optional)
Assignments.
Draft a RACI matrix for your executive team with ~20 line items, post to the cohort shared folder by 5pm PT, Tuesday.
Writing prompt: “What organizational structure challenges exist at your organization today, and why? Upon reflection, what could be done to reduce conflict, increase clarity, and/or improve effectiveness?” Post 1-2 page response to the cohort shared folder by 5pm PT, Tuesday.
Read responses from the cohort to the writing prompt and select one to respond to. Post ½-1 page response to the cohort shared folder by 5pm PT, Wednesday.
Participate in the live cohort Zoom video meeting 1-2:30pm PT, Thursday. Office hours will be conducted for 30 minutes immediately after.
Expectations & Guidelines.
Anticipate spending ~5 hours per week on the program, including readings, assignments, and cohort interaction.
Active participation is key. We have intimate cohorts (15 or fewer) to ensure extensive group interaction and authentic relationship-building.
1-on-1 mentoring by faculty is available for no additional fee during the program.
Weekly group discussions are typically 90 minutes in length, with “office hours” held immediately thereafter.
Certification at the conclusion of the program will be contingent upon completing all program elements in a thorough and timely manner.
Everything we discuss as a group is confidential, and please be kind to each other!
PLA Explainer Video
Ground yourself in the practical and academic foundations of the work.
Be mentored by multiple experienced high-growth HR leaders who will get to know you personally and professionally.
Learn from peers in similar roles at similar organizations.
And, continue to engage through our unparalleled alumni community and Slack workspace.
Program Overview
The investment to join the Spring 2026 cohort is $12,000. Significant partial scholarships are also potentially available.
Applications are due no later than December 12, 2025.
Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 15 to facilitate deep personal interactions.
Click here for a sample email template to request employer reimbursement / sponsorship.
