What does it look like to truly raise the talent bar in a 5,000-person, remote-first company at scale? In this episode, we sit down with LJ Brock, Chief People Officer at Coinbase, to unpack how one of the most talked-about talent models in tech is actually being run day to day.

Drawing on his background in recruiting, his leadership at Citadel, and his role in helping build Red Hat, LJ shares how Coinbase operationalizes talent density. From executives reviewing every hire to expectations that rise year over year, raising the bar becomes a real and sometimes uncomfortable responsibility for everyone.

We also explore how Coinbase approaches culture in a remote-first, not remote-only, world. LJ explains the role of hubs, surges, and intentional in-person moments, and why authenticity now matters more than any polished employer brand story.

Finally, the conversation dives into AI and the future of HR. Topics include AI-driven interviewing at massive scale, performance systems that surface real impact, and the hard questions around early-career talent in a world where entry-level work can be automated.

At the core of the episode is a clear belief. HR’s real job is helping companies navigate uncertainty with honesty, ambition, and a very high bar for talent. This episode is essential listening for CHROs, CEOs, talent leaders, and anyone leading people through rapid change.

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