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Steve Browne, Chief People Officer at LaRosa’s Pizzeria, Inc.
Description
Episode Summary
What if HR didn’t feel like “HR”? In this episode of HR Voices, host Emily Fenech sits down with Steve Browne, Chief People Officer at LaRosa’s Pizzerias a Cincinnati-based, 71-year-old brand built on family, food, and fierce community pride.
Steve shares how LaRosa’s has cultivated a people-first culture where employees from teen cooks to long-time franchisees feel seen, heard, and supported.
With more than 1,000 team members and 65+ locations, Steve explains why HR at LaRosa’s isn’t about policies it’s about presence. He dives into the practice of “one plus one” conversations, why they ditched departments for a skills-first approach, and how intentional development is replacing outdated performance management.
The episode also explores how LaRosa’s is embracing technology (yes, even ChatGPT) while staying true to its local, human touch.
Whether you're leading a people team or just craving a slice of culture transformation, this conversation will leave you with practical insights and possibly hungry for pizza.
Timestamps
[00:34] – Meet Steve Browne and the culture behind LaRosa’s Pizzerias
[01:29] – What makes LaRosa’s “iconic” in Cincinnati
[03:04] – Transforming HR’s image through presence and relationships
[06:12] – Why showing up—without an agenda—builds trust
[09:21] – Development over performance: A new way to grow people
[13:48] – Rethinking departments: Moving from silos to shared skills
[17:43] – How AI and tech are enhancing—not replacing human work
[23:04] – Steve’s final advice: Lead with passion, not policy
Actionable Takeaways
- Be present, not performative – HR builds credibility by showing up consistently and authentically.
- Shift from performance management to personalized development – Focus on strengths and ask employees what they need to grow.
- Use tech to amplify human potential – Let AI streamline workflows, but keep the people experience at the center.
- Challenge traditional org charts – Break silos by focusing on work, not just roles or titles.
- Build relationships before you need them – Trust and connection are the foundation of resilient cultures.
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