Still think HR needs to be full-time to be high-impact?
Think again.
In this episode of The Culture Chronicles, I sit down with Sarah Alaimo, a powerhouse fractional HR executive who’s redefining leadership on her own terms, minus the burnout, politics, or bloated org charts.
We’re unpacking what it really looks like when HR leads with empathy, sets boundaries like a boss, and becomes the heartbeat of culture instead of the office scapegoat. From emotional safety and expectation setting to calling out red flags and rewriting the role of HR, Sarah brings receipts, real talk, and razor-sharp insights.
If you’re still clutching your pearls at the idea of fractional HR, buckle up. This episode might just shake your definition of leadership, and show you why less really can mean more.
We cover:
– Why fractional HR isn’t a downgrade—it’s a smart, strategic power move
– The role of emotional safety in building real trust (especially remotely)
– How Sarah blends lived experience with executive savvy to lead culture-first orgs
– The green flags you should be looking for—and the red ones you should run from
– Why setting boundaries is the ultimate leadership flex
– What leaders need to know before making the leap into fractional work
Why this episode matters:
Too many companies are stuck in the past—clinging to outdated models of HR that breed burnout and bureaucracy. Sarah offers a clear, compelling look at the future of people leadership: lean, intentional, and deeply human.
About Sarah:
Sarah Alaimo is a seasoned HR executive, leadership advisor, and fractional people strategist on a mission to help companies grow without losing their soul. With a background that spans corporate HR, executive leadership, and lived experience as a recovery advocate, Sarah blends radical empathy with business savvy to create people-first cultures that actually work.
As a fractional HR leader, she partners with fast-growing startups and mission-driven organizations to build trust, establish boundaries, and elevate the employee experience—without the bloated headcount or corporate fluff. She's especially passionate about redefining what leadership looks like for women, for survivors, and for anyone who’s tired of being told they’re “too much” for the boardroom.
Why she matters to you:
Sarah proves that you don’t need to be full-time to be high-impact—and that real HR leadership doesn’t come from enforcing rules, it comes from building trust. If you’ve ever felt called to lead differently, this one’s for you.
Learn more about Sarah and her business: https://elevateconsultingcollective.com
📎 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahdalaimo/
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahdalaimo/?hl=en
Check out Sarah's published works: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sarah-Alaimo/author/B09CVXVMWG?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=d179f514-7606-4556-a1d0-504004da0848
Host Bio:Kate Ball is an international talent strategist, bestselling author, and unapologetic Bullshit Exorcist on a mission to torch performative HR and take down corporate nonsense with a smile. With 20+ years spent shaking up culture, leadership, and talent strategy at giants like Amazon, Expedia, and Cision, she now runs Sparkle & Sass Consulting—helping brave companies and bolder leaders stop playing nice and start doing better.On The Culture Chronicles, Kate calls it like it is: no jargon, no fluff, and definitely no beige. Just sharp minds, spicy takes, and real talk about what’s broken at work—and who’s bold enough to fix it.This isn’t your HR department’s podcast. It’s the one they hope you never find.
Learn More About Kate:www.sparkleandsassconsulting.comConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateball1/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_culturechronicles/Explore The Culture Chronicles Book Series: https://www.amazon.com/author/kateball