Podcast

September 25, 2025

What star employees look like in 2025, with Sequoia VP talent Zoe Hewitt

"Find the people given an unfair amount of responsibility relative to their achievements," says Sequoia's talent magnet


As VP of talent for legendary Silicon Valley VC Sequoia Capital, Zoe Hewitt has a pretty unparalleled view on where Europe’s tech talent is moving, and what challenges it’s facing.

And — as AI changes the art of company building, and startups and scaleups rip up the hiring rulebook as a result — those challenges are mounting.

Hewitt knows where top talent wants to work, how to spot a future founder, what 'the office of the CEO' really means and which roles are most in-demand (and highly remunerated!)

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In this episode of the Sifted Podcast she unpacks why management layers are thinning, how the role of CEO is changing and gives her tips for founders and tech employees wondering how to future-proof themselves in a fast-changing world of work.

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To get in-person talent advice from Zoe Hewitt, catch her at the Sifted Summit on October 8, answering your questions live.

Amy Lewin

Amy Lewin is Sifted’s editor and host of Startup Europe — The Sifted Podcast . Follow her on X, LinkedIn and Bluesky

Maya Dharampal-Hornby

Maya Dharampal-Hornby is Sifted's editorial assistant and producer of Startup Europe — The Sifted Podcast .

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