From Agency Grind to SoundCloud: How Allie Shulman Found Her People in HR (LIVE @ Transform 2026)

WATCH: Recorded live at Transform 2026, this episode is a candid, high-energy conversation between host Adam Poser and Allie Shulman, VP of People & Culture at SoundCloud — the iconic music streaming platform that's been a launchpad for artists, DJs, and creators for over a decade. Adam and Allie share a unique origin story: they both started their careers at Onward Search, a recruiting firm where they discovered their love for the people business. That shared foundation sets the tone for a conversation that's as personal as it is professional. Allie opens up about leaving a workplace where she didn't feel safe as a newly out queer person, finding belonging at Onward Search, and ultimately following her passion for music into an in-house HR career that led her to SoundCloud. As VP of People & Culture, Allie is currently leading one of her biggest initiatives: building authentic, lived-in company values from scratch — not the kind that end up as a poster on a wall, but ones that emerge from executives, get pressure-tested by culture keepers, and roll out with a real adoption plan. She also shares SoundCloud's standout approach to benefits (including a $1,600 annual learning and development stipend), the importance of personalizing the candidate experience, and why a "culture of no surprises" should be the north star for every people leader. Equal parts funny, vulnerable, and sharp, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in HR, recruiting, or people ops — and for anyone who's ever wondered what it looks like to build a career around both your professional skills and your passions. Connect with Allie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allieshulman/