Kelly Price – The 2026 Leadership Reset: Accountability, Trust, and Burnout Prevention
Wed Feb 04 2026
What if accountability isn’t the problem—but the way leaders practice it is?
In this episode of the People/AI Strategy Forum, Sam Reeve and Sumit Saha sit down with Kelly Price, Founder of Thrive HR, to explore how leaders can raise performance standards without creating burnout, disengagement, or fear.
As organizations head into 2026, many managers feel trapped between two bad options: being so lenient that performance slips, or being so rigid that trust erodes. Kelly shares real-world examples and practical frameworks that show how accountability, flexibility, and empathy can coexist—when leaders set clear expectations, give timely feedback, and truly understand their people.
This conversation covers:
Why accountability systems often fail—and how to fix them
How clear expectations reduce burnout and improve engagement
The role of leadership training in improving retention and performance
Why feedback should happen in real time, not just during reviews
How leaders can support people without lowering standards
If you’re a founder, executive, or HR leader navigating rapid change, hybrid work, and rising burnout, this episode offers grounded insights you can apply immediately.
Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, people strategy, and the future of work.
If you enjoyed this episode, follow the People/AI Strategy Forum on your preferred podcast platform and join the conversation!
About the People/AI Strategy Forum
The People/AI Strategy Forum explores how leaders navigate the intersection of people strategy, leadership, and artificial intelligence. Hosted by Sam Reeve, Founder & CEO of CompTeam, the Forum features conversations with executives, practitioners, and experts shaping the future of work.
Learn more about CompTeam and the People/AI Strategy Forum at compteam.net.
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What if accountability isn’t the problem—but the way leaders practice it is? In this episode of the People/AI Strategy Forum, Sam Reeve and Sumit Saha sit down with Kelly Price, Founder of Thrive HR, to explore how leaders can raise performance standards without creating burnout, disengagement, or fear. As organizations head into 2026, many managers feel trapped between two bad options: being so lenient that performance slips, or being so rigid that trust erodes. Kelly shares real-world examples and practical frameworks that show how accountability, flexibility, and empathy can coexist—when leaders set clear expectations, give timely feedback, and truly understand their people. This conversation covers: Why accountability systems often fail—and how to fix them How clear expectations reduce burnout and improve engagement The role of leadership training in improving retention and performance Why feedback should happen in real time, not just during reviews How leaders can support people without lowering standards If you’re a founder, executive, or HR leader navigating rapid change, hybrid work, and rising burnout, this episode offers grounded insights you can apply immediately. Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, people strategy, and the future of work. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the People/AI Strategy Forum on your preferred podcast platform and join the conversation! About the People/AI Strategy Forum The People/AI Strategy Forum explores how leaders navigate the intersection of people strategy, leadership, and artificial intelligence. Hosted by Sam Reeve, Founder & CEO of CompTeam, the Forum features conversations with executives, practitioners, and experts shaping the future of work. Learn more about CompTeam and the People/AI Strategy Forum at compteam.net.