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TOOLiee and we love cheering for builders who make work a little easier (and a lot better). The TSOW Launchpad introduced us to some amazing startups, and these three from our favourite list truly stood out for HR teams.
YourEngineer helps HRs find the right engineering talent without the usual hiring headaches
GB HERMES takes the stress out of HR operations with a smooth, all-in-one HRMS
ReferMate turns employee referrals into a happy, high-impact hiring channel — helping HRs hire faster, smarter, and with a big people-first smile.
🧠 Here’s a TOOLiee Fun Fact!
Companies with structured hiring processes fill roles up to 40% faster without sacrificing performance or retention — because clear criteria and defined stages help teams make better decisions faster
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The best HR advice comes from people who’ve been in the trenches.
That’s what this newsletter delivers.
I Hate it Here is your insider’s guide to surviving and thriving in HR, from someone who’s been there. It’s not about theory or buzzwords — it’s about practical, real-world advice for navigating everything from tricky managers to messy policies.
Every newsletter is written by Hebba Youssef — a Chief People Officer who’s seen it all and is here to share what actually works (and what doesn’t). We’re talking real talk, real strategies, and real support — all with a side of humor to keep you sane.
Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.
🛠️ TOOLiee’s Pick of the Day :
YourEngineer is a platform built to connect engineers with learning, opportunities, and real-world projects while helping companies access a focused engineering talent pool. It bridges the gap between technical talent and hiring teams through a community-driven approach.
Why we love it:
GB HERMES is a comprehensive HRMS that manages the entire employee lifecycle — from onboarding to payroll, performance, and compliance. It brings multiple HR workflows under one smooth, centralized system.
Why we love it:
3️⃣ ReferMate
ReferMate is a referral-driven hiring platform that helps companies source talent through trusted networks by automating referrals, tracking progress, and managing rewards seamlessly.
Why we love it:
🎟️The Shape of Work: HR Playbook 6.0🎟️
Last year, across five Playbooks, 17,000+ HR leaders registered and 8,000+ showed up live. That told us one thing clearly: people don’t want more frameworks. They want real conversations.
This edition goes straight into the uncomfortable, practical stuff:
• Exits, gratuity, F&F, and compliance realities
• Rethinking performance appraisals from scratch
• Progressive policies vs real workplace behavior
• Managers navigating judgment in an AI-enabled world
• Hiring that separates stories from signals
With speakers from Microland, OpenGov, TBO.COM, SARAS AI Institute and more.
Certificates, live lucky draws, and free takeaway resources included.
🧠HR Meetups You’ll Actually Enjoy
✅TSOW HR Meetup in Delhi, Saturday, February 7
Meet your fellow HR trailblazers, share stories that only HR folks truly get, and walk away with fresh ideas you can actually use. Oh, and yes - there’s a shiny digital badge for showing off your HR cred. Limited seats - grab yours before they vanish!
✅TSOW HR Meetup in Mumbai, Saturday, February 14
Connect with an incredible community of HR professionals, exchange real-world insights, and walk away with renewed clarity and confidence, and of course — your digital badge awaits! Seats are limited - save your spot now.
✅TSOW HR Meetup in Hyderabad, Saturday, February 21
Hang out with HR peers, swap insights, and leave inspired with actionable strategies. Oh, and there’s a digital badge for bragging rights! Limited seats—grab yours before they’re gone.
✅ TSOW HR Meetup in Bhubaneswar, Saturday, March 7
Step away from the inbox and into real conversations with HR leaders who get it. Swap stories, spark ideas, and leave with practical takeaways you can use on Monday morning. Plus, yes — your digital badge is ready. Limited seats, don’t wait!
✅ TSOW HR Meetup in Kochi, Saturday, March 7
An interactive session for HRs who want less theory and more “this worked for us.” Learn from real case studies, honest conversations, and practical frameworks you can apply immediately. Seats are limited — save yours now!
✅ TSOW HR Meetup in Indore, Saturday, March 14
No slides, no jargon — just meaningful conversations with HR peers over coffee. Share challenges, exchange insights, and walk away with fresh perspectives on people, culture, and leadership. Grab your seats!
Before you go...
Remember, behind every great company is a team that someone believed in — and behind every great HR pro is the power to build that belief.
Whether you’re discovering new talent, streamlining your processes, or just figuring it out as you go, you’re shaping the future of work.
So here’s to the connectors, the problem-solvers, and the people who make work work. TOOLiee’s got your back, every step of the way.
See you in the next one — until then, keep building something amazing. 💛🐾
