AI meets HR: redefining people ops with DreamTeam
In the latest episode of The Cereal Entrepreneur podcast, Startups Magazine Editor, Anna Wood, speaks with Shirley Baumer, Co-Founder and CPO of DreamTeam.
Shirley’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep belief in the power of people. As the first-ever product manager at monday.com, she witnessed firsthand how company culture and people are the true drivers of business success. “What made it successful wasn’t necessarily the tech, but the people and culture,” Shirley reflects. This realisation became the foundation for DreamTeam, a company on a mission to empower HR leaders to focus on impactful work rather than administrative burdens.
Reinventing HR for modern teams
DreamTeam stands out in the crowded HR tech landscape by offering a flexible, open platform designed to fit each company “like a glove.” Unlike traditional HR tools that force rigid workflows, DreamTeam enables organisations to design their own processes, eliminating the need for multiple point solutions or armies of consultants.
At the heart of its innovation are autonomous AI agents – described by Shirley as “smart little AI colleagues” – that handle repetitive, time-consuming tasks, freeing HR professionals to focus on strategy, coaching, and building trust within their organisations.
Shirley explains, “We help to cut off the admin work almost to zero, so HR can focus on what really matters.” This approach not only streamlines operations but also elevates the role of HR, positioning it as a strategic partner in business growth.
Serving the underserved: SMBs and beyond
Currently, DreamTeam is focused on serving small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with 50 to 500 employees, particularly in tech, financial services, and business services. Shirley notes that these companies need structure without the bureaucracy of larger enterprises. However, the vision doesn’t stop there. Drawing parallels to her experience at monday.com, Shirley envisions DreamTeam evolving to support larger organisations as the product matures, promising customers that “we will grow with you.”
AI: the HR game changer
A significant portion of the podcast delves into the transformative role of AI in HR. Shirley likens the current state of AI adoption to the early days of GPS – present but not fully trusted. She predicts that in the next five years, AI agents will autonomously manage complex, multi-step HR processes, fundamentally changing the profession.
“AI will allow HR to be more human, not less,” she asserts, emphasising that automation will give HR leaders the headspace to focus on listening, coaching, and navigating organisational complexity.
Overcoming challenges and building resilience
The DreamTeam journey hasn’t been without challenges. She candidly shares the difficulties of leading a startup during times of crisis, including personal responsibilities.
Her leadership philosophy centres on resilience, discipline, and compassion – qualities that have helped her team stay focused and make progress even in the face of adversity. “The best teams don’t try to avoid challenges, but know how to push through and adapt,” she says.
What’s next for DreamTeam?
Looking ahead, Dream Team is doubling down on developing HR agents to enable true HR autopilot. The goal is to create a seamless, end-to-end workflow where AI agents not only surface insights but also take action – updating policies, flagging retention risks, and collaborating with each other to automate processes.
While human oversight remains essential, this vision promises to transform HR from an administrative function to a strategic powerhouse.
A must-listen for HR and tech enthusiasts
This episode of The Cereal Entrepreneur podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of work, the impact of AI, and the journey of building a mission-driven startup. Shirley’s insights, combined with her passion for people and technology, offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, HR professionals, and business leaders alike.
Tune in now to hear the full conversation and discover how DreamTeam is shaping the next decade of HR innovation:
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