Lever Talent Blog

Honoring a Year of Trust and Transformation: Celebrating Five Remarkable Business Outcomes

Written by Meg Patel | Aug 30, 2023 9:29:46 PM

It's been one year since I joined Lever Talent. 

What an incredible year it has been since I became a part of Lever Talent! Reflecting on the past year, I can confidently assert that it is the most rewarding and successful period of my business consultant career. Today, I am excited to share some of the remarkable milestones and compelling stories from our talent strategy practice that have defined this remarkable journey.

Above all, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our clients. Your unwavering trust in Lever Talent and willingness to partner with us in making pivotal decisions have driven our achievements. Our collaborations are rooted in shared objectives, trust, and a resolute commitment to reaching new heights. Together, we have witnessed tangible business outcomes that vividly demonstrate the transformative power of trust and strategic evolution.

Two aspects of this past year fill me with great joy - (1) the meaningful relationships forged with fellow Levers, partners, and clients and (2) the reinforcement of my belief in Lever Talent's mission.

Within Lever Talent:

  1. We believe people can surpass their expectations and achieve more than ever imagined.
  2. We believe that as technology continues to proliferate, it will free us up to be more human.
  3. We believe that the employee-employer relationship is broken and we are on a mission to fix it.
Reflecting on the past year, I cannot help but highlight some noteworthy business achievements. Although these milestones may not appear monumental, they have been transformative game-changers for our clients and their dedicated teams.

Rediscovering Superpowers: Reigniting Team Energy

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to workplaces worldwide, demanding adaptability and resilience from teams across industries. Amid these trying times, one leadership team faced its unique set of obstacles that threatened to disrupt their collaborative spirit. This team, known for their precision, accountability, and adherence to organizational procedures, encountered a decline in collaboration that left them feeling distanced.

As the pandemic unfolded, team meetings were canceled, and one-on-one interactions were rescheduled, gradually becoming accepted routines. While these changes may have initially seemed like welcomed breaks, they soon realized they were missing out on valuable opportunities for synergy. Recognizing that untapped potential lay on the table, they took a proactive step to bridge the gap by reaching out for assistance.

At Lever Talent, we responded to their call for help by orchestrating a Talent Strategy Session. We initiated the process by understanding the leadership team's combined strengths and identifying areas of caution. Leveraging The Predictive Index (PI) Design solution, we delved into the heart of their leadership dynamics.

However, it was not just about addressing their challenges but about revitalizing their innate strengths. Through this process, they rediscovered their natural abilities and harnessed their collective energy. The results were profound.

Post-pandemic, the team experienced a revival of camaraderie that surpassed their previous dynamics. They not only strengthened their relationships but also channeled their newfound energy into devising innovative solutions that aligned seamlessly with their shared goals.

This story is a testament to the power of introspection, teamwork, and the commitment to overcome obstacles. It is an inspiring example of how a dedicated leadership team can revive their collaborative spirit and emerge stronger even in the face of adversity. We are honored to share this tale of successful team revival and look forward to witnessing their continued achievements in the future.

A Historic Hire: Pioneering a New Era

In the world of business, change is the only constant. Companies must adapt and evolve to remain competitive and thrive in an ever-shifting landscape. One of our valued clients recently took a bold step toward transformation by appointing their first-ever Chief Operating Officer (COO). We are both honored and excited to have played a pivotal role in this decision-making process. This significant change has reshaped the company's organizational structure and underscored their unwavering commitment to growth, innovation, and exploration.

Change, especially at the executive level, can be both exhilarating and daunting. For our client, a respected player in their industry, the decision to bring in a Chief Operating Officer was not taken lightly. It marked a significant shift in their corporate strategy. The company recognized the need for a visionary leader who could navigate the complex intricacies of its operations, streamline processes, and foster innovation. The journey towards this pivotal decision was a testament to their forward-thinking approach.

As a trusted partner, we were privileged to be involved in the final selection decisions for a client's first COO. This responsibility was a testament to the trust and confidence our client placed in us. Our team embarked on an exhaustive journey to identify candidates with the requisite skills and experience and the vision to drive the company's future growth. The search was marked by meticulous research, interviews, and evaluations, all aimed at finding the perfect fit for our client's needs.

After a rigorous selection process, our client found their visionary leader in the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer. This individual brought a wealth of experience, an innovative mindset, and a strategic vision aligned perfectly with the company's goals. Their appointment began a transformative journey that promised to reshape the organization profoundly.

The introduction of a Chief Operating Officer immediately impacted the company's organizational structure. It was a strategic move that redefined roles and responsibilities across the board. This change wasn't merely about creating a new position; it was about fostering a culture of collaboration, efficiency, and adaptability. Departments began to work more cohesively, and decision-making processes became more streamlined, allowing for quicker responses to market demands.

By appointing a COO, our client made a bold statement about their commitment to growth and exploration. They signaled to the industry and their stakeholders that they were ready to embrace innovation and adapt to the evolving landscape. The COO became the driving force behind this transformation, challenging existing paradigms, and encouraging the organization to think beyond its traditional boundaries.

Our client's decision to appoint a Chief Operating Officer has been pivotal in their history. It symbolizes their commitment to adapt, innovate, and explore new horizons. We look forward to continuing our partnership with them as they embark on this transformative path, knowing that their success will be a testament to the power of embracing change and the pursuit of growth through visionary leadership.

Change is often met with resistance, but it has become a source of inspiration and empowerment for our client. The appointment of their first Chief Operating Officer has reshaped their organization and reaffirmed their dedication to growth and exploration. This transformative journey serves as a reminder that in the ever-evolving world of business, those who embrace innovation and welcome visionary leaders are poised for lasting success. We are excited to witness the continued evolution of our client and remain committed to supporting them every step of the way as they chart their course towards a brighter, more innovative future.

Recalibrating for Scaling: From Startup to Scaling

We're thrilled to celebrate the incredible journey undertaken by a remarkable leadership team that embarked on a transformative path from startup culture to scalable success. With two years of steady growth as their foundation, they exhibited the courage to recalibrate their strategic compass and venture into uncharted territories. Together, we've navigated this transition, fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation, and embracing new and exciting opportunities.

Building on Steady Growth. Every business starts somewhere, and for this remarkable team, two years of steady growth set the stage for their transformation. They achieved remarkable milestones during this period, laying a strong foundation for what was to come. But they recognized that to thrive truly, they needed to go beyond their comfort zone.

Courage to Recalibrate. The decision to recalibrate their strategic compass was not taken lightly. It required vision, courage, and a deep commitment to excellence. It meant acknowledging that while the startup culture had served them well, it was time to evolve, expand, and explore new horizons.

Embracing Uncharted Territories. Venturing into uncharted territories is both thrilling and challenging. It demands a willingness to embrace the unknown, to learn from risks, and to pivot when necessary. This leadership team didn't shy away from this challenge; they embraced it wholeheartedly. They sought out new markets, new technologies, and new ways of doing things.

Navigating the Transition. Transitioning from a startup culture to scalable success is not a one-person job. It requires collective effort, a shared vision, and unwavering commitment. Together, this team navigated the transition with resilience and determination, addressing challenges head-on and celebrating victories along the way.

Fostering Adaptability and Innovation. As they journeyed through this transformation, a culture of adaptability and innovation became their guiding principles. They encouraged their team members to think creatively, adapt swiftly to changing circumstances, and challenge the status quo. This culture shift became the driving force behind their success.

Leaving Familiar Terrains. In embracing scalability, they had to leave behind familiar terrains. It wasn't about abandoning their roots; it was about expanding their horizons. The lessons learned in their startup phase remained valuable, but they used them as stepping stones to reach greater heights.

Embracing New Opportunities. The most exciting part of this journey was the array of new opportunities that unfolded before them. By venturing beyond their previous boundaries, they discovered untapped markets, innovative solutions, and fresh collaborations that propelled them forward.

The transformation of this leadership team from a startup culture to scalable success is a testament to the power of courage, adaptability, and innovation. It serves as a reminder that in the ever-evolving landscape of business, those who are willing to take risks, embrace change, and navigate uncharted territories are the ones who achieve remarkable success. We applaud this team for their remarkable journey and look forward to witnessing their continued growth and innovation in the future.

Establishing Baseline Engagement: Fostering Employee Satisfaction

In the ever-evolving landscape of FinTech, the key to sustainable growth is understanding the heartbeat of your organization - your employees. Today, we are delighted to share the inspiring story of a FinTech enterprise that made trust the cornerstone of their workplace culture. They embarked on a transformative journey by launching their very first employee satisfaction survey, inviting us to join them in this vital process. This step marked the beginning of a quest to unearth valuable insights that would shape their work environment and nurture a culture where employees thrive, cultivating the seeds of creativity, collaboration, and continuous advancement.

The Significance of Employee Satisfaction. In the fast-paced world of FinTech, where innovation and adaptability are paramount, employee satisfaction plays a pivotal role. It's the fuel that drives teams to excel, fosters a sense of belonging, and encourages innovation. Understanding the pulse of your workforce is essential to navigate the dynamic terrain of this industry.

Trust as the Cornerstone. This FinTech enterprise recognized the value of trust in their organization. They understood that trust is the foundation of strong employee relationships. Launching their first-ever employee satisfaction survey demonstrated their commitment to transparency and open communication, reassuring their workforce that their voices mattered.

A Transformative Journey. Launching the survey was not just a routine exercise for this FinTech. It marked the beginning of a transformative journey to delve deep into the hearts and minds of their employees. They sought to understand their needs, aspirations, and concerns. The insights gained from the survey were to serve as the compass guiding their future actions.

Planting Seeds of Creativity. A workplace where employees are satisfied is fertile ground for creativity to flourish. This FinTech understood that happy employees are more likely to develop innovative solutions and contribute positively to the company's growth. By nurturing an environment of satisfaction, they planted the seeds for creativity to bloom.

Fostering Collaboration. Collaboration is the lifeblood of FinTech. In an industry where every individual's contribution matters, fostering collaboration is essential. By ensuring their employees were content, this enterprise was also creating an atmosphere where teamwork and collaboration thrived.

Continual Advancement. FinTech is all about progress, and this enterprise knew that for progress to be sustainable, it needed to be supported by satisfied employees. Their commitment to employee satisfaction was, in essence, a commitment to continual advancement, ensuring that they stayed ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing industry.

In celebrating this FinTech's journey to prioritize employee satisfaction, we are reminded that success in the dynamic world of finance and technology hinges on valuing your greatest asset—your people. We commend this enterprise for its dedication to nurturing a workplace where employees flourish, trust is the cornerstone, and the seeds of creativity, collaboration, and continuous advancement are sown. Their journey is an inspiring example of how fostering a culture of employee satisfaction can lead to sustainable growth and innovation in the exciting realm of FinTech.

From Good to Great: Unveiling Leadership Potential

In business, success is often a stepping stone, not the final destination. Pursuing greatness is a relentless journey, and we had the privilege of partnering with a national retailer that embodied this spirit. They were not content with being "good"; they aspired to achieve "greatness." With trust as the foundation of our collaboration, they entrusted us with their engagement survey, setting in motion a transformative process that uncovered hidden potential within their leadership. It's a journey that took them from being mere team leaders to becoming torchbearers of excellence.

The Desire for Greatness. The retailer had achieved remarkable success over the years, but they knew that their journey was far from over. The desire for greatness burned within them—a relentless pursuit of improvement, innovation, and unparalleled excellence.

Entrusting the Engagement Survey. Recognizing the value of external expertise, they entrusted us with their engagement survey. This step was a clear indication of their commitment to introspection and self-improvement. They were ready to embrace the feedback and insights that would pave the way for their transformation.

Uncovering Hidden Potential. The engagement survey provided invaluable insights into their leadership. It illuminated areas of untapped potential, areas where they could further refine their skills and approaches. It was not just about celebrating strengths; it was about addressing weaknesses head-on.

Developing Targeted Improvement Plans. Armed with the survey results, we collaborated with the retailer to develop targeted courses for improvement. It was a bespoke approach, recognizing that every organization's journey towards greatness is unique. The plans were designed to address specific challenges and elevate their leadership to new heights.

Witnessing the Transformation. As the retailer began implementing these improvement plans, we had the honor of witnessing a remarkable transformation. Once confined to their roles as team leaders, their leaders emerged as torchbearers of excellence. They were now driving their teams with newfound vigor, inspiring them to aim higher and pursue greatness as well.

The story of this national retailer serves as a reminder that the pursuit of greatness is a never-ending journey. Even in the face of success, the desire to improve and reach new heights should remain unwavering. Their decision to trust us with their engagement survey and their commitment to self-improvement have propelled them on a path towards greatness. It's a journey marked by introspection, targeted improvement, and transformation—inspiring us all to strive for excellence in every endeavor.

Looking Ahead

We are reflecting on the past year and feeling grateful for our clients' trust in us during important moments. Our collaborations have resulted in innovative and progressive outcomes, and we value the shared vision and trust that has been the foundation for our success. We will continue to be dedicated to excellence and carry these stories with us as a reminder of what is possible when we work together with an abundance mindset.