Explore every episode of the podcast Culture Uncovered
Dive into the complete episode list for Culture Uncovered. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
ThredUp
06 May 2026
00:25:23
**LIVE from the Transform Conference in Las Vegas**
In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Natalie Breece, Chief People Officer at ThredUp, to unpack what it actually looks like to grow a career inside a company that prioritizes learning, mobility, and trust.
Natalie shares how she went from building the recruiting function to becoming CPO, why saying yes to roles you’re not fully ready for can accelerate your career, and how ThredUp has maintained its culture through massive growth and going public.
They also get into how curiosity drives success at ThredUp, what “think big” looks like in real business decisions, and why initiatives like a four-day work week and internal career mobility aren’t just perks, they’re core to how the company operates.
What you’ll learn:
What ThredUp actually does and how it became one of the largest online consignment platforms
How Natalie Breece grew from recruiter to Chief People Officer internally
Why saying yes to uncomfortable opportunities leads to the biggest career growth
How ThredUp maintained its culture while transitioning from private to public
What “think big” looks like in practice (not just as a value)
What makes someone successful at ThredUp (and what doesn’t)
ThredUp Highlights:
Founded: 2009
Team Size: ~2,500 employees
Headquarters: Oakland, California
Other Locations: Scottsdale, Arizona + 4 U.S. distribution centers
Workforce: ~80% distribution center employees
Industry: Online resale (women’s and kids apparel)
**LIVE from the Transform Conference in Las Vegas**
In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Mary Burke, SVP of HR at Experian, to unpack what it actually looks like to build a high-trust, inclusive culture inside a massive, global organization.
Mary shares why Experian calls its culture a “best kept secret,” how flexibility existed long before it became the norm, and what it takes to create an environment where employees can truly bring their whole selves to work.
They also get into the real drivers behind retention, from industry-leading parental leave to redefining what “family” means in the workplace, and how Experian is using AI to personalize career growth at scale.
What you’ll learn:
What Experian actually does and how it impacts both consumers and businesses
Why belonging and inclusion are at the center of their culture
How flexibility without guilt is practiced (not just promised)
The real impact of benefits like parental leave on retention and families
How their AI-powered “My Career” platform helps employees grow internally
What makes someone successful at Experian (and what doesn’t)
Experian Highlights:
Team Size: ~22,000 employees globally
Presence: 30+ countries
Headquarters: London (North America HQ in Orange County, CA)
In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay chats with Cyndel Stirland, HR Director at Cozy Earth, revealing the behind-the-scenes magic of a brand that's redefining luxury living at home. They dive into how Cozy Earth fosters a scrappy, down-to-earth culture where employees roll up their sleeves, pitch wild ideas, and grow alongside the company, whether in HQ or retail stores.
Cyndel shares the brand's 15-year journey from bamboo bedding specialist to a full lifestyle powerhouse in sheets, loungewear, pajamas, towels, and more, all designed for ultimate comfort and quality sleep. She highlights the shift to retail expansion (now with three California storefronts and more planned), the fully in-office vibe at HQ for hands-on collaboration, and fun initiatives like the viral "bed rot challenge" that capture their playful energy.
What You’ll Learn
How Cozy Earth empowers better sleep and home life through premium, evolving products
Why a scrappy, idea-driven mindset with curiosity and impact thrives in their culture
Strategies for blending corporate and retail teams while keeping culture consistent
Unique perks that make employees obsessed with the brand and workplace
Internal growth paths, with 66% of HQ staff promoted from within
Cozy Earth Highlights
Founded: 2011
Team size: 110 employees (70 to 80 at Lehi, Utah HQ; rest in CA retail)
Headquarters: Lehi, Utah
Work model: Fully in-office at HQ for collaboration; in-person retail
Culture: Scrappy, down-to-earth, fun, fast-paced, and product-obsessed
Unique Perks
75% employee product discounts (plus gifts for milestones and sample sales)
On-site golf simulator and company-wide tournaments (exec team favorite)
Monthly fun events like Mario Kart tournaments, Snoop on the Stoop, and Christmas Grams.
Walking treadmills with mountain views and stunning collaborative office spaces
Organic on-the-job learning and high internal promotion rates
In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Andi Summers, VP of People and Culture at Palmetto, to explore how this fast-growing clean energy company is transforming residential solar while building a lean, high-performing culture.
Founded in 2009, Palmetto has evolved from a solar installer into a technology-driven platform helping homeowners access and manage clean energy solutions. Andi shares what it takes to scale in climate tech from hiring adaptable, ownership-minded talent to moving quickly without losing cultural alignment.
What you’ll learn:
How Palmetto is modernizing the residential solar industry
What a fast-moving, “athletic” culture looks like in practice
Why ownership and intentional hiring drive performance
Cut, stick, and create your way! Everyone’s a crafter at heart!
In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Miranda Oliver, VP of People and Culture at Cricut, to go behind the scenes of a company that’s turning DIY dreams into reality. They discuss how Cricut combines creativity, purpose, and people-first culture to build a workplace where employees can act like owners, speak up, and leave their mark.
Miranda shares how Cricut evolved from a small craft supply company in the 1960s to a global leader in electronic cutting machines, software, and materials. She opens up about quirky cultural mantras like putting the “stinky fish on the table,” the emphasis on collaboration across teams, and how the company fosters growth through internal mobility, mentorship, and unique employee perks.
What you’ll learn:
How Cricut became a platform for DIY, home decor, personalized gifts, and small business empowerment
Why hiring for curiosity, humility, and cultural fit is at the heart of their people strategy
How ownership, candor, and creativity show up in day-to-day work
Unique perks and benefits that make employees love working at Cricut
Opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and internal mobility
Cricut highlights:
Founded: 1960s (as Provo Craft and Novelty); modern Cricut established in early 2010s
In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Michael Martocci, Founder and CEO of SwagUp, to talk about building a people-first company from the ground up and protecting that culture as the business scales, goes remote, and navigates acquisition.
Michael shares the lessons he learned starting SwagUp at 21, how the company grew largely through word of mouth into a global swag and logistics platform, and why he prioritizes autonomy, trust, and responsibility over hierarchy, titles, or rigid processes.
They dive into what culture looks like in practice at SwagUp, from hiring for curiosity and deep accomplishment to giving people real ownership early in their careers. Michael also opens up about navigating growth and change while staying true to the company’s core belief that great people, when supported properly, do their best work.
What you’ll learn:
What SwagUp does and how it simplifies global swag creation and distribution
How the company grew through referrals and organic demand
Why SwagUp hires for character, curiosity, and problem-solving over resumes
How autonomy and trust show up in day-to-day work
What it takes to maintain culture through rapid growth and acquisition
SwagUp highlights:
Founded: 2017
Team Size: 100–125 employees
Headquarters: Piscataway, NJ
Work Model: Distributed across the US and globally
Culture: High trust, people-first, curious, fast-moving, ownership-driven
If “no surprise medical bills, ever” sounds like a dream perk, Stack Overflow might be your next favorite place to work.
In this episode, Jena chats with Stack Overflow’s Chief People & Culture Officer, Debbie Shotwell, about building an inclusive, mission-driven, fully remote culture where experimentation is encouraged and growth is real. They dig into how a beloved public Q&A platform for developers evolved into a global business with enterprise products, ads, and AI partnerships, plus how Stack Overflow navigates change with radical transparency.
What you’ll learn:
Stack Overflow’s public Q&A platform for developers, Stack Exchange network, enterprise tools, ads, and AI data deals with Microsoft, Google, AWS.
From 2008 garage startup to $200M business serving devs in 118 countries.
Fully remote for 320 Stackers across engineering, product, sales, marketing, and people teams.
Welcoming culture with buddies, ERGs, flexibility, and safe experimentation (no one’s an expert in AI).
Internal mobility via marketplace, Stack Overflow Academy, and 12-18% promotion rates.
Transparent leadership post-restructuring, with growth and selective hiring ahead.
Stack Overflow highlights:
Founded: 2008
Team size: 320 employees worldwide
Ownership: Acquired by Prosus in 2021; operates independently
Unlimited PTO sucks if you aren't REALLY allowed to take it.
At this company, it's different.
Raft is building the foundation for AI-driven autonomous operations, and Jena Dunay sits down with Kaitlyn Lavin, Manager of People and Culture, to pull back the curtain.
They talk about the company’s journey from a small, scrappy team to 325+ employees, the culture that drives innovation, and how Rafters thrive in an environment built on transparency, ownership, and continuous growth.
What you’ll learn:
How Raft supports national security organizations with cutting-edge autonomous technology
What makes Raft’s culture unique and why employees love being “Rafters”
Perks like flexible “Take As You Need” PTO and education budgets tailored to individual growth
Career frameworks and internal mobility that empower employees to shape their path
How the company keeps its culture strong across multiple hubs and remote teams
Raft highlights:
Founded: 2019 Team Size: 325+ Rafters HQ: Tysons, Virginia Work Model: Hybrid/remote, with hubs across the US Culture: Curious, innovative, transparent, and people-first
Perks & programs:
Personalized learning and development budgets
Internal mobility across roles and programs
Tri-weekly all-hands with live Q&A
Engagement initiatives that connect employees across locations
Yes, pensions still exist. And yes, you need to check out this company that still offers them!
In this episode, Jena chats with Globe Life's Chief Talent Officer, Rebecca Zorn, about living the company’s mission to Make Tomorrow Better, empowering tenacious team players, and strategic hiring.
What you'll learn:
How Globe Life operates and evolves as a 125-year old company
The service-oriented, collaborative, empowerment-driven culture that rewards tenacity and continuous improvement
Why internal mobility thrives - with Rebecca's sharing her own unconventional path
Details on the pension (vests after 5 years for lifetime income at 65), plus 401(k) match and more
Leadership programs like Accelerate, Activate, Ignite (with SMU) and mentoring
All of the upcoming hiring initiatives!
Globe Life highlights:
Founded: 1900
HQ: McKinney, TX
Team Size: ~4,000 employees + 16,500 independent agents
Work Model: Employees in 43 states; remote, hybrid, or on-site by role
If your idea of a great job includes loud sales pods, laughter, C-suite connections, and a built-in winter break, you’ll want to hear this one.
The Millennium Alliance designs intimate, five-star events where buyers and sellers actually sit down together behind closed doors. Jena chats with VP of HR, Victoria Albuquerque, about the company’s 12-year journey from three events to dozens each year, the “team sport” mindset that drives performance, and why they’re gearing up to double in size.
What you’ll learn:
What The Millennium Alliance actually does for buyers and sellers at their events
How the company grew from three events to 40–50 in the US and 10–12 in Europe
What it’s like to work on a loud, open sales floor with leaders “in the trenches”
How early-career salespeople build real relationships with Fortune 500 executives
Why internal mobility, hands-on coaching, and recognition are core to the culture
How the team is preparing to double headcount in the next 12–18 months
The Millennium Alliance highlights:
Founded: 2014 Team Size: <200 employees globally HQ: New York City Work Model: Primarily in-office with employees across the US and Europe Culture: Supportive, fun, high-performing, “team sport environment,” ambitious and human
Unique Perks & programs:
Heavy focus on sales and leadership training and development
Real internal mobility: entry-level sales to running departments over time
Daily access to senior executives and decision makers as core to the role
Co-founders on the sales floor and leaders “in the work” with real-time coaching
Weekly shoutouts, employee-of-the-month and year-end awards
Team events, offsites, company outings, volunteer days
Dedicated employee for culture and engagement
Wellness initiative: extra 20 minutes at lunch for the gym or personal time
Company-wide shutdown over end-of-year holidays without using PTO
Not just because of what they do - but how they operate.
Meet Ashby, the all-in-one ATS with CRM, scheduling, surveys, analytics, and onboarding.
In this episode, Jena Dunay talks with Jim Miller, VP of People and Talent, about their document-first async culture, "frustratingly patient" hiring, and randomized offsite dinners that accidentally became tradition.
What you'll learn:
How Ashby's async remote model uses documents over meetings and communication norms for Slack, email, and Docs
The power of "frustratingly patient" hiring focused on quality over speed
Randomized offsite dinners and company trips that build real connections
Jim's exact pitch strategy that got him hired at Ashby after being their customer
Transparent job descriptions that tell candidates why NOT to apply
Ashby Highlights:
Founded: 2018 Team Size: 250+ employees across 28 countries HQ: San Francisco, California Work Model: Fully asynchronously remote Culture: Intentionally transparent, autonomous, impact-focused Unique Perks & Programs:
Company-wide offsites (Mexico trip with family option)
Running a restaurant can feel like a nonstop juggling act.
But what if you had a digital partner taking the paperwork off your plate?
Meet MarginEdge, the restaurant management platform bringing automation and real-time data to simplify back-of-house operations. In this episode, Jena Dunay talks with Roy Phillips, Co-Founder of MarginEdge, as they dig into the startup’s origin story, culture rooted in hospitality, and vision to make running a restaurant more enjoyable and efficient.
What you’ll learn:
How MarginEdge solves real restaurant challenges with software automation
The founding story born from firsthand experience in hospitality
Building a culture of transparency, ownership, and teamwork
What Roy looks for in candidates : attitude matters most
Growth goals and how they keep a connected remote-friendly team energized
MarginEdge highlights:
Founded: 2015, after a chance meeting over coffee Team Size: 283 employees based across the U.S. HQ: Arlington, Virginia Work Model: Remote-friendly with regular in-person gatherings Culture: Hospitality-driven, transparent, and leadership-focused Perks: Twice-weekly team lunches, lively office cafe, and company events
**LIVE from the Transform Conference in Las Vegas**
In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Brandon Sammut to go behind the scenes of one of the original remote-first companies, long before it was the norm.
From pioneering distributed work across 40+ countries to building a culture rooted in automation, ownership, and transparency, Zapier is redefining how modern teams work in the age of AI.
They also get into what it really means to “build the robot,” why transparency isn’t just a buzzword, and how high-performing teams thrive in a demanding but deeply empowering environment.
What you’ll learn:
What Zapier does and how it’s bringing AI + automation to everyday work
What “Don’t be the robot, build the robot” actually looks like in practice
How a fully remote, globally distributed company operates at scale
The difference between transparency and oversharing in modern teams
What it takes to succeed in a high-impact, high-expectation environment
Zapier highlights:
Founded: ~2010
Team Size: ~800 employees
Work Model: Fully remote, globally distributed (42+ countries)
Yes, your company book club can have a Halloween plot twist and your PTO can include random “Take a Breath” days!
Meet LifeSpeak, the wellness-first SaaS company where collaboration isn’t just talk and every remote employee really does have a voice, whether you’re dialing in from Toronto or Minnesota. In this episode, Jena sits down with Amanda Martel, Director of Human Resources, to dig into what it’s like working for a team that makes well-being and connection part of everyday work.
What you’ll learn:
How LifeSpeak evolved from mental health to a holistic digital wellness platform for organizations and individuals
The reality of building a collaborative, innovative culture in a remote setup
Perks like flexible unlimited time off, well-being resources for employees, and company-wide unplug days
Structure, roles, where the team is growing, and what Amanda looks for in applications
LifeSpeak highlights:
Founded: Over 20 years ago Team Size: About 130 employees in Canada and the US HQ: Toronto, hub in Minnesota Work Model: Remote-first Culture: Collaborative, innovative, and wellness-focused Perks: LifeSpeak resources for employees, unlimited flexible time off, “Take a Breath” days, book club and sports chat channels
Yes, you can buy life insurance without all the paperwork.
Meet PolicyMe, Canada’s leading digital insurance platform that’s simplifying life, health, and critical illness coverage for families nationwide. In this episode, Jena chats with Vanesa Cotlar, VP of People and Culture, about what it’s like to work for a company that’s modernizing an entire industry while keeping its people curious, humble, and connected (even remotely).
What you’ll learn:
How PolicyMe is transforming insurance from paper-heavy to fully digital
Why “humble high achievers” are the secret to their success
How curiosity fuels growth through AI, leadership training, and learning budgets
What flexible, remote-first work looks like when connection actually works
How PolicyMe keeps culture strong while scaling fast
What their REACH values mean in real life and how they shape hiring
PolicyMe Highlights:
Founded: 2018 Team Size: 100+ employees HQ: Toronto, Ontario Work Model: Remote-first with optional in-office Thursdays Culture: Curious, humble, high-achieving
Unique Perks & Programs:
Work-from-anywhere flexibility
Twice-yearly company events : think Toronto Island trips and circus troupes!
Local hub meetups with budgets for regional gatherings
AI Guild for experimentation and cross-departmental learning
Learning budgets for courses, books, and leadership training
What do you get when smart AI-powered learning meets a remote-friendly, no-jerks work culture?
Absorb Software: a rapidly growing team that’s all about learning, connecting, and keeping things real while scaling globally.
In this episode, Jena catches up with Cheryl Yuran, Absorb’s CHRO, to chat about how they build connection across time zones, support career growth in a fast-paced environment, and why their AI-driven LMS makes life easier for both employees and HR pros.
Whether you’re curious about remote culture or clever learning tech, this one’s worth a listen.
What you’ll learn:
How AI-powered learning enhances individualized development and eases administrative burdens
The role of a “no jerks” policy in fostering a respectful and productive workplace
Strategies for building strong connections in a distributed workforce, including unique social initiatives
Creative career growth pathways designed to match diverse employee ambitions
Insider hiring tips, including Absorb’s candidate portal that helps job seekers stand out
Absorb LMS Highlights:
Founded: 2003 Team Size: Nearly 600 employees across six countries Work Model: Remote-first, with optional office spaces Culture: Fast-growing, adaptable, and value-driven with a strong commitment to learning Initiatives: Active social groups, mentoring via an AI-backed platform, and personalized career ladders Hiring Focus: Growth concentrated in customer-facing roles like sales and account management
That’s the mission behind AlertMedia, a global organization helping companies protect their employees, whether they’re in the office, working remotely, or traveling around the world.
In this episode, Jena talks with Jenna Eichberg, Chief People Officer at AlertMedia, about scaling a mission-driven company, building culture across geographies, and why simplicity, humanity, and trust are at the core of everything they do.
What you’ll learn:
The origin story of AlertMedia, founded during the Texas fires
How their 24/7 global intelligence team monitors risks and protects employees worldwide
Why Tuesday lunches became a powerful cultural tradition
The challenges of scaling culture across Austin, Mexico City, Windsor, and Ireland
Why personal, thoughtful applications stand out when applying for jobs
AlertMedia highlights:
Founded: 2012 Team Size: 420 employees (and growing globally) HQ: Austin, Texas (with offices in Mexico City, Windsor UK, and Ireland) Work Model: Hybrid/remote global workforce Culture: Simplicity, collaboration, humanity, integrity, customer-first, hard work
Buy a hoodie, plant trees, build tech, restore ecosystems.
Sounds simple, right?
That’s the vision behind Tentree and Veritree, two sister companies co-founded by Derrick Emsley. Tentree is the lifestyle brand planting 10 trees for every item purchased, while Veritree is the tech platform that ensures every tree planted is real, verified, and impactful.
In this episode, Jena talks with Derrick Emsley, CEO and co-founder, about what it takes to scale a mission-driven company, the power of transparency, and why restoration is about more than the environment. It’s about people, too.
What you’ll learn:
How Tentree grew from an idea to a brand planting millions of trees
How Veritree uses technology to ensure transparency in reforestation projects
How culture shifts between a consumer lifestyle brand and a tech startup
Why employees are drawn to mission-driven work that creates real-world impact
Simple ways individuals and businesses can get involved in sustainability
Some Veritree & Tentree highlights:
Founded: Tentree in 2012; Veritree launched as a standalone company in 2021 Team Size: 100+ employees across both organizations (and growing) HQ: Vancouver, Canada (global impact projects in Africa, Asia, and beyond) Work Model: Hybrid/remote, mission-driven teams across geographies Culture: Purpose-led, innovative, sustainability-focused
Unique Perks & Impact:
Every Tentree purchase plants 10 trees
Veritree platform powers verified reforestation for global brands
Want to know what it's like to work for Her Campus Media?
Her Campus Media is where Gen Z meets mission—powering content, creator programs, and experiential events that connect top brands with young people across the U.S. In this episode, Jena chats with Brittany Ramsey, Head of People and Culture, about how the company’s remote culture thrives on adaptability, connection, and purpose. From building community to navigating career pivots, this one’s packed with practical advice and real talk.
What you’ll learn:
Why adaptability is a superpower in mission-driven startups
How to stand out in a sea of job applications (hint: just ask)
What a career pivot from beauty to media can look like
How Her Campus Media supports mental health and creative energy
Who thrives on this fast-paced, Gen Z-obsessed team
Some Her Campus Media highlights:
Founded: 2009 by Windsor Hanger Western, Stephanie Kaplan Lewis, and Annie Wang at Harvard Team Size: >100 full-time employees + large freelance/influencer network HQ: Boston, MA (across from Fenway Park) Work Model: Fully remote across the U.S. Culture: Fast-paced, entrepreneurial, collaborative, student-focused
Unique Perks & Programs:
“Moments that matter” internal culture events
Quarterly team meetings and no-work virtual coffee chats
Summer Fridays and two-week winter shutdown
Workshops on resilience, mental health, and burnout prevention
(A very fun perk at Nashville-based fintech company Alto.)
Alto is shaking up the investing world by making it easier for everyday people to use their IRAs to invest in private assets: think real estate, startups, even fractional art. In this episode, Jena chats with Sarah Light, Alto’s VP of People, about building a fun, ambitious, and evolving workplace culture in a hybrid world.
What you’ll learn:
What it's like to work at Alto
How Alto balances high performance with deep rest using “No Meeting Fridays” and Quarterly Quiet Weeks
Why Alto employees get a monthly 3-day weekend (even when there’s no national holiday)
How to grow your career at a small, mission-driven company
Why remote work at Alto is flexible, not forced
How Sarah got her role through a personal connection and what that says about the power of networking
Some Alto highlights:
Founded: 2015 Team size: 80 employees + tech contractors HQ: Nashville, TN — with remote team members across the U.S. Perks & Culture:
Quarterly $150 stipend for work-from-home support (use it on anything)
Quarterly Quiet Weeks + No Meeting Fridays for deep work
3-day weekend every month (even when there’s no holiday)
HSA contribution match: $75–$125/month
Culture described as ambitious, fun-loving and evolving.
Can you thrive in agency life without burning out?
At Walker Sands, the answer is yes. In this episode, Jena sits down with Allison Ward, Chief People Officer at Walker Sands, a fast-growing B2B marketing agency that’s rewriting the agency playbook with career reinvention, flexibility, and real culture and not just ping-pong tables. From hybrid structure to intentional coaching and longevity that defies industry norms, this episode is packed with advice for job seekers and career pivoters alike.
What you’ll learn:
Why longevity is rare in agencies and how Walker Sands beats the odds
How a Wienermobile job launched Allison’s career (and why PR pros need reinvention)
The difference between managers and coaches and how Walker Sands uses that intentionally
How to identify and grow transferable skills (even from parenting!)
Why feedback, flexibility, and “learning by doing” are central to thriving in this agency
Tips on getting your resume seen and what not to do with AI
Some Walker Sands highlights:
Founded: 2001 Team Size: ~170 employees Locations: HQ in Chicago + offices in Seattle and Boston, with hybrid/remote staff across the U.S. Perks & Culture:
Primarily hybrid, strong remote inclusion, collaborative and feedback-forward
Coaching over managing: every employee has a dedicated coach
Employee-led Find the Fun committee (trivia, scavenger hunts, social hours)
5 active ERGs + volunteer opportunities
Formal mentorship program
Learning and development budget + team-specific programming
If you're a creative and really into social marketing. Check this organization out.
Meet Movement Strategy, a social-first marketing agency behind some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Amazon, Hulu, and Bravo. In this episode, Culture Uncovered host Jena chats with Colette Gardner, Head of People and Culture, about how Movement builds a deeply people-centered, remote-first culture where authenticity and innovation thrive.
What you’ll learn:
How a $1,500 “Movement Journey” stipend helps employees grow personally (weaving classes and heritage trips included!)
What it’s like to grow from 40 to 150+ employees and acquire another agency
How Colette transitioned from opera singer to Head of People - and beat imposter syndrome
What it takes to build an inclusive, anti-ego creative team (plus their real “no assholes” policy)
Some Movement Strategy highlights:
Founded: 2008 by friends Eric Dieter and Jason Mitchell Size: ~150+ (following the acquisition of Newfangled Studios) HQ: Fully remote-first with hubs in NY, LA, Denver, Atlanta, and more Perks & Culture:
$1,500 Movement Journey personal growth stipend
DE&I woven into hiring, client work, and creative processes
Remote culture supported by quarterly meetups, Slack channels, WeWork days, and an annual retreat
Clear career pathways, “create your own lane” opportunities, and a pod/COE team model
That’s the vision behind Benevity - a software company that helps the world’s biggest brands lead with purpose, give back at scale, and build meaningful connection among employees.
In this episode, I talk with Janeen Speer, Chief People Officer at Benevity, about how they’re cultivating a mission-driven, high-performance culture without sacrificing flexibility or fun.
What you’ll learn:
How Benevity is disrupting corporate giving—and why it’s working
What “We Are We” means (and how it shows up in how they lead)
Why fun is a strategy - and how their employee-led rock concert proves it
How they’re building a gender-equal workplace with co-parenting bonuses
What kind of employee thrives in their fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
The one question that reveals if a company might not be the right fit for you
Some Benevity highlights:
📆 Founded: 2008 👥 Team size: 850+ globally 🌍 HQ in Calgary with hubs in Toronto, Spain, and British Columbia 🧠 Culture: Purpose-driven, collaborative, curious, and ever-evolving 🎉 Perks:
Donation matching
Co-parenting bonuses to encourage shared parental leave
Homecoming: annual employee event + charity rock concert
Manager Essentials: 5-month leadership development program
This company earned a 99% Great Place to Work score (even after a layoff!)
In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Lindsay Gonzalez to unpack what it looks like to build a fast-growing, remote-first company at the forefront of AI infrastructure.
From transforming messy, unusable data into something AI can actually work with, to building a 99% employee satisfaction culture, Unstructured is solving one of the biggest blockers in AI adoption while scaling a team that genuinely enjoys working together.
They also get into the real side of startup life, from navigating layoffs and rebuilding trust to maintaining a high-performing culture while doubling headcount.
What you’ll learn:
What Unstructured does and why data readiness is critical for AI
What a 99% employee satisfaction culture actually looks like
How they maintain connection in a remote-first, fast-growing team
What it takes to succeed in a high-ownership, no-handholding environment
How to stand out as a candidate and get noticed
Unstructured Highlights:
Founded: 2022
Headquarters: Sacramento, California (remote-first, distributed)
SurePeople is flipping the script on assessments by making psychometric insights accessible, ongoing, and practical—built for real work, in real time.
In this episode, I chat with Russ Mikowski, CEO of SurePeople, about how they’re democratizing self-awareness, infusing AI into career coaching, and building a small but mighty team that embraces transparency, flexibility, and fun.
💡 What you’ll learn:
How SurePeople's PRISM assessment is reshaping how companies understand (and apply) personality data
Why sales is the career skill everyone should master—even if you're not in sales
What startup leadership looks like in a remote-first, AI-fueled world
How SurePeople includes families in its culture-building strategy
The difference between “disagree and commit” and healthy dissent in decision-making
How to get free access to your own AI-powered work coach at SureCoach.ai
🌟 Some SurePeople highlights:
📆 Founded: 2015 👥 Team size: 15 full-time employees 🌍 Fully remote, globally distributed team (U.S., South America, Europe) ⚙️ Product: PRISM assessment + SureCoach.ai (free personalized AI work coach!) 🧠 Culture: Transparent, collaborative, async-flexible, and values self-awareness 🎉 Perks:
No office, no commute
Flexible hours focused on outcomes, not clock-in time
Real life isn’t picture-perfect—but your career and company culture can be real, empowering, and connected.
In this episode of Culture Uncovered, we meet Madison Bohannon, VP of People at Chatbooks—a brand that turns your everyday photos into meaningful keepsakes.
Madison shares how this family-centered company supports working parents, builds radical candor into its feedback culture, and why transparency (and therapy!) go a long way in employee well-being.
You’ll learn: – Why Chatbooks encourages you to bring your whole self to work – What “mandatory time off” looks like in a healthy workplace – How internal growth can start from a support role – The mindset they look for in every new hire
🌱 Some Chatbooks highlights:
📆 Founded: 2014 (11 years ago) 👥 Team size: 150 employees 📍 HQ: Utah, but team spans 20 U.S. states ✈️ Company offsites for connection 🧠 Perks:
Unlimited therapy for employees + dependents
Mandatory time off each season (plus winter shutdown)
Hiring doesn’t have to be broken—and Greenhouse is out to prove it.
On this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena chats with Will Leahy, VP of People at Greenhouse, a tech company redefining how the world hires. From remote culture done right to thoughtful candidate experiences and career pivots that actually work, this episode is full of gold for job seekers and culture builders alike.
What you’ll learn:
How Greenhouse is more than an applicant tracking system—it's a candidate experience platform
Why clarity is kindness in the hiring process
Remote culture tips: team offsites, ERGs (called Arbors), and tools like Donut & Bonusly
How Will’s career pivoted from recruiter to VP (and the one time a plane ride got him a job)
The perks of "pleasant persistence" and proximity when job searching
Some Greenhouse highlights:
📍 Founded - 2012 👥 750 employees 🌎 Fully remote with hubs in NYC and Dublin ✈️ Global Passport Program: work from anywhere in the world for up to 60 days 🌱 Company values: Belonging, Purpose, and Entrepreneurship 🔥 Strong performance culture with equitable recognition 🚀 Yes—they are hiring!
What if your workplace felt more connected than ever—without a physical office?
That’s the magic behind Very, a fully distributed technology services company that’s rewriting what it means to build hardware, culture, and connection remotely.
In this episode of Culture Uncovered, COO Jessica Begley shares how Very thrives without an office, fosters deep connection, and why being a Swiss Army knife in your career is the ultimate power move.
Whether you’re navigating a career pivot or exploring the remote work world, this episode is packed with gems.
What you’ll learn:
Why embracing a career lattice (not just a ladder) can set you up for long-term success
How a fully distributed tech company keeps people more connected than in-person offices
Why recognition and learning are core to Very’s culture (and the tech they use to make it happen)
The power of Slack channels, themed question threads, and remote bonding
The value of becoming a Swiss Army knife in your career journey
Some Very highlights:
Founded: ~2010
Company size: 50 employees across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina
Fully remote (no office!)
Perks: Distributed work culture, Slack-based community building, Bonusly for peer recognition, and an emphasis on continuous learning
Not hiring right now, but Q2 is peak season—check back soon!
Want to be surrounded by smart, hard-working and passionate people?
Meet Spearmint Energy - a company with values rooted in people, partnerships, and the planet. Spearmint is committed to improving grid stability, helping ensure reliable energy delivery, and promoting efficient and responsible energy use to lower costs and support energy independence.
In today’s episode, we go behind-the-scenes with Spearmint’s Chief People Officer to talk about this growing company, the power of professional development, and ways to push yourself in your career.
What you'll learn:
How to get comfortable with being uncomfortable
Why curiosity and confidence are powerful assets in your career
All about a new, exciting industry
Outside-of-the-box way to stand out in the application process (it’s a brilliant idea!)
Some Spearmint highlights:
Founded in 2022
70+ employees
HQ: Miami, FL
Other Locations: Minneapolis, MN & Remote
Words to Describe the Culture: Empowerment. Drive. Fun.
Company-wide “Give Back” activities
Encouraged PTO from the C-suite
Reimbursement for cell phone and health & wellness
You know those boring school fundraisers you had when you were a kid?
Well this company turns it completely on its head.
Meet Booster - a company that takes the stress out of school fundraising (ever heard of the Fun Run? Yeah, that's them!). Chris Carneal and I dive deep into Booster's origin story, his passion for the people in his organization, and the power of resilience during really hard seasons (ahem, 2020!).
This episode had me on the verge of tears and inspired all at the same time.
What you'll learn:
The difference between company values and company virtues
Impact impacts everything and everyone
How to run a business and career that celebrates success and family
How to stay resilient when everything is falling a part at work
How they handled a layoff and the power of building true leaders
And hiring the best team? So much easier to do when the product you're supporting is excellent.
Today's conversation with Saatva's Chief People Officer, Maureen Cawley is insightful, thought provoking and genuinely fun. You'll learn a lot from her personal career journey as well as a BTS look at the original DTC mattress brand.
What you'll learn:
Take the call and be open to opportunities
Large corporations provide you excellent professional development, but small organizations expose you to new challenges
More is not more on a resume
Some highlights:
350 employees - and growing!
21 viewing room locations (retail)
HQ in Queens, NY
Founded in 2010 by industry veterans
Who you are as a person matters more than the skills you have
From how they onboard to how they create connectivity in a hybrid, global, growing company - Flywire is an organization that knows the power of developing a culture of community.
From calling their members "FlyMates" to celebrating "FlyMoments", the people that work at this organization don't just come to work to do a job - but rather to join a community.
I was incredibly impressed by the intentionality of the Flywire team - in particular - their Chief People Officer, Gary Cunningham. (and I think you will be too!)
Not only will you learn a ton about this publicly traded, growing fintech - you'll come away with a ton of career advice nuggets from someone who has pivoted, grown and excelled.
Enjoy my conversation with Flywire.
What you'll learn:
The power of the pivot
Build relationships early and often in a new job
Don't run away from something, go towards something
If you've ever had an aging family member, you know the real challenges that come with finding and sourcing quality care.
Village Caregiving recognized these challenges and set out to provide compassionate, in-home, non-medical healthcare services.
We really enjoyed learning more about this industry and the growth that Village Caregiving is experiencing through our conversation with their Director of Talent Acquisition, Austin Stevens.
Our biggest takeaway was that they hire folks with unconventional backgrounds. So, even if you've never been in the healthcare space, check out this company!
Some highlights:
Barboursville, WV
Founded in 2013
65 offices across the country
They hire people with unconventional backgrounds.
Culture: Extreme Ownership, Common Sense Approach, Flexible
Roles they are hiring for at an office level: Executive Director, Director of Ops, Clinicians (RNs, LPNs, etc.)
The creators you follow have a secret weapon. That’s Smooth Media.
In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Jenny Rothenberg, Co-founder and COO of Smooth Media, to talk about what it looks like to build a startup at the center of the fast-growing creator economy.
Jenny shares how Smooth Media was founded by former Morning Brew employees, why they chose to focus on “knowledge creators” instead of traditional influencers, and how a team of just 18 people is helping creators turn their expertise into full-fledged businesses.
They also dive into what makes this industry so different, from working with brands that are new to creator marketing to building a culture rooted in curiosity, ownership, and learning in a space where no one has a playbook.
What you’ll learn:
What Smooth Media does and how it supports knowledge creators
Why they focus on creators over influencers in the B2B space
How they partner with brands new to creator marketing
What “you go first” ownership looks like in practice
What it takes to stand out as a candidate in a fast-moving startup
Not only does O.C. Tanner prioritize celebrating its employees - it's the basis of their entire business.
This private, family-owned company has been leading the employee recognition space for the past (almost!) 100 years. VP of People & Great Work, Dana Rogers, shares how O.C. Tanner celebrates their employees, the unique benefits, and why their retention is so high.
If you've ever felt UNDER appreciated by an employer, you may want to look at O.C. Tanner. They know how to recognize and appreciate hard work.
Some highlights:
Salt Lake City, UT
Global team of 1,600+ employees
Celebrating 100th anniversary in 2027!
36% employees have been there for 10+ years
Hybrid in corporate offices
Employees gifted shareholder bonus from the family owners
Do you want to work in a mission-driven organization?
Strive Health is worth checking out.
This mid-size startup is not only growing, it is the nation's leader in value-based kidney care. Strive is changing the kidney care paradigm to identify patients earlier, prioritize the right care and drive better outcomes.
Shelby Isaac, Strive's Director of Talent Acquisition, walks us through what it's like to work at Strive, the amazing benefits they have, and why this work matters. She also gives great advice to job seekers on how to find and land your next opportunity.
Some highlights:
HQ in Denver, CO but Hybrid-Remote
600+ Strivers | 50% Clinicians
Founded in 2018
Series C
Physical, Career, Financial, Inner, Family Well-being benefits
"We're going to listen to our employees" "The executives are going to be accessible." "The culture is special."
These are the phrases Chief People Officer, Amy Mosher, used to describe the how her and the other executives intentionally built the culture of isolved.
If you're looking for a stable, growing organization that prioritizes and financially invests in its people - this is going to be a must-listen.
That's why I'm so excited to share with you today's guest - Jeff Williams, US CEO of Aptia. In this episode, he shares how this new (but not-so-new) organization is changing the benefits administration space.
Not only does Jeff share about Aptia - the benefits of working for this global firm - he also gives invaluable advice to job seekers. He shares how he has worked in multiple (often disparate) industries, the benefits of taking on challenging roles, and leveraging influencers to get ahead in your career.
Some highlights:
Launched in 2024 out of Mercer acquisition
US (Boston) & UK (London) offices
1k-5k employees
Every employee is a shareholder
Hybrid environment and Continued Professional Development
It's not the place for people who "deeply admire their problems"
Have you ever thought, "I'm an adult. Why doesn't my employer treat me as such?"
Well today's company, Schoox, gives other companies a vision of what it means to trust your employees, not micromanage, and provide benefits that go beyond the "garden variety" (401k, dental, medical).
Join our conversation with Serah Morrissey, Senior Director of People and Culture at Schoox as we uncover what it's like to work for the LMS provider.
Some highlights:
Founded in 2012
300 employees globally
Half in Greece, half in North America
Fascinatingly simple bereavement policy
Paid parental leave, flexibility, generous PTO
Culture: "We treat each other with empathy, integrity, respect, compassion."
This week's company is an org that has some big aspirations:
They're on a mission to save 10 million employees $10 Billion.
ZayZoon is a fintech company that helps HR teams provide financial wellness to their employees. In this episode you're going to experience a really candid conversation with Founder Tate Hackert as he shares what it's like to be a part of a company that's growing exponentially.
Some highlights:
Series B Startup
<250 employees globally
HQ in Calgary, Canada
Remote-first organization
Core Values: Hustle, Trust, People Driven, Mastery
The platform turning financial advisors into founders.
In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Rasika Rajagopalan, VP of People, Talent & Places at Savvy Wealth, to talk about what it looks like to build a fast-moving, in-office culture at a fintech company reinventing how financial advisors operate.
Rasika shares how Savvy is empowering advisors to start and scale their own businesses, why the company prioritizes in-person collaboration four days a week, and how a team of around 130 people is building both cutting-edge technology and a deeply connected culture at the same time.
They also get into how Savvy makes decisions quickly through structured writing and weekly reviews, what it means to “invent the future” inside the company, and how they’re investing heavily in learning, from AI bootcamps to leadership summits.
What you’ll learn:
What Savvy Wealth does and how it’s transforming financial advising
Why they prioritize in-office collaboration and what it unlocks
How their writing culture and Weekly Decision Reviews drive speed
What “inventing the future” looks like in a fintech environment
How Savvy invests in employee growth and continuous learning
Savvy Wealth highlights:
Founded: 2021
Team Size: 130 employees
Headquarters: New York City
Work Model: In-office (4 days/week) with strong collaboration focus
The AI behind your favorite AI tools. That's AssemblyAI.
In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Meg Colón, VP of People at AssemblyAI, to talk about what it looks like to build a high-trust, remote-first culture at one of the most quietly powerful companies in the AI space.
Meg shares how AssemblyAI went from founding in 2017 to powering the voice AI models behind tools like Granola, why they ditched the agenda at their company off-sites, and how a team of 72 people is able to move faster and give more ownership than companies ten times their size.
They also get into the hard stuff, from reversing a sales motion that wasn't working to opening up every Slack channel and meeting in the name of radical transparency.
What you'll learn:
What AssemblyAI does and why you've probably already used their technology
How they run agenda-less off-sites and why it works
Why trust and autonomy aren't just values on a wall at AssemblyAI
How they use AI tools internally, including letting every employee expense them freely
What it takes to stand out as a candidate and land a role on this team
AssemblyAI highlights:
Founded: 2017
Team Size: 72 employees
Offices: New York City and San Francisco (coming soon)
Not just closing loans, but walking families through one of life’s biggest milestones.
In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Maddi Hargrove, Director of People and Culture at Better and NEO Home Loans, to go behind the scenes of two organizations working to modernize the mortgage experience through technology, people-first culture, and a bigger mission around homeownership.
Maddi shares how Better’s tech platform is transforming the loan process, why NEO Home Loans partnered with Better, and how both organizations are building around a shared just cause: to be better for their clients, partners, and people.
They also dive into what it takes to build culture across multiple business models, from distributed retail to direct-to-consumer to tech, and why responsible autonomy, employee feedback, and mission alignment matter in a fast-moving, high-pressure industry like mortgage.
What you’ll learn:
How Better and NEO Home Loans are modernizing the mortgage experience
Why technology like Tinman is changing the loan process from start to finish
What “responsible autonomy” looks like in practice
How mission, ethos, and employee feedback shape culture across both organizations
Better + NEO Home Loans Highlights:
Better Founded: 2016
NEO Founded: 2021
Headquarters: New York City
Team Size: 1,500 across Better, including 360 at NEO
What if every photo on your phone could be your next paycheck?
In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Christina Hawatmeh, Founder of Scopio, to explore how this fast-growing platform is helping creatives around the world sell their photos, illustrations, and digital art while building a company culture that thrives on ownership, expertise, and high-impact collaboration.
Christina shares how she turned a simple idea of helping people monetize their photos into a platform with 45,000 creators from over 190 countries, serving clients like Adobe, Microsoft, and Disney. She also dives into what it takes to scale a small, scrappy team, the importance of defining “swim lanes” for ownership, and why celebrating wins along the journey is crucial to remote culture.
What you’ll learn:
How Scopio empowers creators to earn real income from their art
The challenges and wins of scaling a global creative platform
What it takes to thrive on a small, high-performing team
Leadership lessons for founders navigating growth and culture
Okay, but seriously, IAB isn’t just shaping ads, it’s shaping your career while you’re at it.
In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Amber Murat, VP of People at the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), to explore how this nearly 30-year-old trade association powers the digital advertising ecosystem while building a culture that thrives on autonomy, accountability, and thought leadership.
Founded in 1996, IAB transformed the digital advertising “wild west” into a standards-setting powerhouse across streaming, social media, retail media, and AI. Amber shares how she was recruited on Instagram, how IAB empowers employees to grow their personal brands, and how the HR function has evolved to drive high performance, collaboration, and innovation.
What you’ll learn:
How IAB shapes the digital advertising industry while keeping consumers in mind
What a mission-driven, high-performance culture really looks like
How IAB supports career growth, personal brand development, and skill “upgrades”
IAB Highlights:
Founded: 1996
Headquarters: Manhattan, New York
Team Size: ~110 employees (including sister company TechLab)
Industry: Digital Media & Advertising / Trade Association