Culture Uncovered

Recruit the Employer

Ever wonder what it's like to work for the best companies in the world? Maybe you’re actively looking for a new job. Or maybe you’re thinking about your next strategic career move. Well, you've come to the right place.Each week we meet with talent leaders at companies you’ve heard of - and many organizations you haven’t. Giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work there…before you even apply. 

  1. Vidyard

    VOR 1 TAG

    Vidyard

    **LIVE from the Transform Conference in Las Vegas** In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Sarika Lamont, Chief People Officer at Vidyard, to explore what it looks like to build a transparent, adaptable, and people-first culture inside a fast-moving AI company. Recorded live from the Transform conference, Sarika shares Vidyard’s evolution from a startup founded by two engineers from the University of Waterloo into a globally distributed AI and video-enabled go-to-market platform. She also opens up about her unconventional career path from management consulting into HR leadership, how relationships shaped every major career move she’s made, and why authenticity matters deeply in both recruiting and leadership. They also discuss how Vidyard approaches remote culture-building, why honesty and “talent repellence” are critical in hiring, and how AI is forcing organizations to completely rethink performance management, compensation, and the future of work. What you’ll learn: What Vidyard does and how it uses AI and video to support sales, marketing, and customer engagementHow Sarika Lamont transitioned from federal consulting into HR and tech leadershipWhy every major career opportunity Sarika has landed came through relationships and referralsHow Vidyard has maintained startup energy after 15 years in businessWhat remote culture-building looks like at a globally distributed companyWhy transparency and authenticity matter during the hiring processThe importance of “talent repellence” alongside talent attractionHow Vidyard supports employee wellbeing and encourages real time offWhy Gen Z is reshaping leadership, performance management, and compensationHow AI is changing the future of work — and the types of employees who thrive in that environmentWhat types of roles Vidyard is actively hiring forVidyard Highlights: Headquarters: Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, CanadaTeam Size: ~120 employeesIndustry: AI / Video Technology / Go-To-Market SoftwareFounded: Approximately 15 years agoWorkforce Style: Remote-first and globally distributedEmployee Nickname: “Vidyardians”Culture: Collaborative, transparent, adaptable, community-oriented, startup-mindedMajor Hiring Areas: Go-to-market teams, engineering, AI-focused roles, digital customer success, AI automationUnique Perks & Programs: Flexible PTO policy with strong encouragement to actually take time offCompany-wide holiday shutdown between Christmas and New Year’sCharitable donation matching programAbility to donate unused professional development funds to charitiesTree planting initiatives tied to employee work anniversariesStrong emphasis on employee authenticity and transparencyRemote-first culture intentionally designed around collaboration and connectionLeadership philosophy centered on adaptability, resilience, and continuous learningHeavy investment in AI-forward tools, systems, and workforce developmentDeep commitment to supporting the Canadian tech ecosystem and emerging foundersTo learn more about Vidyard: Careers Page (They're hiring!) LinkedIn Page Sarika's LinkedIn

    30 Min.
  2. Toshiba

    13. MAI

    Toshiba

    **LIVE from the Transform Conference in Las Vegas** In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Jason Desentz, CHRO of Toshiba Americas, to unpack what it actually looks like to lead culture and transformation inside a 150-year-old global brand. Jason shares why he returned to the CHRO seat after running his own consulting firm, what drew him to Toshiba during a major transformation phase, and how the company is balancing large-scale innovation with a people-first culture. They also dive into what “think global, act local” looks like at Toshiba, how the organization is preparing employees for an AI-driven future, and why visibility, curiosity, and business acumen are becoming critical skills for modern HR leaders and job seekers alike. What you’ll learn:  What Toshiba actually does beyond consumer electronics  How Toshiba evolved into a diversified global innovation company  Why Jason Desentz joined Toshiba during a major transformation period  What “create together” means inside Toshiba’s culture  How Toshiba approaches employee engagement and long-term retention  Why business acumen is essential for modern HR leaders  How Toshiba is preparing employees to become AI-ready  Why volunteering for projects accelerates career growth  What types of employees thrive at Toshiba  How job seekers can stand out when applying to large organizations Toshiba Highlights:  Founded: 1875  Global Workforce: 100,000+ employees  U.S. Workforce: ~6,000 employees  Americas Headquarters: Houston, Texas  Other U.S. Hubs: Irvine & San Jose, California + Milwaukee, Wisconsin  Industry: Technology, Manufacturing, Energy, Infrastructure & Electronics  Known For: Consumer electronics, semiconductors, batteries, point-of-sale systems, motors & drives, quantum technology, and more  Culture: Innovative, collaborative, community-oriented, people-first, globally connected Unique Perks & Programs:  Strong employee appreciation culture and milestone celebrations  Family-inclusive events and employee recognition programs  Mobile mammogram and preventative healthcare initiatives  Financial wellness and earned wage access programs  Toshiba University for structured employee learning and development  AI-readiness training and hands-on AI experimentation workshops  Cross-functional project opportunities for career development  Community volunteering and charitable engagement initiatives  High leadership visibility and approachable executive teamsTo learn more about Toshiba: Careers Page (They’re hiring!) LinkedIn Page Jason's LinkedIn

    31 Min.
  3. ThredUp

    6. MAI

    ThredUp

    **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 platformsHow Natalie Breece grew from recruiter to Chief People Officer internallyWhy saying yes to uncomfortable opportunities leads to the biggest career growthHow ThredUp maintained its culture while transitioning from private to publicWhat “think big” looks like in practice (not just as a value)What makes someone successful at ThredUp (and what doesn’t)ThredUp Highlights: Founded: 2009Team Size: ~2,500 employeesHeadquarters: Oakland, CaliforniaOther Locations: Scottsdale, Arizona + 4 U.S. distribution centersWorkforce: ~80% distribution center employeesIndustry: Online resale (women’s and kids apparel)Culture: Learning-driven, collaborative, curious, growth-focusedUnique Perks & Programs: Four-day work week (company-wide, in place for several years)Strong internal mobility (many leaders have held 4+ roles internally)Career Compass (clear career pathing framework)Impact Leadership Institute (internal leadership development)BizUp program (cross-functional business learning experience)Emphasis on continuous learning, curiosity, and career growthTo learn more about ThredUp: Careers Page (They’re hiring!) LinkedIn Page Natalie's LinkedIn

    25 Min.
  4. Experian

    29. APR.

    Experian

    **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) Industry: Data, Technology, and AI Culture: Inclusive, flexible, purpose-driven, growth-oriented Recognition: Ranked #14 on Great Place to Work’s World’s Best WorkplacesUnique Perks & Programs: Generous parental leave: 18–20 weeks (birth parent)  12 weeks (non-birth parent) 91% return rate for women after one year post-leave 60% of parental leaves taken by men (rare and culture-shifting) 10 days bereavement leave for chosen family (not just traditional definitions) Flexible work culture with no guilt attached AI-powered career platform (“My Career”) for personalized growth and internal mobility Strong emphasis on belonging, inclusion, and work-life balanceTo learn more about Experian:  Careers Page (They’re hiring!)  LinkedIn Page  Mary’s LinkedIn

    29 Min.
  5. Zapier

    22. APR.

    Zapier

    **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) Industry: AI, Automation, SaaS Culture: Builder-first, transparent, high-ownership, outcomes-driven Unique perks & programs:  Fully remote and globally distributed work model  High autonomy with an outcomes-based performance culture  Strong internal culture of building with AI and automation  Radical transparency (public Slack channels, shared company updates)  Hands-on builder mindset embedded in hiring and onboarding  High-impact roles due to lean teams powered by automation To learn more about Zapier:  Careers Page (They’re hiring!)  LinkedIn Page  Brandon’s LinkedIn

    28 Min.
  6. Unstructured

    15. APR.

    Unstructured

    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) Team Size: ~78 full-time + growing rapidly Industry: AI / Data Infrastructure Culture: High-trust, ownership-driven, fast-paced, collaborative, human-first Unique Perks & Programs:  Remote-first work with flexible setup  Company and team offsites to build connection  Generous parental leave (including adoption and surrogacy)  Strong benefits with increased employer contributions  Home office setup and internet reimbursements  Fun, high-engagement Slack culture (games, challenges, team moments)  Real internal mobility and growth through hands-on work To learn more about Unstructured: Careers Page (They’re hiring!) LinkedIn PageLindsay's LinkedIn Profile

    32 Min.
  7. Smooth Media

    8. APR.

    Smooth Media

    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 creatorsWhy they focus on creators over influencers in the B2B spaceHow they partner with brands new to creator marketingWhat “you go first” ownership looks like in practiceWhat it takes to stand out as a candidate in a fast-moving startupSmooth Media highlights: Founded: 2021Team Size: 18 employeesHeadquarters: New York CityWork Model: In-office (Mon–Thurs), remote FridaysCulture: Curious, ambitious, collaborative, ownership-driven, learning-focusedUnique Perks & Programs: Strong in-office culture designed for learning and collaborationEarly-career growth through exposure across teams and functionsHigh ownership culture (“you go first” mindset)Opportunities to work closely with creators and brandsInvolvement in creator-led events and partnershipsA fast-growing startup environment where you help build the playbookTo learn more about Smooth Media: Careers Page (They’re hiring!) Instagram Page Jenny’s LinkedIn Profile

    29 Min.
  8. Savvy Wealth

    1. APR.

    Savvy Wealth

    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 advisingWhy they prioritize in-office collaboration and what it unlocksHow their writing culture and Weekly Decision Reviews drive speedWhat “inventing the future” looks like in a fintech environmentHow Savvy invests in employee growth and continuous learningSavvy Wealth highlights: Founded: 2021Team Size: 130 employeesHeadquarters: New York CityWork Model: In-office (4 days/week) with strong collaboration focusCulture: Curious, ambitious, collaborative, fast-moving, learning-drivenUnique Perks & Programs: Strong in-office culture designed for collaboration and connectionWeekly Decision Reviews (WDR) for fast, transparent decision-makingWriting-first culture to improve clarity and alignmentAI bootcamps and leadership development programsRegular team events and community-building initiativesHigh transparency, including visibility into company strategyTo learn more about Savvy Wealth: Careers Page (They’re hiring!) LinkedIn Page Rasika’s LinkedIn Profile

    32 Min.

Info

Ever wonder what it's like to work for the best companies in the world? Maybe you’re actively looking for a new job. Or maybe you’re thinking about your next strategic career move. Well, you've come to the right place.Each week we meet with talent leaders at companies you’ve heard of - and many organizations you haven’t. Giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work there…before you even apply. 

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