**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