Authored By Julie Catalano

Why an EVP is Essential for Your Company’s Success

An EVP is the cornerstone of a company’s identity and culture. It’s what sets you apart from competitors in attracting and retaining the best talent. For our clients, where innovation and speed are critical, having the right leaders in place can dramatically accelerate business growth and value creation.

Building Your Brand

What’s New at Bespoke?

Our updated EVP centers on five key areas:

Author:
Julie Catalano
Chief People Officer

Julie brings more than 20 years of senior leadership in human resources, organizational culture, and business strategy. Prior to Bespoke, she served as Vice President, Global Human Resources at Vertex Inc. and has held multiple key leadership roles across the HR disciplines at Vanguard.

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Authored By Julie Catalano

Q: What is your personal outlook for the talent market for 2024?

A: As we step into 2024, I foresee a talent market that is not just dynamic but also transformative, particularly in sectors like software and SaaS.

The pace of technological advancement coupled with the push for digital transformation has escalated the demand for professionals who are agile, tech-forward, and can adeptly navigate the evolving business terrain.

We’re looking at a talent landscape where the premium is on innovative minds and change agents – individuals who don’t just adapt but actively shape the future. Then, you add on the dynamics of remote and hybrid work models and that our recruitment horizon has expanded globally – the hunt for exceptional talent more complex and competitive than ever.

Q: Can you tell us more about integrated talent management and its importance?

A: Integrated Talent Management is essentially about orchestrating our talent strategies – from acquisition and development to retention and succession planning – in harmony with our overarching business objectives. This integration is crucial; it transcends traditional recruitment to create a talent ecosystem that propels business growth and innovation.

It’s about cultivating a workforce that is deeply connected with our vision and culture. This is a kind of synergy that’s not just beneficial but essential for long-term success.

This approach doesn’t only ensure we have the right skills in the right places; it fosters a culture of engagement, commitment, and shared purpose, which is the bedrock of any successful enterprise.

Q: Regarding the intersection of human compassion and business insight, can you give examples of how this is reflected in an executive’s day-to-day?

A: Absolutely, Eric. This intersection comes to life in numerous ways. Consider an executive who uses emotional intelligence to steer their team through a challenging project, maintaining morale and fostering resilience. Or think about initiatives that prioritize work-life balance, acknowledging that well-being directly translates to productivity. It’s about making decisions that reflect a deep understanding of the human element in business.

When leaders prioritize their team’s well-being, they’re not just nurturing a happier workforce; they’re cultivating a more dedicated, creative, and ultimately more productive team.

This thoughtful approach to leadership invariably leads to long-term dividends, both in human and financial terms.

Q: How do you view maintaining and evolving company culture amidst market fluctuations?

A: Navigating through market highs and lows, company culture should be our anchor and our sail. It requires a delicate balance of steadfast adherence to core values and the agility to adapt to new challenges. This means consistently communicating our mission and values, while also being open to evolving our cultural practices to support our team’s changing needs and business growth. It’s about ensuring that our core ethos remains unshaken, even as we adapt and evolve to meet the demands of an ever-changing market landscape.

Author:
Julie Catalano
Chief People Officer

Julie brings more than 20 years of senior leadership in human resources, organizational culture, and business strategy. Prior to Bespoke, she served as Vice President, Global Human Resources at Vertex Inc. and has held multiple key leadership roles across the HR disciplines at Vanguard.

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Authored By Julie Catalano

In my final blog posting of 2023, I will share my thoughts on the criticality of an effective talent management strategy as a value creation lever. In fact, in 2024, our emphasis will not be just on talent management but on an Integrated Talent Management (ITM) approach that aligns with the four key pillars of our Human Capital strategy: attract, develop, retain, and belong. This holistic strategy underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual can thrive and contribute to our collective success.

What is Integrated Talent Management?

Integrated Talent Management refers to a comprehensive approach to managing an organization’s human capital. ITM connects all aspects of the employee lifecycle – from recruitment and onboarding to development, performance management, and retention.

It’s about creating synergies between different HR functions to achieve a unified goal: unlocking the full potential of our people for organizational success.

Why is ITM Important?

ITM is crucial because it ensures a seamless and cohesive employee experience. By integrating various HR functions, we can better understand and respond to employee needs, driving higher engagement, performance, and retention. It’s a strategy that views employees not as separate components but as integral parts of a unified whole, each contributing uniquely to our collective goals.

The Strategic Role of Talent in Value Creation

In private equity-backed firms, talent is not just a resource but a critical driver of value creation.

Our ITM approach recognizes that every employee, from junior staff to leadership, plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, operational efficiency, and ultimately, financial performance. This holistic view of talent management ensures alignment of people strategies with business objectives, making it a key lever in achieving sustainable growth and competitive advantage.

ITM and our 4 Pillars: Attract, Develop, Retain, Belong

Strategic Recruitment:

Our ITM framework is designed to attract not only the best talent but also the right talent – individuals who will propel our firm towards its strategic goals and add significant value.

Targeted Development Programs:

By investing in tailored development programs, we’re not just enhancing skills; we’re building the next generation of leaders who will drive value creation in our firm.

Strategic Retention for Business Continuity:

Our integrated approach to performance management, talent identification and retention is designed to sustain the intellectual capital crucial for long-term value creation.

DEI as a Value Enhancer:

Our focus on DEI within the ITM framework is more than a moral imperative; it’s a business strategy that enhances innovation, widens our market reach, and strengthens stakeholder relationships.

In 2024, at Bespoke Partners, Integrated Talent Management is not just a part of our HR strategy; it is central to our business strategy.

Recognizing talent as a strategic lever for value creation, especially in a PE-backed firm, means aligning every aspect of the employee lifecycle with our overall business objectives.

It’s about investing in people as assets who will yield significant returns in terms of innovation, operational excellence, and financial performance. As we embrace ITM, we’re not just managing talent; we’re cultivating a dynamic, agile, and high-performing culture that is fundamental to driving value and success in the competitive PE landscape.

Cheers to a prosperous 2024!

Author:
Julie Catalano
Chief People Officer

Julie brings more than 20 years of senior leadership in human resources, organizational culture, and business strategy. Prior to Bespoke, she served as Vice President, Global Human Resources at Vertex Inc. and has held multiple key leadership roles across the HR disciplines at Vanguard.

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Authored By Julie Catalano

In an era where data drives decisions and technology often grabs the limelight, the significance of human capital can sometimes be overshadowed. However, as we move into an increasingly complex and volatile business environment, the role of the Chief People Officer (CPO) is rapidly evolving into a strategic imperative. In this piece, I will not only delve into how the role of the CPO has changed, but also share my personal journey into the HR and human capital arena.

A Seat at the Strategic Table: The Transformation of the CPO Role

Gone are the days when the CPO or CHRO was merely a compliance officer, confined to transactional tasks like payroll, benefits, and hiring processes.

Today’s CPO is a critical partner in setting the strategic direction of the company.

They wield a deep understanding of how an effective human capital strategy can lead to organizational success and value creation. As companies adapt to meet in market demands and emerging technologies, the CPO role becomes a linchpin in fostering a culture that ensures both the wellbeing of its employees and the success of its strategic objectives.

Business-led, Insight-driven, People-powered

As a member of the newer generation of CPOs, I’ve observed this transformation firsthand. The most effective HR organizations today are business-led, insight-driven, and people-powered. We use metrics to measure engagement, wellbeing, and performance. We create value by making data-informed decisions that align our workforce strategy with the company’s overarching goals. This newfound alignment allows us to speak the language of the business while balancing it with the ethical and emotional considerations related to our people.

The Changing Landscape: Unseating the Old Guard

Many CPOs of today, myself included, have replaced the classic HR leaders who couldn’t make the pivot from being transactional HR compliance gurus to strategic business partners. Companies have realized that managing talent effectively is not just an “HR issue” but a business imperative. As modern CPOs, we bring a new voice and perspective that is gravely needed at the executive and board tables. We are not just “people-people”; we are strategic thinkers who understand the business, the market, and the unique blend of skills and culture that will drive our organizations forward.

My Personal Journey

I’ve spent my entire career in the HR function, experiencing its evolution from a front-row seat.

Early on, I sensed that our work could be much more than just compliance and transactional tasks. I championed data-driven strategies and advocated for a more human-centric approach to leadership. This passion and understanding have been instrumental in my journey to becoming a CPO, and I find it gratifying to see how much value our function now brings to the strategic table.

As the role of the CPO gains prominence, we have a unique opportunity to redefine value creation within the business. We are at the intersection of human compassion and business insight— uniquely positioned to contribute to both people and profits.

In this journey, every CPO will face challenges—be it in terms of changing mindsets, aligning with business strategies, or fostering cultural shifts. Yet, these challenges also serve as opportunities to demonstrate our worth and redefine our roles. My own journey has been rich with learning and transformation, and I look forward to what the future holds, both for me and for the CPO community at large.

As always, I welcome your thoughts and insights on this transformational journey we are part of. Feel free to connect and share your experiences. After all, the road ahead is not one we walk alone, but one we pave together, as a community of strategic, compassionate, and business-savvy leaders.

Author:
Julie Catalano
Chief People Officer

Julie brings more than 20 years of senior leadership in human resources, organizational culture, and business strategy. Prior to Bespoke, she served as Vice President, Global Human Resources at Vertex Inc. and has held multiple key leadership roles across the HR disciplines at Vanguard.

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Authored By Julie Catalano

As we sail through the ever-evolving landscape of the modern business world, the concept of the virtual workforce has firmly taken root.

In recent times, big tech giants have been advocating for a return to the office. Other companies remain committed to a virtual workforce.

In this month’s blog, we delve into the intriguing dichotomy of the virtual workforce, the challenges it presents, and the undeniable value of fostering intentional in-person connections.

The Virtual Workforce: Challenges and Benefits

Undoubtedly, the digital age has blessed us with remarkable technological advancements, enabling us to stay connected no matter where we are.

Virtual meetings, remote collaboration tools, and flexible schedules have revolutionized how we work. However, as we immerse ourselves in this digital realm, we must acknowledge the unique set of challenges that come hand in hand.

First and foremost, the absence of face-to-face interactions can lead to a sense of detachment.

Video meetings, though efficient, often lack the spontaneity and intimacy of in-person conversations. The informal water cooler chats, the unspoken cues exchanged during a meeting, and the camaraderie built over coffee breaks – these elements contribute to a holistic understanding of our colleagues and their perspectives.

On the flip side, the virtual setup offers unparalleled flexibility. It erases geographical boundaries, allowing us to tap into a diverse talent pool and embrace work-life integration.

The ability to work from the comfort of our homes can boost morale and productivity, fostering a healthy work environment.

It also adds a level of intimacy as we share pieces of our personal lives with the camera, like my German Shepherd, Leo, who enjoys attending many meetings alongside me, as he naps in camera view from my home office.

Reimagining Intimacy: The Value of In-Person Time

Amidst our commitment to the virtual workforce, we acknowledge the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interactions. The human connection, those subtle nuances that can’t be captured through a screen, is where the magic truly happens.

Recently, Bespoke Partners orchestrated a two-day all-team summit in picturesque Carlsbad, CA. Far beyond being a mere gathering to discuss business strategies, this event stood as a purposeful endeavor aimed at forging profound connections.

Our meticulously curated agenda balanced a critical business agenda with generous moments dedicated to breaking bread, fostering social bonds, and nurturing camaraderie. We even added a highly competitive cornhole tournament into the mix!

Yet, amid all these memorable moments, the highlight for me was a final intimate dinner with my People & Culture team, hailing from San Diego, Boulder, and Austin. Despite the geographic expanse that separates us, our connection remained resolute and engaged.

Carving out this time allowed us to revel in our collective achievements and partnership, all while savoring Aperol Spritz and indulging in the exquisite delight of honey-drizzled burrata. It was the perfect closure before hopping on the red-eye back to the East Coast.

The summit served as a testament to our belief that true collaboration transcends pixels and wires. We witnessed the power of being physically present, sharing stories, laughter, and insights. This in-person time breathed life into relationships, creating a solid foundation to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

Finding Balance in a Digital Age

As we tread the fine line between the virtual and the physical, we acknowledge that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. While embracing the virtual workforce, we understand the profound impact that intentional in-person time can have on our culture and relationships.

In the dynamic realm of private equity, where relationships are pivotal, Bespoke Partners remains committed to fostering connections that go beyond the virtual realm. We believe that the future of work demands a balance – a harmonious symphony of digital connectivity and the warmth of human touch.

Let’s continue to harness the power of technology while cherishing the irreplaceable essence of personal connections.

Thoughts on this topic or others?

Message us at info@bespokepartners.com to be considered in future posts.

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Authored By Julie Catalano

July brings exciting news as we celebrate the promotion of three of our longtime team members to Partner, Katherine Baker, Alex Bossetta and Ned Lanphier, a testament to our steadfast belief in nurturing and empowering our own team.

At Bespoke, we take immense pride in our unwavering commitment to developing our people from within. In this month’s blog, I will share some of our secret sauce around how Bespoke Partners champions internal growth, highlighting our unique training programs, talent review processes, and the art and science behind our executive search methodology.

Investing in Our People

At Bespoke Partners, we recognize that our success is deeply intertwined with the growth and development of our team members. We have created a comprehensive internal learning journey through our virtual campus of Bespoke University, providing our employees with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in the industry. This virtual learning platform combines expert-led courses, interactive workshops, and ongoing mentoring opportunities to foster a continuous learning culture within our organization.

Unleashing Potential through the 9 Box Talent Review Process

To identify and nurture top-tier talent, we have implemented the 9-box talent review process. This rigorous evaluation method allows us to assess individual performance and potential across multiple dimensions, enabling us to identify high-potential individuals who demonstrate the capacity to excel in leadership roles. By leveraging this process, we ensure that our development efforts are focused on cultivating the most promising talent within our ranks.

Mastering the Art and Science of Executive Search

Executive search is an art that requires intuition, experience, and an in-depth understanding of industry dynamics. At Bespoke Partners, we have perfected this art while infusing it with the precision and objectivity of a scientific approach. Our team undergoes rigorous training to master the “Bespoke Way” of conducting searches, combining strategic thinking, cutting-edge research, and meticulous assessment techniques to identify exceptional leaders who are a perfect fit for our clients’ needs.

Alex’s viewpoint really underscores this point about our client focus. “Since I first interviewed with Bespoke, it’s been my goal to launch a practice focused on placing human capital leaders to drive growth for our clients,” she says.

“It’s been rewarding to help define the talent thesis for portfolio companies through strategic human resources placements. I am honored by the trust our clients place in us as we build out exceptional teams in their companies.”

Delivering Value to Our Clients

Our commitment to nurturing talent within our organization translates into tangible benefits for our clients. By investing in the growth and development of our team, we ensure that they possess a deep understanding of the industries we serve, allowing us to deliver executive search services that are tailored to our clients’ unique requirements. When you choose Bespoke Partners, you are not only gaining access to our extensive network, but also partnering with a team of professionals who embody the values of integrity, innovation, and excellence.

I think Ned said it best in the recent announcement of his promotion. “I’m honored to be part of the amazing team of executive search professionals at Bespoke Partners,” he said.

“It’s exciting to bring game-changing talent to our clients and help them to transform their portfolio companies and achieve their investment thesis. Technology leaders play such a pivotal role in software and SaaS companies and I’m extremely proud of our exceptional track record.”

Joining the Bespoke Family

For ambitious professionals seeking a workplace where their growth is prioritized, Bespoke Partners is the ideal destination. We invite individuals who share our passion for developing talent and delivering exceptional results to consider joining our team.

At Bespoke, you will find a supportive environment, continuous learning opportunities, and the chance to work alongside industry leaders who are dedicated to unlocking your full potential.

At Bespoke Partners, our commitment to developing our people from within is the cornerstone of our success. We have built a culture that fosters excellence, innovation, and unparalleled client service. We invite clients seeking exceptional executive search services to partner with us and experience the Bespoke difference.

I love how Katherine expresses it. “Bespoke is built on a principle I am passionate about, which is that client success is our success,” she says.

“I’m thrilled to be part of a team that wakes up every day with that goal in mind. I want our clients to know that working with Bespoke was the right choice every time we bring them a top-performing CEO.”

Likewise, we extend an invitation to talented professionals looking for an organization committed to their growth and development to join the Bespoke family. Together, we can drive value creation and unlock limitless potential within the private equity landscape.

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