Description

Get an inside look at company culture at Birgo in this exclusive interview with Head of People, Nicole Shirk. Nicole gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how Birgo creates an environment where employees can thrive professionally and personally.

Learn how Birgo turns core values like "rhinocerality" into tangible actions that shape hiring, performance reviews, and recognition. Find out how implementing operating systems creates clarity and alignment across a growing company. Discover Birgo's innovative approaches to compensation philosophy and employee wellbeing. Whether you're leading a team or want to work for an impact-driven company, this episode provides real insight into building mission-driven organizations.

[00:00 - 05:17] Introduction to Nicole and Her Role at Birgo

• Nicole has 18 years experience in the social profit sector
• Joined Birgo to mobilize people towards a mission
• Oversees the employee life cycle and culture as Head of People

[05:18 - 07:55] Birgo's Core Values - THRIVE - and How They Shape Culture

• THRIVE values: Teamwork, Humility, Rhinocerality, Integrity, Vision, Excellence
• Values used for hiring, performance management, recognition
• Reinforced through stories and living them out daily

[07:56 - 09:18] Creating a Cohesive Culture

• Affirming the value of every employee regardless of role
• Fostering open and honest dialogue across the company
• Making space for all perspectives to be heard

[09:19 - 12:32] Taking a Thoughtful Approach to Compensation

• Led process of developing compensation philosophy
• Gathered input from employees at all levels
• Listened to what matters most to team members
• Established philosophy based on market study and feedback

[12:33 - 15:46] Implementing EOS Operating System for Simplicity and Alignment

• EOS provides clarity, alignment, and consistency
• Tools like visioning, issue tracking, meeting rhythms
• Gets everyone rowing in the same direction

[15:47 - 19:19] Lightning Round with Nicole and Closing Remarks

• Shares about recent “win”, favorite movie, food, growth areas, and content

Quotes:

"We're committed to not just who are you today in this particular job, but who do you want to be in all of life and how can we help you get there" - Nicole Shirk

"Fundamentally, we want to be about listening to our employees, not presuming that we know always what they need" - Nicole Shirk

Connect with Nicole!

Nicole’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-shirk-aa82505

Nicole's Email: nshirk@birgo.com

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