Culture Uncovered
Culture Uncovered
Podcast Description
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.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Focuses on workplace dynamics, recruitment strategies, and company culture with episodes exploring diverse topics such as employee appreciation at O.C. Tanner, innovative hiring practices at Village Caregiving, and mission-driven work at Strive Health.
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.
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
To learn more about Walker Sands:
Careers Page (They are hiring!)
LinkedIn Page
Allison's LinkedIn
Disclaimer
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