From Hire to Inspire: Culture's Role in Recruitment, Retention, and Recognition

In the age of authenticity and connection, the core of every organization relies on a strong foundation of company culture to maintain brand strength while encouraging growth in competitive markets. Building brand identity and maintaining it is equally as tough as it is important. In this engaging session, David Shove-Brown marries his vibrant personality with his plentiful leadership experience to give a run-down of the journey from establishing a genuine company culture. From there, he guides participants through tools to leverage culture to stay competitive, from internal interests of employee recruitment and retention to external publicity and marketing.

David believes that strong, sustainable company culture is built not from the top down, but from engaging each team member in the process –– allowing them to express what they look for in an organization and providing opportunities to have a say in building a workplace that represents who they are.

Some ideas he brings to the table include:

Shaking it up with employee titles: why confine employees to a singular, stagnant role, when you really want to empower them to shape their own careers? Giving them flexibility could be what helps them to not only stay, but thrive! When you have employees that feel heard, it shines through externally, giving them the confidence to exercise their passions that extend outward to every stakeholder.

Go hybrid and mean it: enforce it while creating genuine opportunities for conversation, collaboration, and fun––draw employees back to the office with a reason to come in (did someone say Tacos and Tequila on a Tuesday?).

Creating a company culture you’re proud of: it’s better marketing than money can buy –– attracting clients and employees that are eager to contribute to a shared vision.

Developing a brand identity: for businesses that aren’t just growing, but also expanding, having an established brand identity is huge. To attract and retain top talent, you have to know who you are as a company. This discussion will equip the audience with the tools to make sure they’re doing all they can to nurture their company culture while making strategic steps towards growth and success.

Audience Takeaways

• Examples and clear methods for creating an exciting, encouraging, and overall positive atmosphere for employees that prioritizes their happiness and wellbeing. Ideas for navigating the hybrid environment while building genuine relationships between employees and clients and investing in their personal and professional growth. Leveraging company culture to organically generate marketing and publicity opportunities.

Conference Session Tracks

• Domain Track: Promotional Activity & Business Development

• Career Track: Senior

David Shove-Brown is the co-founder and partner of Washington D.C.-based, multidisciplinary architecture and design firm //3877. A recognized leader in the D.C. small-business community and design industry at-large, David has spoken at various events with organizations such as BDNY, SMPS, and AIA.

Connect with David on LinkedIn.