We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alysha M. Cambell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alysha M., thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?
When I first started CultureShift HR, it was just me. I had this vision of creating a consulting firm that would prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, and I was determined to make it happen. The early days were challenging, to say the least. I was wearing all the hats – from business development to client servicing to HR consultancy.
The first few hires were not full-time employees; instead, they were contractual hires. I believed in starting small and scaling up as the business grows. This approach gave me the flexibility to manage resources efficiently while ensuring that we had the necessary expertise to deliver quality service to our clients.
Recruiting the first few team members was a learning experience. Since we were a new company with a unique mission, it was crucial to find individuals who shared our vision and values. The interview process was rigorous. We looked beyond qualifications and experience; we sought individuals who demonstrated a genuine passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Looking back, there are certainly things I would do differently if I were starting today. For one, I would invest more in technology from the outset. In today’s digital age, having the right technology can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency. I would also focus more on building a strong online presence from day one. In our industry, reputation and credibility are everything, and having a strong online presence can greatly enhance these aspects.
However, despite the challenges and the things I would do differently, I wouldn’t change the journey. The lessons learned, the growth experienced, and the impact we’ve been able to make on workplaces have been incredibly rewarding.
It’s been a journey of continuous learning and adaptation, and I’m excited about what the future holds for CultureShift HR.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
In essence, CultureShift HR is passionately committed to creating workplaces where everyone feels like they belong.
We specialize in DEI and Fractional HR Consulting, steering clear of a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we opt for customized services that cater to our clients’ specific needs. Our objective is to assist companies in efficiently engaging their talent while fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion.
What sets CultureShift HR apart is that we are more than just HR consultants. We believe in the correlation between employee satisfaction and business success and hence promote an “Employee First” philosophy. DEI is not merely an add-on for us; it’s incorporated into every service we offer.
We help companies overcome the significant challenge of creating a culture that values diversity and promotes inclusion. We aid them in understanding the value of a diverse workforce and assist in developing strategies to attract, retain, and engage such talent.
Among the achievements I am most proud of is the positive impact we’ve had on the companies we’ve partnered with. The transformation in their workplace culture and the resulting increase in employee satisfaction is immensely gratifying. Additionally, I take pride in our initiative ‘Black Places Equal Safe Spaces’, a part of CultureShift HR that provides mental health support and resources in the Black community.
For those contemplating partnering with us, at CultureShift HR, we take your mission to heart. We are more than a consulting firm; we are committed partners who will work diligently to help you create an environment where everyone feels valued and included.
Our brand stands as a champion of diversity and inclusivity. We firmly believe that all individuals, regardless of their background or identity, deserve to feel recognized and appreciated at work. This conviction forms the backbone of everything we undertake at CultureShift HR.
Adaptability is one of our key strengths. In response to the changing dynamics of the world of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have evolved our services to meet these new challenges, ensuring that we continue to provide relevant and effective solutions.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building a strong reputation within our market has been a multifaceted process, but if I had to pinpoint key factors, I would certainly highlight networking, openness to new connections, and an unwavering commitment to integrity.
In the early stages of CultureShift HR, we recognized that networking was not just about expanding our client base, but also about learning from others and sharing knowledge. We actively sought opportunities to connect with industry peers, thought leaders, and potential clients, both offline and online. It’s through these interactions that we were able to gain insights, stay abreast of trends, and ultimately deliver more value to our clients.
Being open to new connections has also been instrumental. We’ve always maintained an inclusive approach, welcoming conversations and collaborations with diverse individuals across various industries. This openness has not only broadened our perspectives but also enriched our services and solutions.
Above all, integrity and trust-building have been the cornerstones of our operation. We believe that trust is the foundation of any successful business relationship, and this belief permeates every interaction we have. Whether it’s delivering on our promises, maintaining transparency, or handling sensitive information with utmost discretion, we make sure that integrity is at the forefront. This has helped us build lasting relationships with our clients, and in turn, solidify our reputation in the market.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
There have been several instances throughout our journey that have tested our resilience, but one story, in particular, stands out. During the initial years of CultureShift HR, we faced a significant setback when a major client unexpectedly pulled out of a large project due to budget cuts. This was a tough blow, both financially and emotionally.
However, instead of letting this setback derail us, we used it as a catalyst for growth. We took it as an opportunity to review and strengthen our business model, diversify our client portfolio, and enhance our risk management strategies. Instead of panicking, we focused on learning from the situation, and this resilience helped us bounce back stronger.
Looking back, that challenging period was a turning point for us. It reinforced the importance of resilience in business and reminded us that setbacks are not roadblocks but detours guiding us towards better paths.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cultureshifthr.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alysha.m.campbell
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlyshaMCampbell/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyshamcampbell/
- Other: https://alyshacampbell.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cultureshifthr/ https://www.instagram.com/cultureshifthr/ https://blackplacesequalsafespaces.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bpess/ https://www.instagram.com/blackplacesequalsafespaces/