Heidi Carrell
Director of Organizational Development
My day is typically a combination of project calls, time spent creating training documentation and communications, and presenting live training sessions for our staff members. I ensure our internal staff members have access to the knowledge that they need to be successful! What I enjoy most is when you see the “Ah Ha” moment with someone where they truly get the connection to what they are learning and what it will mean in their success.
Full Interview
Let’s talk about your role:
Q: What is the most rewarding facet of dealing directly with colleagues on your team and at Integrity Staffing in general?
A: The most rewarding part of working with our staff is the diversity we have across all our teams. Everyone comes from a different background and brings different experiences, but we all come together to contribute our expertise when creating a new process, system, or function.
Q: What is Integrity’s driving force behind our Center of Excellence as it relates to Organizational Development?
A: I think the biggest driver for the Center of Influence Team is the concept of providing service. Our staff members are responsible for providing service to our candidates, associates, and clients. We are here to provide service to our staff. We are constantly looking at ways to make our processes flow more efficiently, this is often driven by the feedback we receive from our staff.
Q: What have been your most significant accomplishments within the past few years?
A: One of my favorite accomplishments over the past few years is the implementation of our digital adoption platform, Whatfix. With this piece of technology, we can provide our recruiters access to training and support directly within the Bullhorn system they are using every day. It truly provides them with support at their fingertips. I’m excited to see how we continue to expand this tool in the future.
Q: Who are some of your biggest inspirations within the company?
A: This is a tough one as we have so many amazing leaders within the company.
Todd & Sean – they truly are the heart of the company and have taught us all the value of caring for our clients, associates, and each other.
Jaime – she has had an amazing leadership journey over the years, and it is impressive to see how much she has grown into her leadership style.
Susan – she truly demonstrates servant leadership and goes above and beyond to ensure all our staff and associates are supported.
Q: What’s the most unique part about working here?
A: The most unique part of working here is that we truly get to make an impact in people’s lives. We help provide for their families, navigate changes in their life, and sometimes set them on a whole new journey for their career.
Company Culture and Core Values:
Q: What has your experience been with our company culture?
A: My experience with our culture is that we are not your typical company. We challenge every staff member to step-up, take ownership of their business, and drive themselves to be successful. Now we do this with lots of tools and support, but it is up to you to use and apply what you are learning. This is not a company where you can come in and hide in the masses, everyone here is visible because every role contributes every day.
Q: What is your favorite Integrity Core Value, and why?
A: My favorite Core Value is “Learn It Here, Use It There.” That’s probably a cliché coming from the training leader, but it is so true. At Integrity, you will have the opportunity to learn something new every day. Whether it is a new process, skill, or even something new about yourself.
Q: What parts of our mission/vision do you connect with?
A: I connect most with the part of our mission statement that says “We generate opportunities for people to exceed their own expectations…” I think this is a great embodiment of culture. We will give you lots of opportunities to try new things and be part of teams that you may never have even dreamed of working on. But it is up to you to speak up, jump in, and make a difference.
Q: Which attributes do you feel set Integrity apart from other staffing agencies?
A: From our associate perspective – I think we are set apart by the importance we put on ensuring every individual has an unbelievable experience. From our hiring process to your time on assignment we strive to ensure that everything lives up to your expectations, and if not, we want to hear about it. The only way we get better is by hearing from our candidates and associates about their experiences.
From our client’s perspective – I think what sets up apart is that we don’t want to just send you “people”. We want to be your hiring partner – for whatever type of role you need. Our goal is to listen to the challenges you are having and offer guidance and support throughout the process to ensure that our team is contributing to your success.
From an internal staff perspective – What sets us apart from other agencies is the amount of ownership you will have to run your business. We will give you lots of tools to use and your leaders will coach and guide you, but ultimately it is up to you to drive your success.
“At Integrity, you will have the opportunity to learn something new every day. Whether it is a new process, skill, or even something new about yourself.”
Personal Journey
Q: Before working at Integrity Staffing, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
A: The most unusual job I ever had was one of my first jobs – I was a photographer at an Olde Time Photo studio. You know one of those places where you dress up in cowboy or Victorian costumes and have a black and white photo taken? It was so much fun to help our customers capture a wonderful memory of a fun time together.
Q: How did you first learn about Integrity Staffing?
A: I first learned about Integrity when I was working for one of our clients. After I left that company an opportunity for me to join the Integrity team presented itself and I couldn’t say no.
Q: How do you balance your career at Integrity Staffing and your family?
A: Supporting a family is a newer concept for me – I am currently engaged to an amazing man who came into our relationship bringing two amazing sons. In the last few years, I have transitioned from being single and using my vacation time to travel the world to be a full-time mom trying to navigate schools and PTA. As for work/life balance, I found that you have to create it for yourself. I am a big planner, so everything goes into calendars and to-do lists. Each Sunday we discuss the week ahead as a family and ensure that everyone and everything is accounted for and supported.
Q: How has Integrity helped you in your career development and how have you grown professionally while on our team?
A: Integrity has allowed me to take on challenges that I don’t believe I would have been able to do in other companies. Each time I have taken on a project, including some that I didn’t think was possible, I walk away with new learnings – about technology, process, people, and my own skills.
Q: What advice do you have for prospective Integrity candidates?
A: Don’t Be Afraid, You Can Do It!
When you first start it will be overwhelming and that’s ok. Pay attention, ask questions, and learn more every day. Before you know it, you will be sailing smoothly through your day.
What do you like most about Integrity?
I know everyone says the people, but it really is true. Every one of our teams is made up of amazing individuals. They will do whatever they can to support you and at the same time, challenge you to be your best self. It’s because of them that it doesn’t feel like “work”.