HOW AHEAD BECAME A GREAT PLACE TO WORK ACROSS THREE CONTINENTS
AHEAD recently earned certification as a Great Place to Work across its U.S., India, and U.K. operations. Cultivating a company culture that scales across borders is no small feat. Hear from AHEAD’s Chief People Officer, Kristin Supancich, about what makes their culture tick and how they create a positive employee experience across three continents.
Q: So, three countries, one certification—what’s the secret to creating a global culture that works?
A: Being recognized as a Great Place to Work across all three of our international regions is energizing because it’s something we work towards every day. This certification validates that our efforts are resonating with employees across diverse cultures and work environments.
Our teams work diligently to craft programs that provide support, growth and a positive experience for all employees.
We have core tenets that serve as a foundation (like our core values of Collaborate, Innovate, Drive, Serve and Grow), but each region has plenty of room for unique expression of these values.
As part of the “core” approach, we offer programs like one-on-one coaching, peer-to-peer recognition, robust benefits packages and learning opportunities. The specifics around those may look slightly different by region, while maintaining the same core philosophies.
Q: What specific programs and initiatives have contributed to your recognition as a Great Place to Work?
We have a truly holistic set of resources designed to support the whole person.
Our coaching program offers confidential, on-demand coaching that empowers individuals to build leadership skills and grow with confidence.
Our recognition program reinforces a culture of appreciation by making it easy for peers to recognize each other in real time.
Our internal training programs, with dedicated tracks for both people managers and individual contributors, lay the foundation for career success by building critical “power” skills like communication, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking.
Our Employee Resource Groups serve communities across the company, including RISE AHEAD, which fosters success for BIPOC employees, Moving Women AHEAD, which advocates for gender equity in technology, and two new ERGs dedicated to Veterans and our LGBTQ+ employees. We invite all employees to participate in our ERGs, regardless of identity, as we believe it further fortifies our culture when all voices are heard.
And woven throughout it all is transparent and consistent communication from our leaders. None of this works without employees who feel informed, connected, and confident in who their leaders are and how they’re guiding the business forward.
Q: In a job market where tech talent has plenty of options, how does this certification give AHEAD an edge?
A: It’s like a “verified by employees” stamp of approval. Great Places to Work certification is achieved through feedback shared directly by employees. Our team was given the floor to share their thoughts about their experience working for AHEAD, and 89% of them said we’re a Great Place to Work.
It helps candidates know they’re joining a place that values them as complete people, not just their technical skills, so they can bring their best and authentic selves to work.
Q: “Transparency” showed the biggest gains in this year’s engagement survey. What’s behind that progress?
Yes, so this is AHEAD’s second consecutive year being a Great Place to Work — although last year we only applied and certified in the U.S. and India. So we’re able to see where our culture has changed over time.
Based on employee feedback in 2024, we made a commitment to transparency and leading with openness, whether about change, strategy or uncertainty. People can feel the difference when leaders communicate early, often, and honestly and our efforts have helped employees better see how their work matters to the company’s goals.
And based on this year’s feedback we’re already starting to double down on programs to address growth opportunities and employee wellbeing. For example, we’re heavily investing in our Career GPS program, an effort that answers our employees’ calls for more clarity around career paths and promotion readiness.
Q: On a personal note, what’s been most rewarding for you in helping build a workplace culture that resonates globally?
What really energizes me is seeing individual growth journeys. When I see an employee who started in an entry-level position develop into a confident leader or watch someone tackle a challenge they once thought impossible, those moments are why I do this work.
Building a great workplace isn’t ultimately about programs or policies – it’s about creating environments where people thrive. Our Founder and CEO, Daniel Adamany, often says, “AHEAD might not be the last place you work, but we want it to be the best place you work.” That’s our north star, that’s how we know we’re getting it right.
Learn more about AHEAD’s recognition as a Great Place to Work here and see open roles at AHEAD Careers.