22 Featured Companies Harnessing Mission-Driven Cultures and People-First Benefits

The word ‘somnambulant’ is most likely to appear in a spelling bee and least likely to appear on a company’s about page. 

It’s not just the word’s obscurity or readability; it’s the definition: resembling or characteristic of a sleepwalker. Metaphorically, somnambulant can describe moving through life or tasks without awareness or purpose — the antithesis of how any company would describe itself. 

Mission, purpose and vision should be far more critical than ornamental dressing for a webpage or slide deck. Employees who feel their company’s mission goes beyond profit are more likely to stay, even if a 10 percent raise is offered elsewhere. Additionally, over one-third of surveyed professionals said they wanted a job that reflected their passions and interests. 

The tech industry is as vast as it is niche, offering an array of opportunities to leverage one’s skills to create an impact. However, for some companies, mission statements inevitably ring hollow in practice. 

For those plotting the next step in their careers, the evidence of an organization’s impact is exponentially more important than a self-professed mission. 

At 22 companies across the country, mission statements are far more than mere words — they unify teams, advance careers and lead to solutions that address real-world problems. 

 

 

 

 

What Spectrum does: Spectrum offers a wide range of services, including high-speed internet, cable TV, mobile service and home phone, focusing on providing reliable connectivity and entertainment options without contracts.

 

 

Driving connectivity forward: Spectrum is redefining broadband connectivity, reaching over 55 million homes and businesses across the United States, and fostering innovation through its team’s collaborative efforts. “Anything you want to do in tech, you can do at Spectrum. Spectrum’s technology-focused employees are in a unique position to constantly learn and create the next big thing,” said Senior Director of Network Technology Ognian Mitev in a recent Built In Q&A.

 

 

What Cloudflare does: Cloudflare provides a comprehensive connectivity cloud platform powered by an intelligent global network that enhances security, performance and reliability for internet resources and users.

 

 

Empowering Innovation: Cloudflare champions a culture where bold ideas and moonshots are not just welcomed but expected from every team member. “Cloudflare doesn’t have timidness when it comes to changing product direction or taking moonshots. It is a fantastic place to dream big,” stated Vice President of Product Management Alyson Cabral. This ethos underscores the company’s drive towards ambitious innovation, encouraging a dynamic environment where groundbreaking ideas can flourish, as shared in a recent Built In Austin Q&A.

 

 

 

What Novo Nordisk does: Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with a leading position in diabetes care, obesity treatments and a broad range of biopharmaceuticals, dedicated to driving change and defeating serious chronic diseases.

 

 

A new milestone: Novo Nordisk has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the US FDA’s approval of Wegovy for reducing cardiovascular risks in adults with obesity or overweight and established cardiovascular disease. “This approval is an important milestone for people living with obesity and cardiovascular disease, as the SELECT data demonstrated that Wegovy has the potential to prolong lives by addressing some of the leading causes of preventable deaths by reducing the risks of cardiovascular events,” said Executive VP and Head of Development Martin Holst Lange.

 

 

 

What Leaf Home does: Leaf Home specializes in providing innovative, professionally installed home improvement solutions designed to enhance the safety, enjoyment and overall value of homes across North America.

 

 

New leadership: Leaf Home has appointed former Rent the Runway CFO Scarlett O’Sullivan as its new CFO. The company’s innovative approach inspires O’Sullivan: “It’s not often that I come across this confluence of factors: a passionate team, a market ripe for innovation, a leadership position with significant competitive advantages and an impressive financial track record,” she noted. Her experience will contribute to Leaf Home’s growth and innovation in the home improvement sector.

 

 

 

What UL Solutions does: UL Solutions is a global safety science leader that provides critical testing, certification, inspection, advisory services and software solutions, aiming to advance safety, security, and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers worldwide.

 

 

Safeguarding the future: By harnessing the collective expertise of its enterprise councils to address contemporary safety challenges, UL Solutions is ensuring the development and implementation of groundbreaking safety standards. “The electrical and fire councils continue to play a critical role in identifying real-world challenges that we can solve together and providing invaluable feedback for us in developing practical solutions,” said Ken Boyce, senior director of principal engineering for industrial business.

 

 

What Sierra Space Corporation does: Sierra Space is at the forefront of the new space economy, developing innovative space transportation solutions and low-Earth orbit destinations, including the Dream Chaser space planes and commercial space stations, to advance human space exploration and utilization.

 

 

New frontiers: Sierra Space has unveiled the Sierra Space Axelerator, an incubator aimed at accelerating the development of innovative defense technologies. Among the first innovations from Axelerator is the Sierra Space Ghost, a cutting-edge space delivery system designed for the rapid and safe return of objects from space to Earth. Additionally, the company introduced Spectre, a satellite for precision rendezvous and proximity operations, and Sierra Black OS, an AI-enabled operating system for space, air and ground systems. “Our new products are a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and driving innovation at the speed of thought,” said CEO Tom Vice. 

 

 

 

What Merck does: Merck is a global healthcare company that develops medicines and vaccines for various medical conditions, following the science to tackle some of the world’s greatest health threats and striving to improve lives.

 

 

Expanding oncology frontiers: Merck has significantly broadened its oncology pipeline by acquiring Harpoon Therapeutics, marking a pivotal step in enhancing cancer treatment options worldwide. “We continue to augment and diversify our oncology pipeline with innovative approaches to help people with cancer worldwide,” stated Dr. Dean Y. Li, president of Merck Research Laboratories. This move underscores the company’s commitment to advancing cancer care through science and collaboration.

 

 

What Northwestern Mutual does: Northwestern Mutual provides comprehensive financial planning services, life insurance, and investment options, focusing on helping clients achieve financial security and meet their long-term goals.

 

 

Innovating with integrity: Team members at Northwestern Mutual are focused on leveraging cutting-edge technology to meet their steadfast commitment to clients. “When you couple the investment in technology with an organization focused on doing what’s right by our policyholders, as well as the strength of the company, it makes Northwestern Mutual a very unique place to work,” Chief Technology Officer Dave Gordon shared in a 2023 Built In interview. 

 

 

 

What Cash App does: Cash App is a financial services platform that allows users to send money to others, bank and invest in stocks or bitcoin.

 

 

Financial empowerment: Creative Production Lead Marquia Walton highlighted the company’s unique environment, which blends creative freedom with a mission of financial empowerment. She noted the supportive leadership, collaborative team spirit and opportunities to have a tangible impact on economic freedom. “Working here has changed the way I look at financial empowerment,” Walton shared, emphasizing the importance of financial education and inclusion for historically marginalized groups.

 

 

What Instacart does: Instacart is an online grocery delivery service that connects customers with personal shoppers who pick and deliver groceries from local stores, offering convenience and time savings.

 

 

Shared mission: Instacart announced a partnership with Quest Diagnostics to address food insecurity and enhance health outcomes through a novel integration of grocery delivery and patient health coaching. “Our mission is to give people access to nutritious food, and through Instacart Health, we’re dedicated to ensuring families not only have access but also the resources and support needed to lead healthier lives,” said VP and General Manager Sarah Mastrorocco. 

 

 

 

What MyBambu does: MyBambu provides a digital banking solution designed for immigrants, offering checking accounts that can be opened with various forms of identification from over 100 countries, along with a Visa debit card, facilitating easy and inclusive access to financial services.

 

 

2024 Vision: MyBambu is setting its sights on a significant expansion in 2024, aiming to further meet the financial needs of the migrant community in the United States. “In this new year, we will have a great expansion in our portfolio of solutions to meet the requirements of immigrants who often cannot access financial products,” said Strategy and BI Manager Sergio Garzon in a recent Built In article. 

 

 

What Monte Carlo Data does: Monte Carlo delivers a data observability platform that helps organizations ensure the reliability of their data by detecting, alerting and resolving data issues.

 

 

Embracing the Fast Lane: Monte Carlo’s data observability platform is built on a unified vision and is run by a dynamic team. “Everything at MC is incredibly fast-paced, fun and challenging, and the work we’re doing is much more exciting when you can feel that the entire company is aligned,” noted Manager of Sales Development Kelly Lyons during a recent interview with Built In. 

 

 

 

What NextRoll does: NextRoll provides data-driven marketing technology for businesses, leveraging machine learning to offer insights and tools for targeted advertising and marketing strategies through its platforms RollWorks and AdRoll.

 

 

Social responsibility: NextRoll stands out for its proactive approach to DEI and corporate social responsibility. Director of DEI Ngozi Okeh emphasized the company’s dedication in a 2023 interview with Built In. “Based on feedback from our internal and external stakeholders, we’ve increased our investment in social impact programs and initiatives, including philanthropy, community engagement and corporate social responsibility.” 

 

 

What Accelerated Digital Media does: Accelerated Digital Media is a digital marketing agency that specializes in performance marketing strategies across search, social and programmatic channels to drive growth and increase valuations for its clients.

 

 

Referral-Driven Success: Strong client relationships and referrals have driven ADM’s growth. “We have historically received 50 percent of our new business from client referrals, which has been the single greatest driver of our growth,” noted VP of Client Growth Eric Picchietti in a Built In interview. “It’s the clients’ interactions with our team on a day-to-day basis that yield strong relationships and ultimately lead to our clients advocating for us.”

 

 

 

What Avenue One does: Avenue One operates as a property technology service platform and marketplace, streamlining the process for institutional owners, buyers and sellers of residential homes through technology-driven solutions for property sourcing, buying, renovating, leasing and managing.

 

 

Real estate innovation: Avenue One is redefining real estate investment strategies by leveraging its ability to adapt to market complexities. “Our ability to offer adaptable solutions, including crafting custom portfolios in specific markets and submarkets, gives us an edge,” said Head of Equity Partnerships Max Weaver. Combined with its network of local partners, with over 400 local real estate partners, the company has positioned itself as a leader in the field. “By funneling efficient institutional capital to these partners, we’re also supporting local real estate businesses and helping to create quality housing.”

 

 

What 1upHealth does: 1upHealth focuses on creating a comprehensive platform for patient data interoperability, facilitating easier access to, management of, and analysis of health data through FHIR APIs, aiming to improve healthcare outcomes.

 

 

Advancing healthcare: In January, 1upHealth announced the appointment of Andrea Kowalski as its chief product officer. Kowalski’s appointment enhances 1upHealth’s product strategy and continues its mission to tackle healthcare interoperability challenges. “I was immediately drawn to 1upHealth’s mission to tackle one of the longstanding and complex challenges in healthcare—interoperability,” said Kowalski. 

 

 

 

What Jellyvision does: Jellyvision offers ALEX, a platform that simplifies employee benefits management through personalized guidance, which helps organizations and their employees make informed decisions about their benefits packages.

 

 

Recent accolades: ALEX Medicare, Jellyvision’s latest innovation, has won the 22nd annual Chicago Innovation Awards in the “Innovations for Older Adults” category. The cloud-based web application is designed to demystify Medicare for employees, providing education and guidance to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare options. “We’re proud to be solving that problem for millions of employees, helping them make smarter healthcare decisions in an informative, unbiased and delightful way,” said VP of Operations for Medicare Alex Mohr. 

 

 

What Jabra Hearing does: Jabra Hearing combines world-leading hearing expertise with advanced audio engineering to offer a range of hearing solutions, including high-tech hearing aids and earbuds that enhance hearing without amplifying noise, catering to different levels of hearing challenges.

 

 

Cultivating Collaboration: By embracing an inclusive decision-making process, Jabra Hearing ensures that every team member’s perspective contributes to their products’ continuous improvement and innovation. “As a team, we often make decisions in an iterative and collaborative process. I take the view that decisions are rarely rigid and evolving will only make us stronger,” said Director of Customer Experience Lauren Stevenson in a 2023 Built In interview. 

 

 

 

What Greenlight Guru does: Greenlight Guru offers modern Quality Management System (QMS) and Electronic Data Capture (EDC) software tailored for medical device companies. Its goal is to improve their speed, efficiency and compliance while reducing risk.

 

 

Medical device innovation: In a recent interview with Built In, Director of Customer Success Erin Barry reflected on Greenlight Guru’s commitment to advancing not only healthcare technology but also careers. “My goal has always been to join a company that is a part of the medical device industry, and I’ve always believed in being a part of something bigger than my own success,” explained Barry.

 

 

What Level Ex does: Level Ex merges game development with medical knowledge to create simulations and games that hasten the adoption of new medical skills and treatments among healthcare professionals.

 

 

Game-changing learning: Level Ex is transforming medical education by integrating the captivating elements of video games with the precision of medical practice. “Utilizing the advantages of connecting the neuroscience of play with learning shows incredible potential to advance the ability to interact and learn with new information,” said Senior Biomedical Solutions Specialist Conner True in a 2023 interview with Built In. 

 

 

 

What Telesign does: Telesign provides communication and security services, including phone number, SMS and identity verification APIs, to help businesses prevent fraud and secure user interactions.

 

 

Shared values and goals: For those considering joining Telesign, the value proposition is clear: the opportunity to contribute to making the digital world a more trustworthy place. Telesign creates a safe digital world by fostering innovation and leveraging unique talents. “We are in the business of trust, and so this starts first and foremost by delivering our promise to the people who bring our mission to life,” Chief People Officer Jamie Girouard explained. “Telesign continues to invest considerably into our culture because that makes us an employer of choice not in words but in action.”

 

 

What dscout does: dscout offers a remote research platform that enables companies to gather in-context insights from real users through mobile app-based studies, making a more human tomorrow.

 

 

Ethical AI: In taking a proactive approach to navigating AI’s complexities, dscout ensures technology is a tool for solving problems and achieving meaningful outcomes. “Critical issues of AI literacy, ethics, data privacy, bias, human-AI relationship dynamics, potential shifts in role responsibilities and more, warrant deep, thoughtful research to ensure the use of AI keeps humans in mind,” explained Head of AI and Machine Learning Kevin Johnson in a recent Built In interview.