Golden Hippo is Empowering Careers and Celebrating Passion

Tannum Sullivan is on a mission — to help connect top talent with great-fit roles at Golden Hippo and to help shape the inclusive and collaborative culture that allows each individual to thrive.

As the manager of employer brand and people experience, Sullivan’s responsibilities span the full relationship between Golden Hippo and the people powering its success, beginning with helping to create the company’s external identity.

“I help craft strategies that communicate our company’s values, culture, and growth opportunities to establish a compelling employer brand,” Sullivan said. “My team’s responsibilities also extend to initiatives that elevate employee engagement, satisfaction and retention in order to foster a positive and inclusive workplace atmosphere.”

At the core of that workplace atmosphere is a culture that prioritizes collaboration, inclusivity and continuous improvement, Sullivan said, and she strives to embed those values in everything from recruitment marketing strategies to employee recognition programs.

“By focusing on the overall people experience, we aim to not only attract top talent but also instill a sense of belonging and purpose among our Hippos,” she said.

For those looking to share in that sense of belonging and purpose, Sullivan has good news to share — Golden Hippo is actively hiring across multiple departments.

“It’s not lost on us that many industries are pumping the brakes on hiring but we’re far from that here at Golden Hippo,” she said. “As we scale our operations and explore new avenues for growth, we’re seeking a-players who are passionate about making a meaningful impact and driving our collective success forward.”

Built In sat down with Sullivan to learn more about the challenges and opportunities offered by joining Golden Hippo and the supportive culture that empowers the work being done every day.
 

What’s your vision for leading your team?

Tannum Sullivan

Manager, Employer Brand and People Experience • Golden Hippo

My team is small but mighty. It includes two very talented and hardworking folks — an associate employer brand and people experience specialist and an employer brand and candidate experience intern. My leadership vision centers on empowerment, autonomy and teamwork. I believe in creating an environment where everyone feels free to make creative decisions, supported by my guidance every step of the way. With a hands-on approach, I’m always ready to dive in and work alongside my team to overcome challenges and reach our goals.

What makes my approach unique is the balance between independence and collaboration — everyone has the freedom to shine while knowing they’ve got the team’s full support. By embracing autonomy, creativity and teamwork, we’re able to harness each team member’s strengths to drive impactful initiatives and bring our shared vision for top-notch employer branding and people experience to life.

“By embracing autonomy, creativity and teamwork, we’re able to harness each team member’s strengths.”

What structures or policies support Golden Hippo’s values, culture and mission?

At the heart of our company’s values and culture lie passion, data-driven decision-making, collaboration, innovation and transparency. Our recognition programs, including the monthly KPI program, shoutouts program and win of the week program, serve as pillars supporting these principles. By prioritizing passion, our monthly KPI program encourages employees to work toward ambitious goals to potentially win up to two weeks of extra pay. Our shoutouts program cultivates a collaborative atmosphere where colleagues can openly appreciate each other’s contributions, fostering teamwork and camaraderie. Through the Win of the Week program, we celebrate innovative approaches and successful outcomes, reinforcing our commitment to fostering innovation. These initiatives promote transparency by publicly acknowledging achievements and nurturing a workplace where employees feel valued and motivated.

How do you build team culture?

To build a team culture rooted in our Golden Hippo values, we must first ensure that every team embodies these principles. This involves consistent communication and education regarding our values, goals and recognition programs. Leadership plays a pivotal role in setting the tone, as our leaders must lead by example — demonstrating passion, transparency, collaboration, innovation and data-driven decision-making. Empowering team members with autonomy and ownership over their work fosters a sense of accountability and commitment to our values. Recognition and rewards should be genuine and inclusive, celebrating those who exemplify our values. A culture of continuous feedback and improvement allows us to refine our practices in alignment with our values. Working toward our common goals strengthens our team culture, fostering collaboration, creativity and mutual respect. Through these efforts, we cultivate a cohesive and supportive environment where every team member is inspired to contribute their best and uphold our shared values which drives our collective success.

How do you help your team grow their careers? 

I help my team grow their careers by fostering a culture of extreme ownership and autonomy, coupled with a strong emphasis on continuous learning. I encourage team members to take full ownership of their projects and responsibilities, empowering them to make decisions and take initiative in their professional development. By providing opportunities for autonomy, individuals can explore their interests, stretch their skills, and pursue projects that align with their career aspirations. Whether it’s encouraging participation in relevant courses or facilitating knowledge-sharing sessions within the team, I prioritize creating an environment where team members feel supported and inspired to grow their skills and advance their careers.

What role do your team members play in building, strengthening and celebrating Golden Hippo’s mission and culture? 

My team members play a pivotal role in building, strengthening, and celebrating our company mission and culture through their dedicated efforts. Our associate employer brand and people experience specialist, Hayley, goes above and beyond to showcase our company’s values and culture. She regularly shares compelling employee stories on social media platforms to highlight the diverse talents and experiences within our organization. By amplifying these narratives, she contributes to building a vibrant and inclusive community both internally and externally. She also helps plan fun events that foster camaraderie and team spirit among our Hippos, further reinforcing our positive workplace culture. Additionally, she plays a crucial role in coordinating employee outreach initiatives, which facilitates our participation in industry awards and recognitions. Her proactive approach and commitment to promoting our company’s mission and values make a significant impact on our overall culture and reputation as an employer of choice.

What is the employee value proposition for those thinking about joining Golden Hippo? 

Our employee value proposition at our company offers a dynamic blend of opportunities and benefits that truly set us apart. Our values form the foundation of our culture and guide everything we do. Joining our team means embracing a culture where your passion is celebrated, your contributions are recognized, and your growth is limitless. 

Our award-winning benefits further enhance the employee experience and ensure peace of mind for our team and their loved ones. With our incredibly robust health benefits, employees enjoy 100 percent employer-paid medical, dental and vision insurance, with 75 percent premium coverage for dependents. Additionally, our employee stock ownership plan empowers employees to become part owners of Golden Hippo, aligning their success with the company’s growth. We also offer a generous 401(k) plan and company matching up to 3.5 percent.