Before Anthony DeLong accepted a job offer from Calm, he could already see the company’s mission-driven culture in action.
“Everyone I met during the interview process genuinely cared about the company’s impact, both on the world and on each other,” the people operations manager said.
Since stepping into his role, DeLong has played a critical role in driving the company’s efforts to make the world happier and healthier by supporting people on every step of their mental health journey. Through his day-to-day work, he helps foster a shared commitment to ownership, emotional intelligence and mutual inspiration, laying the foundation for the company’s mission-driven culture.
To maintain this culture, DeLong shared, the company seeks out individuals who are authentic, curious and embrace strong personal values. But most importantly, those who join the team must be driven by one principle in particular.
“Let your passion lead, and everything else will follow,” DeLong said.
Below, DeLong shares more about Calm’s mission-driven culture, how this culture makes him feel connected to his day-to-day work and his advice for job seekers interested in joining the company.
About Calm
Calm’s mobile app offers audible content that supports sleep, meditation and relaxation and is available in seven languages across 190 countries.
Tell us about Calm’s mission. How does that mission influence the company culture, and did it impact your decision to join the team?
Calm’s vision and mission, to make the world happier and healthier by supporting people on every step of their mental health journey, is deeply personal to me. I was drawn to the company not only because of the work we do but because I saw a clear alignment with my own mindfulness practice.
From the very beginning, I could tell this was a mission-driven team. Everyone I met during the interview process genuinely cared about the company’s impact, both on the world and on each other. That care shows up daily in the way we live our values, especially for leaders. Whether you’re officially a manager or not, there’s a shared commitment to ownership, emotional intelligence and inspiring one another in our day-to-day work and long-term goals.
From your perspective, how does your work connect to the overall company mission?
As the people operations manager, my role centers on creating or refining the systems, processes and policies that shape the employee experience at Calm. I see this work as foundational. When our internal environment is clear, supportive and thoughtfully designed, our team is better able to focus on supporting others in their mental health journeys.
“When our internal environment is clear, supportive and thoughtfully designed, our team is better able to focus on supporting others in their mental health journeys.”
I approach every interaction and decision with kindness and curiosity. Those values keep me grounded and aligned with Calm’s mission. I may not be building the product directly, but I take pride in supporting the people who do.
What advice would you give a job seeker hoping to join Calm?
Be authentic, stay curious and lead with your personal values. At Calm, we’re drawn to people who genuinely align with our mission and who understand the meaningful impact our work has in the world. That shared purpose becomes a powerful motivator, even years into the journey.
In my opinion, a growth mindset, a passion for the work and the ability to stay grounded, even when things get busy, will take you far. Let your passion lead, and everything else will follow.
