There are a handful of things that can make or break finding that perfect role.
For some, it’s finding a remote or hybrid workplace. For others, finding a team with a high level of psychological safety helps them feel like they found the right employer. But over half of workers in the United States won’t even consider a company that has values that they disagree with.
Company values are an important factor for job seekers.
That’s why we spoke with teammates at Tapestry, Teachable and Agora Systems to hear about the values that drew them to their employers and how they see those values in action every day.
Tapestry is a house of brands including Coach and Kate Spade, focused on modern luxury and lifestyle products.
What values do you ideally want to see in an employer?
I look for collaboration, respect, growth and creativity. I thrive in environments where cross-functional teams work together with mutual respect. I value employers who invest in professional development and offer clear paths for career advancement. Innovation is also key — I’m energized by workplaces that encourage fresh ideas and support them with modern tools and resources.
How does your employer show a commitment to some (or all) of these?
At Tapestry, I see these values reflected daily. They invest in digital innovation, giving us tools to experiment and evolve. Their learning platforms and leadership programs show a real commitment to growth. Collaboration is part of the culture — open communication across teams is encouraged and it makes a big difference in how we work together and succeed.
Why is it important to you that your work (and workplace leaders) share these values?
When my values align with my company’s, I feel more connected and committed. It’s motivating to know they’re investing in my growth and in the brand’s future. Shared values also improve teamwork — communication flows better and collaboration feels more natural. It empowers me to contribute meaningfully and stay engaged in my role.
Teachable is a platform that enables creators to build and sell online courses and coaching products.
What values do you ideally want to see in an employer?
While I always try to enter any new company with an open mind, there are some core values I expect to see that I know will help both my career and the company’s success. The first one centers around collaboration. I want to work somewhere that encourages, facilitates and demands a high level of collaboration and sharing ideas and skills. For me, that is key to any company and highlights one of the main reasons I choose to work for an employer vs. being an independent contractor or solopreneur. I want to be surrounded by smart, talented people that I can constantly learn from and work with to build cool things.
One underrated part of collaboration is actually creating systems that build trust and allow the individuals to really own specific parts of the larger work and mission. I want to be somewhere that fosters a deep level of trust by creating open channels to ask questions and voice opinions, while providing freedom and opportunities for people to take real ownership at all levels.
Lastly and I especially believe this to be massive in today’s working world, I think it’s key to work in a place where innovation takes center stage and people are willing to adapt and evolve.
How does your employer show a commitment to some (or all) of these?
At Teachable, I see the values I care about show up in real, tangible ways. The trust piece is especially clear. For example, our remote work policy gives people the flexibility to own their schedules and do their best work, while still feeling supported and connected. That trust extends to project ownership too, since smaller, empowered teams give everyone the chance to step up, lead and make an impact.
Another one of our key company values is “learn together,” and that is where collaboration really comes to life in how people share knowledge and support one another. Leadership reinforces this by being transparent about decisions and making choices to help us do better work — whether it is our recent move to a new office that better suits our team or inviting us to connect with our parent company in Brazil to build stronger cultural and personal ties with our Brazilian coworkers. These choices make it clear that Teachable’s values are deeply considered at every part of the business and are actually put into action.
Why is it important to you that your work (and workplace leaders) share these values?
It is important to me that my work and my leaders share my same values because it creates a foundation where I feel supported and trusted. At Teachable, I know I have the flexibility, tools and opportunities I need to grow in my role while also working towards an actual career (not just a temporary job). That trust makes it easier to focus on doing great work and making an impact, instead of questioning whether my contributions matter.
On top of that, when leadership models collaboration, transparency and ownership, it sets the tone for everyone. It shows me that my ideas are valued and that I am part of something bigger than myself, with everyone stoked about helping our customers succeed. That combination gives me the confidence to take risks, keep learning and continue building a career I am proud of.
Agora is a SaaS and fintech platform transforming how real estate firms manage capital, investors and operations.
What values do you ideally want to see in an employer?
The values I look for in an employer are those that create both a strong culture and a clear path for growth: kindness, accountability and a true commitment to excellence. Kindness establishes the foundation for collaboration — it sets the tone for how people interact and how teams work together. Accountability builds trust, which is essential in any high-performing organization and excellence ensures that every effort contributes meaningfully to the company’s success. What matters most to me is when these values are not only spoken about but lived every day, shaping how we show up for one another. In my role, I have the privilege of influencing the employee experience and I’ve found that when an organization holds fast to these values, it creates a culture where people can bring their best selves to work and grow alongside the company.
How does your employer show a commitment to some (or all) of these?
At Agora, values are not abstract statements — they’re guiding principles that shape how we work and how we support one another. From my first day, I noticed how “be kind always” permeates the culture. It shows up in the way colleagues genuinely celebrate each other’s milestones and extend support in challenging moments. “Own it” is visible in the trust I’ve been given to shape the office environment and help create a workplace that reflects who we are as a company. The commitment to growth is equally clear: in just a year and a half here, I’ve experienced more personal and professional development than in the decade I spent in another industry. Agora invests in its people, but what sets it apart is the culture of encouragement — the belief that when one of us succeeds, we all succeed. That spirit of collective growth makes our values feel authentic and tangible every day.
Why is it important to you that your work (and workplace leaders) share these values?
Shared values are the foundation of any organization where people can truly thrive. For me, it’s essential that leadership models the values they expect of the team, because culture flows from the top. At Agora, I see leaders demonstrate kindness, accountability and trust every day and that creates alignment across the organization. When leaders embody the values of the company, it empowers me in my role to foster an environment where employees feel supported, motivated and proud of their work. It also transforms daily tasks into something more meaningful — because I know that everything from creating a welcoming space to supporting operations contributes to a larger mission. Agora’s guiding principle “to be” resonates with me deeply and it reinforces the pride I feel in representing the company in the United States. These shared values aren’t just important; they’re the reason I feel inspired to grow with Agora and help others do the same.
