Hi, I’m Tannum Sullivan, the Sr. Manager of Employer Brand & People Experience at Golden Hippo. When I first joined the company, I knew I was stepping into a role where I could make a real impact. My team and I are responsible for developing strategies to attract top talent while enhancing the overall employee experience. We define and promote our employer brand through marketing initiatives and recruitment campaigns, all while focusing internally on improving employee satisfaction and engagement. It’s our job to ensure that every employee feels valued and connected through programs that promote growth, recognition, and open communication. It’s a dynamic role, full of new challenges and exciting opportunities for impact each day.
One of the most unique aspects of Golden Hippo is the company culture. It’s hands-down the most collaborative and engaging workplace I’ve ever been part of. We’re driven by data and innovation, but we also have a lot of fun. Creativity and open communication are encouraged, and there’s a strong sense of ownership here, thanks to our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Everyone, not just the executive team, has a stake in the company’s success. This transparency extends to our weekly All-Hands meetings, where we align on goals, share updates, and review suggestions from a company-wide suggestion box. It’s an environment that fosters personal and professional growth, with flexible remote and hybrid work options, which help maintain a healthy work-life balance.
In my daily work, no two days are ever the same, and that’s something I love. My mornings usually start by checking Slack and emails to ensure I’m on top of any immediate needs from team members or third-party vendors. From there, I dive into my to-do list, juggling priorities and managing deadlines. Right now, a lot of my time is dedicated to one of our most exciting projects—building out our new company intranet. I’ve been leading this project from the ground up, managing everything from content to design, and overseeing QA and testing. Seeing my team come together to make this vision a reality has been incredibly rewarding. The upcoming launch will improve communication and collaboration company-wide, and it's a project that will have a long-lasting impact.
Challenges are a part of the role, especially when managing multiple projects with varying priorities. Coordinating with multiple teams and ensuring smooth communication with external vendors can be a juggling act. But these challenges are what keep me engaged—they push me to innovate, adapt, and grow. And the collaborative environment here helps tremendously. I work closely with different departments across the company, whether it’s HR, IT, or outside vendors, and we rely on tools like Slack and project management platforms to keep things moving. The weekly All-Hands meetings and smaller check-ins help ensure everyone is aligned and working toward the same goals.
One of my favorite perks at Golden Hippo is our ESOP. It fosters such a deep sense of ownership and responsibility among all employees. Every week, we hold our All-Hands meeting on Tuesdays, which we’ve never missed in the seven years I’ve been here. It’s a tradition that keeps us all connected, and I love that our CEO personally reviews the suggestions we submit, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and innovation.
The work-life balance here is another aspect I truly appreciate. For the first time in my career, I don’t feel the need to constantly check Slack or emails after hours. The company really respects personal time and encourages employees to unplug, which has helped me maintain a healthier balance between work and my personal life. The flexibility of remote and hybrid work options also allows me to better manage both work and personal responsibilities.
Looking back, I’d advise anyone considering a role here to be open, adaptable, and willing to learn. Golden Hippo’s unique structure can present exciting challenges, but embracing flexibility and absorbing new information will help you thrive. Give yourself grace through the learning curve, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. The supportive culture is designed to help you succeed, and with time, you’ll feel right at home.
Working at Golden Hippo has been life-changing. I’ve had the opportunity to build an entirely new department and grow it alongside a talented team. This experience has been transformative, both professionally and personally. The company’s trust and support have allowed me to expand my skills, take on new challenges, and ultimately achieve a deeper sense of fulfillment in both my career and personal life.
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