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Blue Signal Summit 2024: On a Mission to Evolving Excellence

November 12, 2024 by Taylor Leonard

Our 2024 Blue Signal Summit brought our team together from all corners of the country for a weekend that was truly out of this world. Every year, we meet up in Phoenix – our company’s home base – to reconnect, celebrate our progress, share insights, and recharge for the future. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Arizona desert, this year’s theme, On a Mission to Evolving Excellence, felt especially meaningful as our team continues to grow in ways that redefine how we work, connect, and serve our clients.

Held at the historic Wigwam Resort, this summit was designed to make the most of that growth. We filled the weekend with engaging sessions, inspiring speakers, and activities that strengthened our team and sharpened our focus. From team-building games to thought-provoking workshops, each moment gave us something valuable to bring back to our roles. Here’s a look back at the highlights, insights, and experiences that made the Blue Signal Summit 2024 a weekend we’ll carry forward together.

Sign at Blue Signal Summit 2024 with QR code, surrounded by palm trees at the Wigwam Resort.

Friday: Recruiting Managers Retreat

We kicked off the summit on Friday with a special retreat for our recruiting management team. Managers traveled to Phoenix to reconnect, strategize, and – in true Blue Signal style – tackle an escape room challenge together! This high-energy, team-building experience tested everyone’s problem-solving skills and encouraged collaboration in a fun, fast-paced setting. The escape room was the perfect icebreaker, bringing everyone together with plenty of laughs and setting the tone for the weekend ahead.

Blue Signal recruiting management team members at the escape room challenge during the 2024 Summit, holding 'We Escaped' signs with smiles and celebration

That evening, the team headed to State Forty Eight Funk House for dinner. Over good food and conversation, our leadership team wrapped up the day feeling recharged and ready to welcome the rest of the Blue Signal crew.

Saturday: Reception, Networking, and The State of The Signal

On Saturday, the rest of our team arrived at the Wigwam Resort. The morning allowed for some options for exploration, with activities as varied as a round of golf at the resort, a tour of Luke Airforce Base, or sightseeing around the Phoenix area. It was the perfect way to relax, reconnect, and take in the beauty of Arizona.

As the sun set, we officially kicked off the evening with a cocktail hour that gave everyone a chance to reconnect, share stories, and welcome new faces. The energy carried into our Quarterly State of the Signal & Awards Ceremony, where we celebrated team accomplishments and recognized standout contributions. A delicious dinner and fun party rounded out the night, giving everyone the chance to unwind and celebrate together. It was a perfect start to the weekend, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the energy to fuel us for what’s next.

Sunday: A Day of Learning, Growth, and Team Building

Sunday was packed with activities, each carefully crafted to foster growth, connection, and insight. We started the morning with a team breakfast on the patio, enjoying Arizona’s fresh air and sharing conversations over coffee before heading into our first session.

Speaker presenting to Blue Signal Summit 2024 attendees in a conference room with space-themed decor.

Team-Building Game to Start the Day

After breakfast, we jumped into a lively game of Kahoot, quizzing each other on everything from fun facts about our team members to company-related trivia. This interactive session was full of surprises, giving us all a chance to get to know each other a little better. Laughter and a little friendly competition made it a perfect start to the day.

Intentional Listening Workshop Led by Jonathan Lee

Our next session was an Intentional Listening Workshop led by our Director of Operations, Jonathan Lee. Paired with colleagues we don’t usually work alongside, we were challenged to have conversations focused on truly listening without interrupting. For two minutes, each of us listened fully to our partner’s story, then had a chance to share our own. This workshop sparked powerful moments of understanding, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for the diverse experiences and perspectives across our team. It was a strong reminder of the value in our differences and the importance of connecting on a personal level.

Blue Signal team members engaging in an intentional listening workshop at the 2024 Summit.

Lunch with Industry Peers

At lunch, we welcomed recruiters and colleagues from nearby firms who were in town for the NAPS (National Association of Personnel Services) conference. It was a unique chance to network with other professionals and exchange insights. The lunch break provided a refreshing pause before diving into the afternoon’s highly anticipated sessions.

Keynote by Danny Cahill: Go on This Run

Danny Cahill engaging with Blue Signal Summit 2024 attendees during his keynote session.

In the afternoon, we were thrilled to welcome our keynote speaker, Danny Cahill, a seasoned recruiter, founder of Hobson Associates, and accomplished author. With over 30 years of experience, Danny shared powerful insights on recognizing and seizing opportunities. His keynote encouraged us to identify those pivotal "runs" in our careers—times when success and opportunity align, ready for us to act. He emphasized the importance of resilience and focus in a world full of distractions, highlighting the need to stay disciplined through challenges. Danny reminded us of the impact of personal connections, like a live phone call, in building trust and making meaningful relationships, even in today's digital age. He also discussed the necessity of adapting to industry trends and embracing new tools to remain competitive, while underscoring the importance of valuing our time by protecting it for what matters most. His message was a compelling call to make the most of each moment, both personally and professionally.

Allan Fisher: 2024 is the Year I Stopped... 

Keynote speaker addressing attendees at Blue Signal Summit 2024 with blue balloon decor and branded backdrop.

Our next speaker, Allan Fisher of Premier Financial Search, delivered a powerful talk on adapting recruitment strategies to fit today’s evolving market. In his session, Allan shared what he’s chosen to leave behind in order to stay agile and effective. He explained the value of letting go of outdated practices and embracing fresh approaches that better serve the current job landscape. Allan emphasized the importance of aligning with new market realities, especially by understanding Gen Z candidates and addressing their career concerns. He spoke to the importance of setting clear boundaries and managing expectations with candidates, and shared how his “Candidate Pledge” has helped foster mutual respect and transparency throughout the hiring process. Finally, Allan highlighted the importance of a growth mindset, encouraging recruiters to see each interaction as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and continually improve. His message was a timely reminder that in recruitment, flexibility and openness to change are key to staying ahead in a dynamic field.

Closing Panel: Industry Insights from Top Leaders 

Panel of industry leaders discussing insights at Blue Signal Summit 2024 with attendees.

To close out the day, we held an engaging panel discussion featuring some of the industry’s top thought leaders: Matt Walsh, our CEO; Kim Laipple, SVP of Scientific Search; Joe Rice, CEO of JDI Search; and Allan Fisher, President of Premier Financial Search. Each panelist shared their perspectives on the evolving recruitment landscape, focusing on the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and innovation. It was a powerful way to conclude the day’s discussions, leaving us with fresh ideas and a renewed sense of purpose as we look toward what’s next for Blue Signal.

Sunday Evening: Wrapping Up with Fun and Connection

As the day winded down, we gathered for dinner at Papa Paul’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta, where conversation and laughter flowed as freely as the food. It was the perfect way to unwind and enjoy each other’s company after a full day of learning and growth. We capped off the night at the NAPS Ignite Conference welcome party back at the Wigwam, where we had the chance to connect with the larger recruitment community, rounding out an incredible day.

Monday: A Focus on Personal Growth and Professional Development

On Monday, while our recruiting team kicked off the NAPS Ignite Conference, our specialists—those in key roles outside of recruiting—joined a workshop led by Tom Healy with Mentumm. During this session, we explored the Predictive Index behavioral assessment to gain a deeper understanding of our unique work styles and learn how to leverage them to operate more effectively as a team. The experience offered valuable insights about ourselves and each other, setting us up for continued growth as we return to our roles.

Reflecting on Blue Signal Summit 2024: A New Chapter in Evolving Excellence

Group photo of Blue Signal team members gathered at the Wigwam Resort for the 2024 Summit.

The 2024 Blue Signal Summit didn’t just bring us together – it propelled us forward. From inspiring keynotes to meaningful connections, each experience deepened our commitment to our mission and the values that drive us. As we return to our roles, we’re bringing back not only the insights and inspiration from this weekend but also the momentum to take on new challenges. Together, we’re ready to embrace growth and continue our mission to evolve in excellence.

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    Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 2024 Company Summit, Arizona Events, blue signal summit, Business growth, Career Growth, company culture, Company Event, Corporate Events, Corporate Retreat, employee engagement, employee retention, Industry Insights, Leadership Development, NAPS Conference, National Association of Personnel Services, Networking Event, Organizational Growth, professional development, recruiting conference, recruiting strategies, Recruitment Industry, recruitment trends, Strategic Leadership, Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, team building, Team Collaboration, Workforce Development, workforce planning, Workplace Connections, workplace innovation

    Blue Signal Summit 2023 Recap

    February 7, 2023 by Lacey Walters

    In mid-January, we hosted the fourth annual Blue Signal Summit 2023. About 60 Blue Signalers from across the country came to Phoenix, Arizona to celebrate the momentous year that was 2022. To kick off the event, some Blue Signalers met for activities Monday morning, including golf and a spin class. Later, the team met at Revolu Taqueria for a welcome dinner reception. For many of our team members, it was the first time being face to face with their remote colleagues! New connections were made, laughs were shared, and a ton of Mexican food was eaten.  

    The next day, Blue Signalers joined together at The Newton to commence a day’s worth of learning, connecting, and networking. The day included curated sessions covering topics from motivation and leadership to failure and compassion. The speaker lineup was stacked with industry professionals, Blue Signal leadership, and some of our very own recruiting team members. Ultimately, the sessions stirred up a lot of new ideas on client management, navigating your own desk, and personal growth.  

    Summit 2023 signage

    Speakers Featured at the Blue Signal Summit 2023

    Sumona de Graff – Summit 2023 Keynote

    As an organizational psychologist specializing in motivation and what drives people, Sumona de Graff spoke about unleashing the potential of leaders to achieve their goals. Sumona’s knowledge as a prior Fortune 300 Chief Human Resources Officer and expertise in social science provided helpful insights to apply to our recruiting practice techniques. Our team was grateful to hear from her at the Summit 2023 and received valuable takeaways from her session.  

    Learn more about Sumona and her advisory firm, Idealis, by visiting her website. 

    Sumona de Graaf speaking

    Brent Stokes – “Distance Running: A Talk on Achievement, Learning, & Compassion” 

    Next, Blue Signalers listened to a session led by Sr. Recruiting Manager, Brent Stokes. In “Distance Running: A Talk on Achievement, Learning, & Compassion,” Brent spoke about his journey with running, and how adopting habits can impact your life both professionally and personally. Brent’s session was motivating and provided tangible steps to avoid burnout and set yourself up for success in recruiting. 

    Brent Stokes speaking at the Summit 2023

    Alex Bolan – “Leadership & Overcoming the Fear of Failure”

    After Brent’s session, Sr. Executive Recruiter Alex Bolan presented on “Leadership & Overcoming the Fear of Failure.” Alex captivated the audience with engaging stories about his time as a teenager, EMT, and military personnel, and the lessons he learned from overcoming the fear of failure. Alex highlighted what makes a great and not-so-good leader, and how to recognize those attributes. He inspired the audience to not fear failure, whether that occurs at home or in the office, but to rather to focus on the growth that comes from failing.  

    Alex Bolan speaking at the Summit 2023

    Claudia Barraza – Laughter Yoga 

    In the afternoon, Blue Signalers had the chance to participate in laughter yoga, led by Claudia Barraza. Laughter yoga is a modern exercise involving a series of movement and breathing exercises to promote prolonged voluntary laughter. The practice of laughing yoga is intended to help lift your mood, reduce stress, increase energy levels, improve your quality of life, and help you better manage hardship. Earlier in 2022, members of Blue Signal Women of the Workplace participated in a virtual laughing yoga session. The positive feedback received from this session  inspired incorporating laughter yoga into the Blue Signal Summit 2023. 

    Claudia did a fantastic job encouraging vulnerability and authenticity with colleagues throughout the activity. While it took Blue Signalers out of their comfort zone, many had incredible results afterwards. A few of the team members claimed they had more energy, felt less stressed, and had a better mood than when they started. We appreciate Claudia coming to lead this activity – it will be a memory our team never forgets!  

    Claudia is a certified yoga instructor with over 500 teaching hours, and owner of Corazon Prem Yoga & Wellness in Phoenix, Arizona.  

    Claudia Barraza laughing

    Bo Scott – “Reflections on Ramping”

    Following laughter yoga, the recruiting team listened to Sr. Executive Recruiter, Bo Scott, speak on his “Reflections on Ramping.” Bo shared his insights on the “ramp up” period of recruiting, AKA the first couple months in the role. In addition to sharing his experience, he emphasized the importance of adopting a “yes,” “next,” and “detached” mentality to be successful. His session provided immense value to the recruiting team. 

    Bo Scott speaking at the Summit 2023

    Jonathan Lee – “The Missing Piece of the Puzzle” 

    While the recruiting team was hearing from Bo, the Blue Signal Specialists (Marketing, Operations, Finance, People & Culture) joined a session led by Jonathan Lee, Director of Operations. In “The Missing Piece of the Puzzle,” Jonathan shared personal stories of weakness and how it has led to his success at Blue Signal. Equal parts insightful and vulnerable, his session left the Specialists motivated and inspired. 

    Jonathan Lee speaking at the Summit 2023

    Pacesetter Panel 

    Later in the afternoon, the 2022 Pacesetters held an open forum for questions from their recruiting colleagues. At Blue Signal, Pacesetters are equivalent to what other companies use as their President’s Club. Typically, the Blue Signal Pacesetters are the top performing recruiters of the company. Different from years past, this panel was made up of first-time Pacesetters. The panelists answered questions on their journey to achieving Pacesetter and what it took to get there. At the end, recruiters left with the insight and steps to achieve Pacesetter for 2023. 

    Pacesetter Panel at Summit 2023

    Summit 2023 State of the Signal Recap 

    The Blue Signal Summit 2023 was concluded by the 2023 State of the Signal, led by Blue Signal CEO Matt Walsh. The State of the Signal presentation serves to showcase the company’s growth, achievements, and outlook for the following year. In addition, we try to measure against our core values of helping others, doing the right thing, and being excellent. 

    Company Growth 

    2022 was an enormous year of growth for Blue Signal, as both a recruiting firm and an employer. We took our expertise to all corners of the nation, by more than doubling our workforce. We now have recruiters in 20+ states nationwide and the Dominican Republic. Additionally, we surpassed 2,000 total placements, translating to 2,000 stronger teams. As we look forward to 2023, we hope to match this growth and impact even more lives. 

    Launch of Resume and Career Services

    Last year, Blue Signal launched our sister company, Resume and Career Services. This candidate-driven service helps job seekers gain the empowerment needed to secure their next great role. By bringing this new partnership to our arsenal of candidate support, we hope to forge a path ahead that turns qualified professionals into exceptional prospective hires.    

    Awards

    2022 was an amazing year for the Blue Signal team. At the Summit 2023, Blue Signal recognized 35 team members for going above and beyond – that's an outstanding 50% of our team! 13 recruiters were named as Pacesetters, and 22 individuals were awarded based on metrics, milestones, and upholding Blue Signal’s core values. We are so proud of everyone who was recognized, as their efforts do not go unnoticed. 

    Blue Signal Gives Back

    The winner of our 5th annual philanthropy initiative, Blue Signal Gives Back, was also announced during the awards ceremony at the Summit 2023. Each year, Blue Signal donates to a nonprofit charitable organization on behalf of the winner of a metrics-based, company-wide contest. The winner of Blue Signal Gives Back 2023 was unveiled as Kevin Smith, Sr. Executive Recruiter. As a result, $2,280 will be donated to the International Justice Mission on behalf of Kevin. The International Justice Mission is a global organization that protects people in poverty from human trafficking, modern-day slavery, violence, and police abuse of power. Blue Signal is proud to support this cause with our donation. 

    Goals for 2023

    The State of the Signal wrapped up with an outlook of the upcoming year and what the team can expect. In 2023, we are aspiring for more growth by expanding our national footprint while growing an international team. We are striving to optimize processes, including remote training and onboarding. Matt shared exciting opportunities for professional development, skills development, and leadership training. After another successful year at Blue Signal, we are ready to accomplish these mighty goals in 2023! 

    Matt Walsh presenting awards during the State of the Signal

    Summit 2023 Conclusion 

    After the State of the Signal, Blue Signalers enjoyed dinner at Lylo Swim Club and toasted to 2023 on the rooftop of Don Woods’ Say When. Upon reflecting, the Blue Signal Summit 2023 was an incredible time to connect with colleagues, dive into topics like leadership, failure, and growth, and review our 2022 performance. The Summit left Blue Signalers inspired for what’s ahead in 2023. We appreciate all that made the journey to Phoenix to celebrate with us, and hope to see you back again next year!  

    Not a Blue Signaler? Not a problem! We’re always looking to expand our team. If you’re interested in joining a company well on its way to becoming the best recruiting firm on the planet, contact us today to discover an exciting new path.  

    Filed Under: Blog Posts, Our Company Tagged With: Apply Now, Brainstorming Sessions, BSS Summit, celebration, conference, Development, Guest Speakers, Join Us, Learning, Panels, recruiter, recruiters, recruiting firm, summit, team building

    A Recap of Blue Signal’s 3rd Annual Summit

    May 6, 2022 by Lacey Walters

    Last month, Blue Signal hosted our 3rd annual Summit. The BSS Summit tradition began back in 2019 as a way for our team to get together and celebrate our wins from the past year, as well as look forward and plan for the next! It’s a special sort of company holiday party and sales kickoff meeting all rolled into one. In typical 2022 fashion, however, the event had to be postponed. Luckily, the team was able to rally and make the event happen, if not at the beginning of the year.  

    Employees from all over the US came to celebrate. With around 40 Blue Signalers in attendance, it turned into quite the event. Despite many of us working together for years, this was the first time several of us actually met in person! This conference was packed with opportunity for learning and team building.   

    What We Learned at the 2022 BSS Summit   

    At this year’s Blue Signal Summit, we had panels, guest speakers, and brainstorming sessions that will surely propel us to excel in the coming months. By leveraging the expertise both internally and externally, we were able to share ideas and learn about more industry best practices to make Blue Signal the best recruiting firm for years to come.   

    Matt Walsh – Insights & The Heart of the Brand  

    Starting off, our very own CEO and Founder Matt Walsh imparted some wisdom. Coming together as a community, he knew that everyone had come to the BSS Summit to hone their craft. However, several of the lessons given were applicable to all aspects of life. Discussing the challenging recruiting industry, he encouraged the team to strive to be the best. Recruiting demand is at an unprecedented rate, and now more than ever, we must focus on Excellence.  

    Next, Matt discussed how the Blue Signal brand came to be. “Blue,” he explained, “symbolizes trust, honor, integrity. Everything that makes a good recruiter, but also everything that makes a good person.” As a business, the “Signal” is our way of being able to communicate those key tenants to people. By dialing into the meaning behind our brand, and setting the stage for the opportunity at hand, Matt set the tone for the lessons that followed.   

    Matt Walsh - BSS Summit 2022

    Pacesetter Panel   

    2021’s Pacesetters gathered to answer questions from the team about various recruiting approaches, how to manage their desk, and how to stay in the game mentally when it comes to that recruiting grind. At Blue Signal, Pacesetters are similar to what other companies use as their President’s Club. For us, it’s generally the top performing recruiters of the company. Who better to learn from than the movers and shakers of our own team! Some hot topics of discussion were about taking risks, commitment, knowing when to say no, consistency, and heart – all of which are some very important principles when it comes to business, and life.   

    Pacesetter Panel - BSS Summit 2022

    Joe Rice – What Happened in 2020?   

    The BSS Summit welcomed guest speaker Joe Rice as he spoke about What Happened in 2020? Joe Rice is the Founder and Managing Partner of Joseph David International (JDI), a search and consulting organization catering to the hospitality, senior living, real estate, construction, and civil engineering industry verticals. With over a decade as a player in the market, they have been recognized by Forbes as a Top Recruiting Firm.   

    Joe began his career in executive recruiting in 2005, and has become a speaker, trainer, and thought-leader in executive recruitment, talent acquisition, and leadership. He has been a member of the Pinnacle Society since 2012, The Premier Consortium of 75 Industry-Leading Recruiters in North America. While Joe has shifted his focus toward the growth of JDI, he was still able to achieve $1.8M in billings working a solo desk in 2021. Meanwhile, his 3 solo recruiters billed $400K, $600K, and $800K.   

    Joe provided incredible insights to the team. His segment focused on humility, perseverance, and flexibility – all things that were key not only to surviving the events in 2020, but also lessons that are sure to prove valuable as we move forward. We were able to learn from someone who not only leads some of the top producers, but also works a full desk, just as many at Blue Signal do each day.   

    Joe Rice - BSS Summit 2022
    Tim Pachasa - BSS Summit 2022

    Tim Pachasa – Leadership at Any Level   

    Additionally, we were incredibly excited to learn more about leadership from the expert himself, Tim Pachasa. Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Timothy “Chachi” Pachasa is the owner and CEO of CAPE Lead LLC. Chief Pachasa created CAPE Lead to capture the lessons learned from nearly 25 years of calling in air strikes for army units, and translating those experiences into a tangible, repeatable communication formula that facilitates mission success.   

    CMSgt Pachasa entered the Air Force in August 1994. His background includes two tours as a Command Chief, as well as having various duties in Army and Air Force echelons, including Special Operations Forces, NATO formal training schools, and MAJCOM Staff. Throughout his career, he has filled a myriad of roles including additional-duty First Sergeant and is a master rated parachutist with over 200 static line and military free fall jumps. His assignments include bases in North Carolina, Colorado, Texas, Kansas, Hawaii, and New Jersey. Chief Pachasa also served overseas in Germany, South Korea, and Kuwait, and has deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Iris Gold, Joint Forge, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Spartan Shield, and Inherent Resolve. Prior to his retirement in 2019, CMSgt Pachasa served as the Squadron Superintendent, 9th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Hood, Texas.  

    Through in-depth analysis of the philosophical understanding of leadership application, and leveraging his extensive and impressive military leadership background, Chachi has created a communication mechanism that allows for human error, while building a foundation for interpersonal communication. These fundamentals are sure to support Blue Signal’s leadership groups to excel as we continue to grow.   

    What the BSS Summit Accomplished   

    In addition to all the knowledge gained, the BSS Summit helped teams bond. As stated, this was the only time since joining that many remote Blue Signalers met their colleagues in person! They were finally able to shake their teammates' hands. They were able to mingle cross-departmentally, speaking with and getting to know coworkers that they may otherwise never have direct communication with. Although it may seem like an initial introduction on the outside, when looking around, the event felt like a reunion. Laughs were shared, and memories made.   

    We learned a lot, but possibly most importantly, we built camaraderie. At Blue Signal, we work to make the remote lifestyle less lonely on a daily basis – through virtual team meetings, strategy sessions, search kick-off meetings, contests, and more. We do all we can to help support and rally our team. The whole event, covered completely by the company, was intended to acknowledge and reward the team’s hard work. It gave them the opportunity to unwind, learn, enjoy some good food, and connect outside their normal routine.  

    Wrapping up 2021, Setting Sights on 2022 and Beyond!  

    Blue Signal has quite an exciting year ahead. Employees left the BSS Summit feeling refreshed, recharged, and armed with new knowledge to better tackle recruiting tasks. In the end, the value will extend to better service for clients and candidates, too! As a company, we seek to continually prioritize the well-being of our employees. The BSS Summit is a testament to that mission.   

    If you are interested in joining a company on its way to becoming the best recruiting firm in the world, visit our website and contact us today to discover an exciting new path. As for our employees, we can’t wait to see you at our next BSS Summit in 2023!   

    Blue Signal Team - BSS Summit 2022

    Filed Under: Blog Posts, Our Company Tagged With: #event, Apply Now, Brainstorming Sessions, BSS Summit, celebration, conference, Development, Guest Speakers, Join Us, Learning, Panels, recruiter, recruiters, recruiting firm, summit, team building

    Blue Signal Women of the Workplace 2021 Year in Review

    December 29, 2021 by Lacey Walters

    Blue Signal’s own female empowerment initiative, BSS Women of the Workplace, has just concluded its best year yet! Founded in 2019, BSS WOW has not only impacted those within the organization, but also the greater community as a whole. With the mission of “promoting the education, connection, and empowerment of women (and those who support women) and their contributions to the broader goals of Blue Signal and beyond,” we’ve supported our goals through several purposeful actions. Despite being geographically dispersed, BSS WOW was able to meet virtually to discuss important topics, bond as a team, and participate in philanthropy. 

     

    BSS WOW Learning Opportunities  

    This year, we did an activity on gendered language in the workforce where we examined the unintentional yet inherent biases that many work-related terms hold. By examining these terms and their biases, we as a team were able to better understand equity and how we can combat gendered bias in our communication with clients, candidates, internally with colleagues, and externally as a whole. As a group, BSS WOW completed a LinkedIn Learning Course and certified 100% of our members on Women Helping Women Succeed in the Workplace.  

    Additionally, we reviewed several articles surrounding similar topics. In one meeting, the group read “She Wants to Kill the Girl Boss.” The article sparked thoughtful conversations surrounding confirmation bias, intersectionality, discrimination, and privilege and how that all plays into labels. In another meeting, we reviewed a summary of the popular Sheryl Sandberg book, Lean In. We discussed gender inequality, factors that can help or hinder women’s careers, and how we can all help women to achieve their goals. Another hot topic surrounded the child-care crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This Washington Post article predicted that COVID-19 would dramatically set women back, given that many mothers had to choose between motherly duties and their careers.  

    Finally, at our end-of-the-year holiday party, we discussed women who we admire. Many notable professionals were named, including Brittney Packnett Cunningham, Abby Wambach, Sara Blakely, and Rachel Hollis. Each of these articles and discussions facilitated actionable insights into bettering ourselves as people and as professionals.  

     

    BSS WOW Team Building  

    In creating a safe space to discuss such topics, it’s important to make it fun — it’s simply good strategy! We found so much joy in conducting alternate activities that they’ve become a staple in every meeting. We bonded over things like Secret Santa; the Rose, Bud, and Thorn activity; and more. Our members shared feedback on Blue Signal’s Women of the Workplace, stating that they “truly enjoy the bonding exercises. It can feel extremely isolated when working remote - so it's helpful to have the connection with others on a deeper level.” Others said they “always leave the conversations feeling refreshed with a new perspective and feeling closer to the team!” By becoming exactly what our company needed, either through connection or just as a good mental reset, this group has become its own community.  

    BSS WOW Testimonial

    Blue Signal Gives Back – BSS WOW Edition  

    Giving back has been a cornerstone to Blue Signal’s company culture since our inception. It’s no wonder that BSS WOW would want to participate, but with their own unique spin. Since 2020, BSS WOW has been supporting Live and Learn AZ. Live and Learn is a local non-profit that seeks to empower women in the Phoenix area to break the cycle of generational poverty. This year we continued our resume writing support and interview coaching collaboration, effectively helping 18 women with their resumes. Of those 18, six were hired into new roles.  

    One Live and Learn client was very discouraged about applying for jobs and wasn’t sure when she would be able to find employment to support her family. She was referred to the BSS WOW resume writing service, where she learned to tailor her resume to the job she would be applying for. After speaking with BSS WOW, she found renewed energy and confidence in the job search, and she was able to nail a job in healthcare. Stories like these are what inspire us to work to support those in our community. This year, with our newly developed career service, we were able to also refer these Live and Learn clients to Resume and Career Services, powered by Blue Signal. With this, we hope to get even more women educated, empowered, and employed.  

    But we didn’t stop there. BSS Women of the Workplace also donated four laptops to the cause. We donated three full Thanksgiving meals for Live and Learn’s Give Thanks food drive. We went live with Live and Learn on Instagram to help them generate donations for Giving Tuesday. Their movement to #EmpowerWomen and #BreakTheCycle resulted in $5,160 in overall donations! For Christmas, BSS WOW also sponsored three families from Live and Learn. The entire Blue Signal organization stepped up to help create an incredible holiday for these women and their families.  

    BSS WOW Adopt a Family

    Reflecting on 2021 and The Year Ahead 

    2021 brought with it so many new opportunities for growth. Blue Signal’s Women of the Workplace has been humbled by this experience, and we are all excited for what’s next. We plan on continuing our virtual meetings, planning more exciting activities, and finding new ways to give back to our communities. For 2022, we want to focus on topics such as mental health, financial literacy, and equity. We will continue to learn more about women in leadership, and hope to make our own mark on that space.  

    If this purpose and these projects speak to you, contact us to see how you can get involved. Whether that means joining in on the fun yourself by applying to work with us, or by educating us on your own current organization and how we can partner, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

     

    Resources 

    Here are several resources BSS WOW discussed and collected throughout the year. Please leverage these to explore on your own the topics we covered.  

    • Abby Wambach – her Barnard Commencement 2018, and her book Wolfpack  
    • Ashley Sumner - “She Wants to Kill the Girl Boss”  
    • Brittney Packnett Cunningham – the UNDISTRACTED podcast, and her TED Talk on Confidence  
    • Glennon Doyle – “Untamed,” and the “We Can Do Hard Things” podcast  
    • Rachel Hollis – and her books Girl, Wash Your Face, and Girl, Stop Apologizing 
    • Sara Blakely – Seven Lessons from a Self-Made Billionaire  
    • Sheryl Sandberg – “Lean In,” and the Take the Lead Challenge  
    • Vishen Lakhiani – “The Code of the Extraordinary Mind”

    Filed Under: Blog Posts, Our Company Tagged With: BSS WOW, DEI, Diversity, Equity, Female Empowerment, giving back, Inclusion, Initiative, Learning, new year, philanthropy, resources, team building, Women, women in the workplace

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