We recently sat down with Vanessa Almeida, Bristol’s Vice President of People & Culture and the driving force behind our vibrant workplace. Since joining Bristol in 2007, Vanessa has led our human resources, recruiting, training, employee engagement, sustainability, and community outreach efforts. Her work has been key to creating the positive environment our associates enjoy today.
Take a behind-the-scenes look into Vanessa’s world with the interview below!
If you had to pack the essentials of workplace culture into a carry-on, what would the must-haves for a successful work environment be?
My chosen essentials for a successful work environment are trust, empathy, care, concern, and empowerment!
Who are your biggest inspirations when it comes to people leadership?
I have a few, such as Adam Grant and Simon Sinek. However, I draw the most inspiration from Tony Hsieh, the former CEO of Zappos. His leadership style was revolutionary, particularly in how he fostered a culture of trust and autonomy within his organization. He believed that happy employees led to happy customers, and he implemented this philosophy by empowering his team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work. He was one of the first CEOs to really emphasize the importance of company culture and implement strategies to support that. I learned a lot from him when I went to his conference back in 2012 at the Zappos headquarters.
How do we balance tradition with modernity in evolving Bristol's people and culture practices?
Interestingly, much of what we do has never been considered “traditional,” as many of our associates have pointed out. For example, in addition to unlimited PTO, we don’t have a traditional bereavement policy. We have a Grief and Loss policy that doesn’t specify a set amount of time off. Associates will come back when they are ready. We are all humans, and we experience both joyful moments and challenging times. I cannot remove their sadness or obstacles, but I can relieve them of worrying about work. So, many of our policies do the same for other aspects of associates' lives. We conduct an internal satisfaction survey each year and incorporate associate feedback into new initiatives and policies. In fact, that’s how some of them came to be. My main focus every day is “How can I enrich the lives of our people professionally and personally?”
What's an underrated tip for nurturing strong culture?
Culture isn’t just about gift cards or free lunches, although we do offer those perks as well. True culture goes much deeper. It’s about treating your people well and ensuring that your policies reflect that commitment. The best advice I can offer, which is often overlooked, is to treat your employees like adults and trust them. This approach is incredibly effective for fostering a strong and engaged workforce. While it may seem like a simple concept, many companies tend to micromanage and fail to recognize their employees as individuals with unique strengths and needs. It's important to listen to your team, provide them with the autonomy to make decisions, and support their personal and professional growth. By doing so, you cultivate a culture of accountability and empowerment, where everyone feels motivated to do their best. Ultimately, this leads to higher job satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and a more dynamic workplace where everyone can thrive.
What's one thing about Bristol's culture that always surprises newcomers?
After a recent survey of our associates, it seems they were genuinely pleased to see how much people enjoy their jobs and Bristol. They state feeling like there is genuine care for them. They also are surprised by the work-life harmony. One associate shared, “Proud to be a part of this organization that leads with heart!”
Can you share a personal story or experience that has significantly influenced your leadership style?
Absolutely. It was a conversation I had with Joe, Bristol's President, years ago in his office. We were discussing an interaction I had with a coworker, and I showed him an email that made me feel like they were upset with me or dissatisfied with my work. Joe looked at me and said, “V, always assume that everyone you encounter has the best intentions.” That perspective was a revelation for me. We often jump to conclusions, but shifting to that mindset can truly transform your life personally and professionally. Since then, I’ve adopted this approach, and it has positively impacted my leadership style.
Looking back on your career, what is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self about leadership and building a strong culture?
I would tell my younger self to trust myself and believe in my ideas. Confidence in your vision is crucial for effective leadership, and fostering a strong workplace culture starts with having faith in your instincts and the values you want to promote. Embrace your unique perspective, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. You never know who you will inspire to do the same.
What does work-life balance/harmony mean to you? How do you embody this?
I feel work-life balance means something different at Bristol. Here, I feel respected and trusted as an associate, which allows me to integrate my work and personal commitments seamlessly. Instead of trying to keep the two separate, I take a more harmonious approach where both my work and personal life enrich the other. This balance empowers me to be more productive and fulfilled, as I can respond to both personal needs and work demands without feeling overwhelmed.
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