A3’s People-First Culture: Insights from CEO Adeniyi Adeyiga

By: Isis Smith

September 23,2024

At A3, company culture is more than just a buzzword—it’s at the heart of everything we do. CEO Adeniyi Adeyiga recently shared his thoughts on what makes A3’s culture stand out, emphasizing leadership’s focus on people, innovation, and a long-term vision that drives both employee satisfaction and company success.

Prioritizing People Over Profits

One of the most striking aspects of A3’s culture is leadership’s emphasis on people, aptly described by Adeniyi as “people over profits.” Businesses globally were impacted in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic, and many companies laid off employees to protect profits. Transparent communication was key during this challenging period. A3’s leadership collectively chose to prioritize its workforce, despite the financial strain, resulting in zero layoffs. This choice not only demonstrated A3’s commitment to its people but also supported the strong foundation of trust and open communication within the company.

A Collaborative, Fun Workplace

A3’s workplace thrives on a balance of hard work and fun. A3’s leadership recognizes that the best ideas can come from everyone, and welcomes employee contributions. Adeniyi leads with humor and openness, and creates a work environment where employees are encouraged to share their thoughts and work together. Leadership has quarterly all-hands meetings to ensure employees stay informed and to recognize the accomplishments and work anniversaries of team members. A3 also organizes annual events like the company picnic, the holiday party, and virtual happy hours to enhance employee camaraderie.? Additionally, A3’s Social Impact Committee actively engages in community outreach and works diligently at fundraising and other charitable endeavors. This kind of atmosphere not only makes work enjoyable but also encourages collaboration, creativity, and innovation. The blend of transparency, recognition, and social responsibility fosters a strong sense of community, making A3 not just a workplace, but a place where employees feel truly connected and valued.

Growth and Learning

A3 is deeply committed to helping its employees grow. Adeniyi shared a story about an employee who started as a manual tester and, through A3’s encouragement, transitioned into a developer role. This kind of career progression isn’t rare at A3—everyone is encouraged to think about their “next step” and develop the skills needed to get there. Continuous learning is built into the company’s framework. A3’s leadership ensures that these opportunities remain available by allotting a budget for professional development for each employee. Whether it’s through internal job postings or one-on-one discussions with leadership about career paths, A3’s forward-thinking approach to employee development ensures that no one stays stagnant, which not only benefits the employees but also helps A3 retain top talent.

Balancing Short-Term Goals with Long-Term Vision

A3’s ability to balance the immediate needs of the business with its long-term goals is one of its strongest traits. While there is always pressure to chase quick wins, Adeniyi and the leadership team remain focused on the company’s long-term mission. They make sure that every decision aligns with their strategic vision, ensuring the company’s overall direction stays on track.

Employee Satisfaction as a Measure of Success

For A3, success isn’t just about profits—it’s also about employee satisfaction and retention. Adeniyi noted that many employees stick with A3 because they believe in the company’s mission and appreciate the opportunities for growth. During the interview, Adeniyi agreed that retaining talent is a priority at A3. Creating an environment where people feel valued and excited about their work is key to the company’s success.

Building Meaningful Client Relationships

A3’s people-first philosophy extends to how it approaches client relationships as well. Adeniyi explained that the company is selective about the partners they work with, ensuring that their values align with A3. A3 prides itself on the company’s commitment to delivering long-term value, rather than just quick fixes, which has earned the company a solid reputation for providing customized solutions that meet client needs. By building meaningful, trust-based relationships with clients, A3 has positioned itself as a reliable partner that goes beyond the transactional, aiming for partnerships that stand the test of time.

A Culture Built on Trust and Empowerment

A3’s culture is rooted in trust, open communication, and a genuine focus on people. By prioritizing employee well-being, encouraging continuous learning, and keeping a long-term mission in mind, A3 has built a dynamic and supportive work environment. This approach has not only led to high employee satisfaction but also enabled the company to consistently deliver innovative and lasting solutions to its clients.

In Adeniyi’s words, “We’re not in it to try to become celebrities. We’re really focused on our mission, carving out our niche, and doing our thing.” This mission-driven, people-first mindset is what sets A3 apart and ensures the company’s continued success.