Connecting to the Bigger Story with Kimberly Shamley of Soles4Souls
John Duisberg
Co-Founder at Cooleaf (acquired by ITA Group) - Helping Leaders Build Top Workplace Cultures
This week on The Great Retention, I had the pleasure of talking to Kimberly S. , Vice President of People and Culture at Soles4Souls .?
Our conversation was unique for a couple of reasons. First, I don't often get the chance to speak with nonprofit leadership. Second, Soles4Souls isn’t your typical nonprofit…
Soles4Souls is a top-rated nonprofit organization that’s taking clothing waste and using it to fight the cycle of poverty across the globe. To date, S4S has brought over 80 million pairs of shoes and pieces of clothing to communities from Indiana to India.?
When you have a mission as far-reaching and purpose-driven as the team at S4S, great company culture is a given… Right? Not necessarily.
Even when your business is built on a clear set of values, there’s a certain level of work required to ensure employees feel like they’re part of an incredible, deeply connected culture. That’s where leaders like Kim come in.
Kim is incredibly intentional in how she facilitates culture and connectedness at Soles4Souls. She leads by example and meets team members where they are, with flexibility and humanity.?
"I'm an employee first, and I'm sure to treat others like I would like to be treated."?
By approaching culture through this lens across her 15-year career, Kim has developed a foundational understanding of what helps employees thrive.?
Even with a values-driven mission, leaders need to leave space for the little things that make humans feel cared for.?
When you have a moment, listen to my conversation with Kim . Her phenomenal leadership practice can teach us all a thing or two about humility, empathy, and trust.