As a veteran of Symphony Talent with over 25 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of seeing this organization from every angle. I’ve witnessed our triumphs, the areas needing attention, and the steps we’ve taken to address them. While there’s always room for improvement, I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come.

One of the most exciting projects in my tenure has been evolving our employer value proposition (EVP). It was impressive and rewarding to experience our expertise firsthand as an organization known for crafting EVPs for global clients.

As Chief People Officer (CPO), my passion lies in valuing people, helping them succeed, and ensuring they find joy in their work. Witnessing this during our EVP project was a highlight of my career and a reminder of why I do what I do.

We chose to evolve our EVP to mirror the dynamic nature of our organization and the market we serve. As we grow and change, our EVP must evolve to capture the essence of who we are and what we aspire to be. Our new EVP is a true reflection of our people. I’ll explain why this initiative was crucial and how it will impact our organization internally and externally.

Considering the emotional and business aspects of Symphony Talent’s EVP process

Rarely do the emotional and business sides of a project converge so seamlessly, but in the evolution of our EVP, they intertwine beautifully. On one hand, the process is a deeply emotional journey. It's about capturing our essence, celebrating our unique and diverse culture, and articulating the values that bind us together as a team. This introspective journey fosters a sense of pride and belonging among our employees, igniting a shared vision for the future.

On the other hand, the business aspect of the EVP process is equally compelling. Our EVP is a strategic tool designed to strengthen our employer brand in a competitive market, attract top talent, and foster deeper connections with our clients. It’s a clear, compelling message that sets us apart and underscores our commitment to excellence. The alignment of these two aspects — the emotional and the business — creates a powerful synergy, ensuring that our EVP is not just a statement, but a living, breathing embodiment of our organization’s identity and aspirations.

Bringing Symphony Talent's EVP to life

I’ve had the pleasure of watching our EVP come to life. I’ve been able to see the colors, the voice, and the values of our organization reflected in a way that truly represents us. This project wasn’t just about creating an extension of our corporate branding. It was a journey into the heart of what makes us unique. Seeing it come to life and resonate with our team filled me with pride and excitement for the road ahead.

The emotive side of the initiative

Being part of this initiative was a deeply emotional experience. Our team’s dedication, creativity, and collaboration were inspiring. They poured their hearts into this initiative, and it showed in every detail. Watching them come together to build something that speaks to who we are as an organization was a powerful reminder of why I’m passionate about my role.

Why the EVP is important to my role as Chief People Officer

As Chief People Officer, I know that our people are our greatest asset. Our EVP isn’t just a statement; it’s a promise to our team and a beacon for potential talent. It encapsulates our commitment to supporting, empowering, and valuing every individual. This new EVP will help us attract and retain like-minded professionals who will thrive in our culture and drive our organization forward.

What surprised me about evolving our EVP 

As a CPO, I am familiar with an EVP and why it exists so I felt confident going into this initiative. I thought I could pin down the Symphony Talent EVP easily, but I was surprised to learn many things I did not expect. 

During the in-depth discovery phase of the EVP process, our team conducted internal and external research. Representation? Impactful! Close to 20% of our teams across diverse regions, functions and tenure joined in. Participation Rate? Overwhelming. Our teams welcomed the chance to share their perspective. Emerging insights? Our teams genuinely care for each other, our clients, and the communities we serve. 

Our EVP and its organization-wide impact 

The evolution of our EVP has brought a transformative shift within our organization. It aligns our internal culture with our external promise, ensuring that every interaction — from employee engagement to client partnerships — reflects our core values and mission.

How the EVP impacts … 

• Current employees: For our current employees, the new EVP is a clear articulation of what we stand for as a company, our promise to our teams and where we’re heading together. By taking our employees on this journey, we reinforce their importance to our story and ensure we deliver on our employer brand promise as we thrive, advance, and impact, together.
• Future employees: For potential future employees, our EVP represents our differentiation and employer brand promise. What does Symphony Talent offer talent that others don’t?  It offers a glimpse of our culture,values, and where we can go — together. 
• Clients and prospective clients: Clients and prospective clients benefit from an engaged and mission-focused team. Our EVP reassures them that they’re partnering with an organization that prioritizes their values, building trust and fostering deeper connections.
  

Looking ahead: Embracing our new EVP

Our EVP evolution is more than just a project; it’s a testament to our organization’s spirit and dedication to growth. It represents our commitment to each other and our clients. We’ve woven together the emotional and commercial aspects to create a message that’s both compelling and authentic. This EVP is our guiding star, leading us to a future where our employees feel valued and our clients experience our commitment to excellence. As we continue on this journey, I’m excited to see how our new EVP will shape our organization and the people who are a part of it.