Adapting with Integrity - Ryan Simonetti - Not Another CEO Podcast - Episode #14
Oct 22, 2024
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Join Ryan Simonetti, co-founder and CEO of Convene, as he shares insights from their remarkable 15-year journey in the event and office space industry. Ryan emphasizes the vital role of core values, especially during crises like the pandemic, stressing adaptability and resilience. He discusses innovative hiring techniques focused on candidates' alignment with authenticity and teamwork. Discover how nurturing internal talent can foster a thriving company culture and the importance of delivering consistent, high-quality experiences across locations.
Ryan emphasizes the importance of interviewing candidates for core values to ensure cultural alignment and resilience within the team.
Convene prioritizes maintaining consistent service quality across all locations to foster customer trust and satisfaction in its hospitality offerings.
The company showcased adaptability during the pandemic by making swift decisions and reinforcing hope while staying true to its core values.
Deep dives
Establishing Core Values
The commitment to defining core values at Convene played a crucial role in shaping the company's culture and direction. In 2011, the co-founders documented the core values using the acronym GRIT, which stands for Genuine, Relentless, Integrity, and Teamwork. This clearly articulated value system has guided all aspects of the organization, influencing hiring practices, client interactions, and even crisis management. The emphasis on being genuine resonates deeply within the hospitality industry, as it fosters authenticity and alignment with the company’s mission of delivering high-quality service experiences.
Resilience Through Challenges
The resilience displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplified the true test of the core values in action. As the pandemic led to a drastic decline in revenue and required tough decisions, the importance of adaptability and maintaining integrity became paramount. The executive team made sacrifices, such as donating salaries to support an employee relief fund, highlighting their dedication to the team. This experience also reinforced the need for founders to maintain hope and optimism, even amidst uncertainty and challenges that felt insurmountable.
Hiring for Values and Growth
Convene places significant importance on the interview process, prioritizing alignment with core values alongside technical skills. The company employs a unique 'grit score' for candidates, assessing their adaptability and resilience through open-ended questions about personal challenges faced. This approach not only allows for better cultural fit but also ensures that new hires possess the mindset necessary for thriving in a dynamic startup environment. The focus on promoting from within has also strengthened the leadership team, proving to be effective in navigating the company's growth and challenges.
Consistency Across Locations
Providing a consistent experience across multiple locations is a significant priority for Convene, particularly in the hospitality sector. The company strives to deliver a high-level experience regardless of the location, ensuring that clients receive the same quality of service and environment. This focus on consistency is achieved through rigorous training and maintaining standards across all operational areas. By continually improving processes and enhancing employee training programs, Convene has successfully maintained its reputation as a reliable partner for large organizations.
Navigating Change and Outsourcing
The shift towards outsourcing workplace experiences has positioned Convene favorably in the evolving market landscape. As businesses adapt to hybrid and flexible work models, the need for high-quality, intentional gathering spaces has increased significantly. Convene recognizes this structural shift and aims to provide exceptional meeting and event solutions that enhance organizational culture and strategies. By capitalizing on the demand for specialized service, the company is becoming a go-to provider for organizations looking to optimize their workplace strategies.
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Ryan Simonetti, co-founder and CEO of Convene, as he shares the company’s inspiring 15-year journey. Known for its innovative meeting, event, and office spaces, Convene has expanded to nearly 40 locations across nine cities. Ryan discusses the vital role of core values established in 2011, which have guided the company through challenges, including the existential crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Join us as Ryan emphasizes the importance of interviewing for core values, maintaining consistency in a high-growth environment, and promoting from within to nurture company culture. We also explore strategic vision, board dynamics, and the role of outsourcing in today’s workplaces. With reflections on his entrepreneurial influences and insights on leadership and parenting, Ryan offers valuable lessons for achieving long-term success and a hopeful outlook for the future. Don't miss this compelling conversation!
Takeaways:
Interviewing for Values: Evaluate candidates for alignment with your core values, using open-ended questions that reveal character and resilience.
Consistency Across Locations: Maintain consistent service and quality across locations to build customer trust and satisfaction, focusing on training and improvement.
Adapt and Stay Resilient: Stay adaptable and resilient during crises by maintaining hope, making quick decisions, and staying true to your core values.
Develop a Farm System: Promote from within to create a strong executive team by nurturing young talent and providing leadership opportunities.
Effective Board Management: Keep the board small for quicker decision-making and ensure regular communication through transparency.
Work-Life Integration: Involve your family in the business to instill a strong work ethic and understanding of the business world from an early age.
Quote of the Show:
“Everything's a trust trade… and part of my trust in you is that you can manage my expectations up or down, but please just don't surprise me.” - Ryan Simonetti