All Onboard

In this episode of All Onboard, we talk with Shawn Premer, Chief Human Resources Officer at Consumers Credit Union, about the journey of transforming their onboarding process into a cornerstone of their culture. Over her 13 years at Consumers, Shawn has led the company’s growth from 100 employees to over 430, all while maintaining a strong focus on employee connection, values, and retention.Learn how Shawn’s approach to onboarding has evolved to meet the demands of a growing workforce and discover strategies that can inspire your own programs, including:Why hiring in cohorts creates stronger relationships and team alignment.Steps to tailor onboarding plans to individual roles and learning styles.Reducing turnover by focusing on cultural alignment during onboarding.Insights from rethinking onboarding during the challenges of COVID-19.How to create an effective first-year onboarding journey with built-in feedback loops.Whether you’re building a new onboarding strategy or enhancing an existing one, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration from someone who has seen it all.Link to Onboarding Assessment: www.gocleary.com/onboarding-assessmentLink to ROI Calculator: www.gocleary.com/onboarding-ROI

In this episode of All Onboard, we dive into the transformative power of mission-driven onboarding with Dr. Waajida Small, Chief Human Resources Officer at Trinity Church NYC. With over 15 years of HR expertise, Waajida shares how Trinity reimagined its onboarding process to align people, purpose, and organizational goals.Discover actionable insights for building an onboarding strategy that drives engagement and retention, including:The role of mission in creating meaningful onboarding experiences.The importance of cross-departmental collaboration.Extending onboarding beyond the first day for lasting impact.Leveraging employee feedback to transform onboarding processes.Enhancing connection through buddy programs and personalized approaches.Whether you’re leading a nonprofit, corporate team, or startup, this conversation highlights the importance of aligning people, purpose, and process to redefine the employee journey and set the stage for long-term success!Link to Onboarding Assessment: www.gocleary.com/onboarding-assessmentLink to ROI Calculator: www.gocleary.com/onboarding-ROI

In this episode of All Onboard, Thomas Kunjappu chats with Gary Fernandes, the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Sandy Spring Bank. With over 30 years of HR experience across industries like healthcare and banking, Gary knows a thing or two about creating onboarding programs that leave a lasting impression.Together, they explore how Sandy Spring Bank ensures new hires feel genuinely welcomed and supported from day one. From aligning expectations to building emotional connections, Gary shares thoughtful insights and real stories that highlight what it takes to make onboarding meaningful.Topics covered in this episode:Why first impressions matter and how day one can shape an employee’s entire journey.The critical role managers play in onboarding and how to set them up for success.How small details—like welcome kits and personal touches—can make a big impact.The value of listening to employees and using their feedback to improve the process.Tips for navigating hybrid and remote onboarding while keeping things fair and engaging.Why continuous learning and innovation are key to staying ahead in HR.This conversation is packed with practical advice, relatable stories, and actionable tips for anyone looking to elevate their onboarding game. Don’t miss it!Link to Onboarding Assessment: www.gocleary.com/onboarding-assessmentLink to ROI Calculator: www.gocleary.com/onboarding-ROI

Jeff Schmitz, Chief People Officer at Zebra Technologies, shares his vast experience in HR, engineering, and product management. He discusses transforming HR from a mere service role into a strategic powerhouse. Jeff highlights innovative onboarding strategies that prioritize employee engagement and seamless integrations. He emphasizes the importance of using data to enhance HR operations and create an employee-centric organizational culture. Listeners will gain insights into maximizing productivity through modern technology and improving the overall employee experience.

In this episode of All Onboard, host Thomas Kunjappu welcomes Naomi Trickey, Chief People Officer at Mews, to discuss how onboarding can be transformed into a meaningful and culture-building experience, especially within a globally connected, remote-first company. Naomi shares Mews’ approach to making onboarding feel both personal and purposeful, setting new hires up for success from the beginning.Key insights include:Hospitality in Onboarding: How Mews uses a hospitality-first mindset to create a warm, memorable welcome.Building Connection Across Borders: The ways Mews strengthens team bonds and reinforces cultural values across a global workforce.Leadership’s Role in Onboarding: How active involvement from leaders supports new hires and demonstrates Mews’ commitment to its values.Creating Meaningful Rituals: Engaging workshops and experiences that help new hires build lasting bonds and understand the company's core values.Balancing Structure and Flexibility: How Mews ensures a consistent yet adaptable onboarding for employees worldwide.Laying the Foundation for Success: How Mews’ onboarding approach makes employees feel valued, engaged, and empowered to contribute meaningfully.Listen in to discover how Mews’ onboarding approach goes beyond orientation to build a foundation for collaboration, cultural alignment, and long-term impact.Link to Onboarding Assessment: https://gocleary.com/onboarding-assessment/Link to ROI Calculator: https://www.gocleary.com/onboarding-ROI

In this episode of the All Onboard podcast, host Thomas Kunjappu sits down with Tenia Davis, Chief Human Resources Officer at NORC at the University of Chicago. Tenia shares her insights from over two decades of experience in HR leadership, highlighting the importance of building scalable onboarding processes that support growth and employee engagement.Topics covered in this episode:The role of HR in facilitating onboarding transitionsHow to support new managers in their onboarding effortsThe importance of setting clear performance expectations earlyUtilizing feedback and data to improve the employee experienceBuilding a culture of engagement that lasts beyond the first 90 daysAligning onboarding programs with organizational goals and growthThe importance of integrating DEI initiatives into the onboarding processWith valuable advice on leadership involvement, feedback culture, and performance expectations, this episode is packed with actionable insights for HR professionals looking to improve their onboarding strategies.Tune in to learn how Tenia and her team at NORC are shaping a people-first culture and building a strong foundation for employee success.Link to Onboarding Assessment: https://gocleary.com/onboarding-assessment/Link to ROI Calculator: https://www.gocleary.com/onboarding-ROI

In this episode of All Onboard, Thomas Kunjappu sits down with Molly Mintz, Employee Onboarding Manager at Dynatrace. Molly shares her journey from being a recent grad in the Professional Development Program (PDP) to leading onboarding initiatives for both new graduates and experienced hires. She talks about the unique challenges of transitioning from the classroom to the corporate world and how Dynatrace helps new hires find their footing, whether they’re just starting their careers or seasoned professionals. Molly also reflects on the importance of continuous improvement in onboarding programs, ensuring that every new hire feels connected and prepared for success. Tune in to hear Molly’s insights on:Balancing structure and flexibility in onboarding programsAddressing the unique challenges of remote and hybrid onboardingFostering connections and engagement across different employee groupsWhether you're crafting onboarding programs for recent grads or seasoned professionals, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies to elevate your approach!Link to Onboarding Assessment: www.gocleary.com/onboarding-assessmentLink to ROI Calculator: www.gocleary.com/onboarding-ROI

In this episode of All Onboard, we sit down with Donna Howard, Chief Human Resources Officer at PhyNet Dermatology, to discuss how the company is reshaping the onboarding and orientation process for long-term impact. Donna shares her journey from insurance to HR, diving into how her experiences have fueled her passion for creating onboarding programs that go beyond the basics. She explains the difference between onboarding and orientation, and why integrating company culture, values, and leadership buy-in is crucial for employee retention and engagement.Donna takes us through PhyNet’s approach to redefining onboarding, including how they focus on pre-hire connection, personalized orientation programs, and fostering a culture of accountability and respect. Learn how PhyNet’s values-based orientation strategy not only strengthens employee loyalty but also significantly reduces turnover rates.Tune in to explore:The power of a strong orientation process for retentionHow PhyNet integrates values into onboarding for a lasting impactReal-life examples of the importance of leadership in shaping company cultureIf you're curious about the role of values in orientation, or how to make new hires feel connected from day one, this is an episode you won't want to miss!Link to Onboarding Assessment: www.gocleary.com/onboarding-assessmentLink to ROI Calculator: www.gocleary.com/onboarding-ROI

In this episode of the All Onboard podcast, we sit down with Eileen Page, Global Head of Talent, Brand Strategy, Communications, and DEIB at Feedzai, to uncover the secrets behind Feedzai’s innovative global onboarding strategy. With a career spanning over 30 years, Eileen shares how Feedzai integrates DEIB, employer branding, and internal communications to create a seamless and inclusive onboarding program across 18 countries.Eileen explains how Feedzai’s onboarding journey begins from the moment a candidate visits their website and continues through a 90-day process designed to ensure every new hire feels connected, whether they’re in an office or working remotely.Key Takeaways:Unified Messaging: Learn how Feedzai aligns internal communications with employer branding to create a consistent employee experience from recruitment to onboarding.Global Inclusivity: Discover how DEIB principles are embedded into every step of the onboarding process, ensuring cultural sensitivity and inclusion across 18 countries.Remote Onboarding Success: Explore how Feedzai maintains employee engagement in a flex remote environment through virtual lunches, onboarding buddies, and personalized experiences.Creating Cohesion Across Teams: Eileen shares how Feedzai’s onboarding journey blends company culture and communication, making sure new hires feel part of the team from day one.Tune in to discover Feedzai’s winning formula for global onboarding and learn practical tips on how to incorporate DEIB, employer branding, and culture into your own onboarding strategy.Link to Onboarding Assessment: www.gocleary.com/onboarding-assessmentLink to ROI Calculator: www.gocleary.com/onboarding-ROI

Join Melissa Best, Global Onboarding Lead at SAP, as she shares her expertise in transforming new hire experiences. She reveals how SAP revamped onboarding to create a cohesive, engaging journey across 156 locations. Melissa discusses best practices for enhancing employee retention, overcoming challenges of remote onboarding, and integrating career development into the process. Key insights include the critical role of managers in onboarding success and the importance of aligning programs with company goals for a thriving workplace culture.