Culture Uncovered

This company earned a 99% Great Place to Work score (even after a layoff!)In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Lindsay Gonzalez to unpack what it looks like to build a fast-growing, remote-first company at the forefront of AI infrastructure.From transforming messy, unusable data into something AI can actually work with, to building a 99% employee satisfaction culture, Unstructured is solving one of the biggest blockers in AI adoption while scaling a team that genuinely enjoys working together.They also get into the real side of startup life, from navigating layoffs and rebuilding trust to maintaining a high-performing culture while doubling headcount.What you’ll learn: What Unstructured does and why data readiness is critical for AI  What a 99% employee satisfaction culture actually looks like  How they maintain connection in a remote-first, fast-growing team  What it takes to succeed in a high-ownership, no-handholding environment  How to stand out as a candidate and get noticed Unstructured Highlights:Founded: 2022 Headquarters: Sacramento, California (remote-first, distributed) Team Size: ~78 full-time + growing rapidly Industry: AI / Data Infrastructure Culture: High-trust, ownership-driven, fast-paced, collaborative, human-first Unique Perks & Programs: Remote-first work with flexible setup  Company and team offsites to build connection  Generous parental leave (including adoption and surrogacy)  Strong benefits with increased employer contributions  Home office setup and internet reimbursements  Fun, high-engagement Slack culture (games, challenges, team moments)  Real internal mobility and growth through hands-on work To learn more about Unstructured:Careers Page (They’re hiring!) LinkedIn PageLindsay's LinkedIn Profile

The creators you follow have a secret weapon. That’s Smooth Media.In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Jenny Rothenberg, Co-founder and COO of Smooth Media, to talk about what it looks like to build a startup at the center of the fast-growing creator economy.Jenny shares how Smooth Media was founded by former Morning Brew employees, why they chose to focus on “knowledge creators” instead of traditional influencers, and how a team of just 18 people is helping creators turn their expertise into full-fledged businesses.They also dive into what makes this industry so different, from working with brands that are new to creator marketing to building a culture rooted in curiosity, ownership, and learning in a space where no one has a playbook.What you’ll learn:What Smooth Media does and how it supports knowledge creatorsWhy they focus on creators over influencers in the B2B spaceHow they partner with brands new to creator marketingWhat “you go first” ownership looks like in practiceWhat it takes to stand out as a candidate in a fast-moving startupSmooth Media highlights:Founded: 2021Team Size: 18 employeesHeadquarters: New York CityWork Model: In-office (Mon–Thurs), remote FridaysCulture: Curious, ambitious, collaborative, ownership-driven, learning-focusedUnique Perks & Programs:Strong in-office culture designed for learning and collaborationEarly-career growth through exposure across teams and functionsHigh ownership culture (“you go first” mindset)Opportunities to work closely with creators and brandsInvolvement in creator-led events and partnershipsA fast-growing startup environment where you help build the playbookTo learn more about Smooth Media:Careers Page (They’re hiring!)Instagram PageJenny’s LinkedIn Profile

The platform turning financial advisors into founders. In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Rasika Rajagopalan, VP of People, Talent & Places at Savvy Wealth, to talk about what it looks like to build a fast-moving, in-office culture at a fintech company reinventing how financial advisors operate.Rasika shares how Savvy is empowering advisors to start and scale their own businesses, why the company prioritizes in-person collaboration four days a week, and how a team of around 130 people is building both cutting-edge technology and a deeply connected culture at the same time.They also get into how Savvy makes decisions quickly through structured writing and weekly reviews, what it means to “invent the future” inside the company, and how they’re investing heavily in learning, from AI bootcamps to leadership summits.What you’ll learn:What Savvy Wealth does and how it’s transforming financial advisingWhy they prioritize in-office collaboration and what it unlocksHow their writing culture and Weekly Decision Reviews drive speedWhat “inventing the future” looks like in a fintech environmentHow Savvy invests in employee growth and continuous learningSavvy Wealth highlights:Founded: 2021Team Size: 130 employeesHeadquarters: New York CityWork Model: In-office (4 days/week) with strong collaboration focusCulture: Curious, ambitious, collaborative, fast-moving, learning-drivenUnique Perks & Programs:Strong in-office culture designed for collaboration and connectionWeekly Decision Reviews (WDR) for fast, transparent decision-makingWriting-first culture to improve clarity and alignmentAI bootcamps and leadership development programsRegular team events and community-building initiativesHigh transparency, including visibility into company strategyTo learn more about Savvy Wealth:Careers Page (They’re hiring!)LinkedIn PageRasika’s LinkedIn Profile

The AI behind your favorite AI tools. That's AssemblyAI.In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Meg Colón, VP of People at AssemblyAI, to talk about what it looks like to build a high-trust, remote-first culture at one of the most quietly powerful companies in the AI space.Meg shares how AssemblyAI went from founding in 2017 to powering the voice AI models behind tools like Granola, why they ditched the agenda at their company off-sites, and how a team of 72 people is able to move faster and give more ownership than companies ten times their size.They also get into the hard stuff, from reversing a sales motion that wasn't working to opening up every Slack channel and meeting in the name of radical transparency.What you'll learn:What AssemblyAI does and why you've probably already used their technologyHow they run agenda-less off-sites and why it worksWhy trust and autonomy aren't just values on a wall at AssemblyAIHow they use AI tools internally, including letting every employee expense them freelyWhat it takes to stand out as a candidate and land a role on this teamAssemblyAI highlights:Founded: 2017Team Size: 72 employeesOffices: New York City and San Francisco (coming soon)Work Model: Remote-first, distributed globallyCulture: High-trust, fast-moving, transparent, ownership-drivenUnique Perks & Programs:100% benefits coverage in the US4% 401k matchEquity with refreshes and performance-based right-sizingOffice setup stipendInternet reimbursementAI tool stipend (no approval needed to try new tools)Frequent company and team off-sitesInternal mobility and growth opportunities from day oneTo learn more about AssemblyAI:Careers Page (They're hiring!)LinkedIn PageMeg's LinkedIn Profile

Not just closing loans, but walking families through one of life’s biggest milestones.In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Maddi Hargrove, Director of People and Culture at Better and NEO Home Loans, to go behind the scenes of two organizations working to modernize the mortgage experience through technology, people-first culture, and a bigger mission around homeownership.Maddi shares how Better’s tech platform is transforming the loan process, why NEO Home Loans partnered with Better, and how both organizations are building around a shared just cause: to be better for their clients, partners, and people.They also dive into what it takes to build culture across multiple business models, from distributed retail to direct-to-consumer to tech, and why responsible autonomy, employee feedback, and mission alignment matter in a fast-moving, high-pressure industry like mortgage.What you’ll learn:How Better and NEO Home Loans are modernizing the mortgage experienceWhy technology like Tinman is changing the loan process from start to finishWhat “responsible autonomy” looks like in practiceHow mission, ethos, and employee feedback shape culture across both organizationsBetter + NEO Home Loans Highlights:Better Founded: 2016NEO Founded: 2021Headquarters: New York CityTeam Size: 1,500 across Better, including 360 at NEOIndustry: Mortgage / Fintech / ProptechCulture: Mission-driven, resilient, feedback-oriented, autonomy-ledUnique Perks:Flex timeStrong remote work optionsHybrid and in-office opportunities depending on teamHigh trust and responsible autonomyEmployees help shape culture through ethos and feedback loopsTo learn more about Better + NEO Home Loans:Better's (including NEO) Careers Page (They’re hiring!)Better's LinkedIn PageNEO's LinkedIn PageMaddi's LinkedIn Profile

What if every photo on your phone could be your next paycheck?In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Christina Hawatmeh, Founder of Scopio, to explore how this fast-growing platform is helping creatives around the world sell their photos, illustrations, and digital art while building a company culture that thrives on ownership, expertise, and high-impact collaboration.Christina shares how she turned a simple idea of helping people monetize their photos into a platform with 45,000 creators from over 190 countries, serving clients like Adobe, Microsoft, and Disney. She also dives into what it takes to scale a small, scrappy team, the importance of defining “swim lanes” for ownership, and why celebrating wins along the journey is crucial to remote culture.What you’ll learn:How Scopio empowers creators to earn real income from their artThe challenges and wins of scaling a global creative platformWhat it takes to thrive on a small, high-performing teamLeadership lessons for founders navigating growth and cultureScopio Highlights:Founded: 2016Headquarters: Remote-firstTeam Size: 20 employeesIndustry: Creative Tech / MarketplaceCulture: Ownership-driven, high-performing, collaborative, celebration-focusedUnique Perks & Opportunities:Work directly with global creative talentShape processes and impact for a high-growth companyOpportunity to specialize and hone your craft in your laneDirect access to the founder for mentorship, growth, and learningTo learn more about Scopio:Find top tier artists LinkedIn PageChristina's LinkedIn Profile (They’re hiring!)

Okay, but seriously, IAB isn’t just shaping ads, it’s shaping your career while you’re at it.In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Amber Murat, VP of People at the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), to explore how this nearly 30-year-old trade association powers the digital advertising ecosystem while building a culture that thrives on autonomy, accountability, and thought leadership.Founded in 1996, IAB transformed the digital advertising “wild west” into a standards-setting powerhouse across streaming, social media, retail media, and AI. Amber shares how she was recruited on Instagram, how IAB empowers employees to grow their personal brands, and how the HR function has evolved to drive high performance, collaboration, and innovation.What you’ll learn:How IAB shapes the digital advertising industry while keeping consumers in mindWhat a mission-driven, high-performance culture really looks likeHow IAB supports career growth, personal brand development, and skill “upgrades”IAB Highlights:Founded: 1996Headquarters: Manhattan, New YorkTeam Size: ~110 employees (including sister company TechLab)Industry: Digital Media & Advertising / Trade AssociationCulture: Mission-driven, collaborative, innovative, accountableUnique Perks:Hybrid work with built-in remote weeksUnlimited PTO & over 20 holidaysQuarterly wellness days for collective restTuition reimbursement & tech/cell stipendsFlexible work hours & robust parental leave with ramp-back periodEmployee Resource Groups & coaching opportunitiesTo learn more about IAB:Careers Page (They’re hiring!)LinkedIn PageAmber's LinkedIn Profile

Well, can I just say. I live. I mean, LIVE in Cozy Earth pajamas.In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay chats with Cyndel Stirland, HR Director at Cozy Earth, revealing the behind-the-scenes magic of a brand that's redefining luxury living at home. They dive into how Cozy Earth fosters a scrappy, down-to-earth culture where employees roll up their sleeves, pitch wild ideas, and grow alongside the company, whether in HQ or retail stores.Cyndel shares the brand's 15-year journey from bamboo bedding specialist to a full lifestyle powerhouse in sheets, loungewear, pajamas, towels, and more, all designed for ultimate comfort and quality sleep. She highlights the shift to retail expansion (now with three California storefronts and more planned), the fully in-office vibe at HQ for hands-on collaboration, and fun initiatives like the viral "bed rot challenge" that capture their playful energy.What You’ll LearnHow Cozy Earth empowers better sleep and home life through premium, evolving productsWhy a scrappy, idea-driven mindset with curiosity and impact thrives in their cultureStrategies for blending corporate and retail teams while keeping culture consistentUnique perks that make employees obsessed with the brand and workplaceInternal growth paths, with 66% of HQ staff promoted from withinCozy Earth HighlightsFounded: 2011 Team size: 110 employees (70 to 80 at Lehi, Utah HQ; rest in CA retail)Headquarters: Lehi, UtahWork model: Fully in-office at HQ for collaboration; in-person retailCulture: Scrappy, down-to-earth, fun, fast-paced, and product-obsessedUnique Perks75% employee product discounts (plus gifts for milestones and sample sales)On-site golf simulator and company-wide tournaments (exec team favorite)Monthly fun events like Mario Kart tournaments, Snoop on the Stoop, and Christmas Grams.Walking treadmills with mountain views and stunning collaborative office spacesOrganic on-the-job learning and high internal promotion ratesTo learn more about Cozy Earth:Careers Page (They’re hiring!)LinkedIn PageCyndel's LinkedIn Profile

Yes, clean energy can move this fast!In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Andi Summers, VP of People and Culture at Palmetto, to explore how this fast-growing clean energy company is transforming residential solar while building a lean, high-performing culture.Founded in 2009, Palmetto has evolved from a solar installer into a technology-driven platform helping homeowners access and manage clean energy solutions. Andi shares what it takes to scale in climate tech from hiring adaptable, ownership-minded talent to moving quickly without losing cultural alignment.What you’ll learn:How Palmetto is modernizing the residential solar industryWhat a fast-moving, “athletic” culture looks like in practiceWhy ownership and intentional hiring drive performancePalmetto Highlights:Founded: 2009Headquarters: Charlotte, North CarolinaTeam Size: ~400 employeesIndustry: Clean Energy / Climate TechCulture: Lean, innovative, ownership-driven, fast-movingUnique Perks:Flat medical premiums401(k) matchProfessional development fundInternal “Lift Network” for voluntary cross-functional projectsStrong parental leave & infertility supportPet benefitsTo learn more about Palmetto:Careers Page (They’re hiring!)LinkedIn PageAndi's LinkedIn Profile

Cut, stick, and create your way!  Everyone’s a crafter at heart!In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Miranda Oliver, VP of People and Culture at Cricut, to go behind the scenes of a company that’s turning DIY dreams into reality. They discuss how Cricut combines creativity, purpose, and people-first culture to build a workplace where employees can act like owners, speak up, and leave their mark.Miranda shares how Cricut evolved from a small craft supply company in the 1960s to a global leader in electronic cutting machines, software, and materials. She opens up about quirky cultural mantras like putting the “stinky fish on the table,” the emphasis on collaboration across teams, and how the company fosters growth through internal mobility, mentorship, and unique employee perks.What you’ll learn:How Cricut became a platform for DIY, home decor, personalized gifts, and small business empowermentWhy hiring for curiosity, humility, and cultural fit is at the heart of their people strategyHow ownership, candor, and creativity show up in day-to-day workUnique perks and benefits that make employees love working at CricutOpportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and internal mobilityCricut highlights:Founded: 1960s (as Provo Craft and Novelty); modern Cricut established in early 2010sTeam Size: ~700 employeesHeadquarters: South Jordan, UtahWork Model: Global, collaborative, and creativeCulture: Creative, candid, people-first, ownership-drivenUnique Perks:401(k) match up to 6%Competitive medical, dental, and visionFertility & family-building support (via Wyn)Mentorship program with senior leadersInternal mobility across functionsHeavily discounted employee product salesPet insuranceHalloween as the company’s biggest annual celebrationTo learn more about Cricut:Careers Page (They’re hiring!)LinkedIn PageMiranda's LinkedIn Profile