HouseWorks’ Post

January 2024 is in the books. What a month. When I moved to Armanino LLP at the end of last year I found a firm that allowed me to live the work values that are important to me: have fun at work, learn, and make an impact. Over the last month I have had great fun at work visiting our San Ramon and Philadelphia offices getting to know wickedly smart people who make a difference to our teams, people, and clients every day. I’ve also learned so much at a firm that feels different. Our entrepreneurial approach is palpable and feels different to other places I’ve worked. One of my biggest learning points has been understanding what it means to be a B-Corp and one of the very few B-Corps in our space, which adds to our commitment and sense of responsibility to our communities. As for impact…one of the highlights was participating in this month’s Committee Leader launch where I met so many people who put our people and communities first through numerous groups promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in tangible ways. We also got to have a little fun while doing good stuffing soft toys for kids going into foster homes. There are so many opportunities at Armanino LLP and 2024 promises to be a great year as we continue to create a Uniquely Armanino experience for all our people. #greatworkplace #workplaceculture #diversityandinclusion #employeeexperience #peopleandculture #peoplefirst #peoplefirstculture #liveyourbestlife #talentstrategy #bcorp #uniquelyarmanino #hr #hrcommunity

As a #UnionCarpenter, Keith Ponce has learned what it means to be a part of a #Brotherhood. His commitment to his Brothers often goes beyond the jobsite. Watch the following video to learn more about #Local661 member on this week's #MemberSpotlight. #UnionCarpenters #JobsWagesBenefits #Brotherhood #UnionStrong #Carpenters #WeBuildAmerica #BorderToBorder #UnionProud #WSCarpenters

I’ve worked directly in, or supported, over 20 family businesses. From global enterprise brands to local family outfits. And each and everyone has been an eye-opening, enriching and value driven experience. But my first still stands out. I was 16, had just left school, a bit lost and was keen to idle my time hanging out with pals doing a great deal of nothing until I figured out what was next. Sensing this, Dad let me know, in no uncertain terms, this was not an option. I’d be getting a job. So I begrudgingly hit the streets armed with nothing more than a fear of my old man’s reproach if I came home empty handed Thankfully I didn’t have to look too far. Right in the heart of Brighton a new delicatessen had opened. A husband and wife set-up, who had spotted a big gap in the market.  Sitting underneath the station, on the commuter belt, and nestled amongst a number of surrounding offices, they were the first to offer up freshly made sandwiches in quite a radius. (Brighton did not look like the gentrified version you see today i can assure you) And so they opened their doors in the summer of 1994. And I was their first employee. And from the get go I loved every single moment. For one simple reason: the way I was treated. I was welcomed fully into the fold and made to feel that my opinion mattered. My confidence soared and I carried a sense of genuine pride, which for a lost 16 year old that was huge They could easily have shoved the teenage help in the corner and barked orders at him but they didn’t. Instead they encouraged my thoughts and gave me responsibility. As a result I felt a true sense of belonging. I was rooting for them all the way, and would have done whatever they asked. A true people first approach in how to build business And this commitment to people holds true right up to enterprise levels in my experience. Family businesses getting it right. Full of value.  Being decent. Making business, and sandwiches, as they should be.  #familybusiness #peopleandculture #peoplefirst #memorableexperience #inclusion

Seeing you all get curious about SVP on our recent posts, so on popular demand, we’re here to tell you, ✨all you need to know about SVP!✨ So tune in to quench your curiosity about all the amazing things SVP has in store for you! #serveourcommunityhealth #soch #socialwork #communitywork #publichealth #communitywellbeing #communitywellness

"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." This is one of my favorite quotes from Paulo Cohelro. Well, for a starter, I'm a first time founder. And I can add more to the list such as being a female, immigrant, first-gen college grad, non-technical, solo-, bootstrapped founder until we launched our beta, and more...). For the past 37 years of my life, I did not possibly connect the word, a startup founder next to my name in the same line. It was not existent in my vocabulary. Holly, founder of WorkOnward (Techstars '23) Your Job, on the Map. It took 3 years of making lots of mistakes, learning, re-learning, and un-learning to keep humility, train myself to gain the internal strength (or build a founder muscle) and teach myself to wear the Founder & CEO hat, and be confident to keep the title next to my name (and I'm still working in the process of becoming). So how did I do it? I bootstrapped to build an in-house team and launch a product in the market with a few customers. We ultimately got into Techstars Washington DC Adam H. Phillips. I really like what you are building, I'd love you to consider joining our class. You are building something huge here. That was all it took for me to be the Techstars Washington DC class. People have easily labeled me as an underrepresented founder due to my background. And I tend to sell myself less than what I've been building upon in order to fit into people's predetermined notion about me. But not anymore! I want this badass founder Holly to shine like a 💎 and carry out her mission above and beyond her dynamite name. Thank you for featuring my story! We are honored to be the member of Civic Hall and contribute to create a diverse and inclusive place with Fedcap group. Build for our shared future, create generational wealth and equal opportunities for undeserved communities. Join our mission workonward.com Village Capital Visible Hands New York City Economic Development Corporation 🙌 Jerry Weinstein Rebecca Neuwirth Craig Newmark 😍 Fernando Montejo DHD Consulting Mista Oh NYC #impact #startup #fundfemalefounders #immigrantfounders #impactinvestors #nycfounders #underrepresentedfounders #startupecosystem

Thank you to the gorgeous Kathleen Benham who makes a lot of my colourful earrings. You'll be seeing these on my livestreams soon. I've been absent from livestreams since the end of last year and now that I'm back in the office I'll be starting them up again. I will update you shortly on what's happening at Athena Ali - The Get Noticed Coach. In the meantime I'll leave you with one of my favourite questions: What legacy do you want to leave behind in terms of your public sector career? #publicsector #publicsectorjobs #publicsectorwomen #careercoach (To find Kathleen see her insta handle below)

Wishing all the amazing dads a wonderful Father's Day weekend! Whether you're balancing work and family or supporting your loved ones in their careers, we celebrate you. Happy Father's Day! 🎉👔 #HappyFathersDay #FathersDay #FamilyFirst #WorkLifeBalance #Recruitment #RiverstoneManagement #BeAnEmployerOfChoice #skilledtradesrecruitment #skilledtradesrecruiter #skilledtrades #recruitmentconsultant

In life, we all have a front row – those special individuals who stand with us through thick and thin. The ones who inspire, support, and uplift us every step of the way. Have you ever taken a moment to reflect: Who's in your front row? *Family: The people who have been with you and who share your journey. *Friends: Your buddies in the trenches who laugh, cry, and grow with you. *Mentors: The guiding lights who inspire and uplift. *Colleagues: The collaborators who make the professional journey meaningful. *Community: The collective spirit that makes life richer. Who holds a special place in your front row, and how have they made a difference in your life? Let's celebrate those who make our front row extraordinary! #FrontRowLife #Gratitude #LifeJourney #Connections #SupportSystem #CelebrateTogether #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalNetwork #FrontRowFriends #LifeJourney #SupportSystem #Gratitude #ConnectionsMatter #Relationships #Reflections #LifeCompanions #LinkedInCommunity

This is one of my favorite stories to tell. El Viñedo Local started out as a place my classmates and I walked to for the best coffee in Midtown. It later became the location for Amanda Shojaee's and my work study during our final semester. We'd been working on a nameless company that aimed to address two critical issues with one solution: 1. High turnover in the service industry. 2. The unemployment rate for job-seekers with disabilities being twice as high as their non-disabled peers. The solution: Provide employers with the resources and support they need to successfully employ individuals with disabilities. Don’t tell my professors, but if I wasn’t in class, I was likely at El Viñedo, working on our project that quickly felt more like a calling. That project became the proof of concept for what is now In Good Company Works. The restaurant team became more like family and, to this day, El Viñedo remains my favorite spot for work meetings, happy hour, and even pep talks at the bar with the owner when I need to remember why we are doing the work we are doing. I look forward to the day when we'll have 100 more stories just like this to tell.

As the end of the week is upon us, I have been reflecting on my first 6 weeks as a small business owner and have has some key learnings and 'ah ha' moments. 💡 I have been overwhelmed by how strong and supportive my network is. I am truly thankful for everyone that has shown support through checking in, sharing their knowledge, recommending my business and engaging with our socials. 💡 'Rome wasn't built in a day' has been an overused phrase when trying to put in perspective the pressure I have been putting onto myself to get everything updated. 💡 The mum/wife guilt is real! I knew taking on a business with a young family was going to pose many challenges, but wow.... the guilt is bad! Which leads me to my next reflection. 💡 Thank you never seems enough to my amazing partner in crime Corey D.. The support has been unwavering and he is my number 1 cheerleader. 💡 I have zero regrets about leaving a 17 year career in government to take on this challenge. It is both exciting and liberating to take a calculated risk, be my own boss and build a legacy for my family. 💡 I am enjoying thriving and learning new skills, especially being out in the field and on the tools. There are still ingrained perceptions of woman being 'on the tools' in the industry/community, however I have been enjoying the conversations with breaking down the barriers and building confidence in my abilities. 💡 There have been some funny moments of things I can no longer wear or things I now have to consider which include, not being able to wear rings or clips in my hair (can scratch walls) and also having to check my own pockets for screws now when I do the washing. Overall, the last 6 weeks has been an emotional an empowering experience and I am excited to see what the next 6 months has in store. For those wanting to follow along, please like the Lawton's Interiors Facebook page https://lnkd.in/gbDkeuAT #smallbusiness #reflections #lawtonsinteriors #interiorsbusiness #ladytradie #workingmum #familylegacy