We believe that our people give us the best chance at continued success that is why we’ve developed the “4 G’s” as our guiding principles moving into the new year: Growth, Guidance, Grit and Gratitude. We believe these four values influence everything we do at ARM. True company values, as opposed to just words on paper, are shown by how they are operationalized throughout every facet of the organization. That is why we’ve asked members of our leadership team to share what some of these values mean to them.

GROWTH – Christine Paulsen, VP of Strategy & Growth,

  • What work place behavior do you believe fosters growth?

“I think collaboration ultimately is the engine of growth for companies. Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor was it built by one person, and I think collaboration and teamwork are so important to personal, company and industry growth. Together we are stronger.”

  • How does Ad Results proactively encourage growth for clients?

“ARM is always trying to look ahead and see what’s around the corner. I still remember when we did our first podcast test with Adam Carolla probably seven or eight years ago. We convinced the client to take a chance on the test and approached the economics in the right way and it was a massive success! That said, we have got to be constantly challenging ourselves to stay ahead of the curve to be able to serve our clients at the highest level.”

  • Where does the company expect to be in the next three to five years?

“Still the absolute leader in the audio space! I believe that we will see so much technological advancement in the podcast space and we need to be focusing on how to be leaders in technology and how to fuel growth for not only ARM and our clients, but the industry as well. Looking at our growth trajectory as a company, I can see us easily doubling the size we are now – both in revenue and in employees.  It’s exciting to think we can serve that much more of the space!

GUIDANCE - Ceena Babukutty, Director of Human Resources

  • Can you share an example of how you’ve help guide both employees and clients?

“In HR you have to guide others every day, whether that’s by communication and/or leading by example. Part of being in HR is getting to know every employee at the company and knowing and understanding how they receive information. We do that through meetings, 1x1s, and trainings. Learning is also a key component because not only is it important to guide clients but also guide each other and that’s through knowledge.”

  • What type of role does mentorship play at ARM?

“Mentorship plays a huge role at ARM. We all look to our leaders and see them as our mentors which in turn we hope will trickle down. Our employees also look to their Managers and sees them as role models and mentors. My personal hope is that all employees will somehow be a mentor to each other in some way because being part of ARM, everyone has a different skill that is so unique to themselves and that’s what makes our organization so diverse and special.”

  • What are things employees, at any level, can do to help guide each other?  

“I believe it’s a two-way partnership. Employees and organizations must do their part together to create the perfect work space. Individuals should focus on continually educating themselves and being a team player to further collaborate with others and increase productivity. Take initiative to learn, and also be open to learning from each other. I feel that as an organization, ARM strives to guide while also pushing you to be your best. It’s a unique balance and truly an honor to be part of this work culture.”

 

GRIT - Jennifer Christman, VP of Media & Operations

  • Work ethic doesn’t mean working crazy hours. What’s the difference between working hard vs. working smart?  

“An article in the Entrepreneur states, “Hard work and smart work alone are not sufficient for business success -- ingenuity, vision, risk calculation, and luck, among others, all play roles -- but both are essential, and it's time to stop treating them as if they were mutually exclusive.” In order to be successful, you need both. When I am done with everything I need to accomplish, I offer my help to others. Ask before you head out – hey is there anything you need me to do, do you need help?”

  • What are some problem solving techniques you have learned during your career?

“I always stand by Henry Ford’s famous quote, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” Don’t say things like, I will never finish or this can’t be done by the deadline because if you think you can’t you won’t! It’s so true! We should never be afraid to ask for help. When asking questions – go to the person who gave you the project or task – don’t ask your neighbor. Often, people are afraid to ask questions because they think they will be seen as incompetent.  It’s important to check in and ask if you are even heading in the right direction on a project or task. Additionally, always have another set of eyes look at your work, especially if you are stuck.  Often, the solution to your problem is so simple but we can get bogged down in the minutia without realizing it.”

  • How important is work life balance to success?

“Very Important! Our CEO Marshall told me when I first started that family is THE most important thing and if you put your work before family you will eventually lose them both. Now, are there shifts in life – of course, but it’s important to formalize your priorities and set boundaries. Life is truly one large balancing act.”

 

GRATITUDE - Kelly Frank, Controller

  • What are you most thankful for at ARM? How does that show up in our day-to-day?

“Everyone at Ad Results has a voice. I think that’s a hard quality to find in any corporate offices. ARM is unique in that leadership knows everyone’s names and are constantly showing their appreciation to employees. If you show someone genuine appreciation that allows them to feel valued, and those employees will often do more than is expected and required of them. At ARM we work hard to create an environment that supports a cycle of appreciation allowing everyone to feel valued. As a result of this employees feel inspired to work harder towards the common goal.”

How do employees measure the impact of their work?

“Our leaders feel that it is important for everyone to see the big picture and because not everyone has access to monthly financials, they share the quarterly financials with employees. Everyone at the company has their own individual way to contribute to those bottom lines. It’s important for the individual to see how their contributions help the company to grow revenue wise. It’s a tangible way to show how valuable their work really is.”