At this company, employees are in control of their future

Her first year, Cooper participated in a rotational program, during which she contributed to multiple departments. After working as a data analyst and the Head of Programs and Promotions, she’s now a sales performance analyst, providing support for the sales team. And as the founder of Signify’s first-ever employee resource groups—SHE (for women) and AHN (African Heritage Network)—Cooper has also played an important role in the company’s diversity and inclusion efforts.

“Signify appreciates what each employee brings to the table and supports them in creating a journey based on their unique interests and objectives,” she says. “There is no predefined five- or 10-year track. Signify culture is flexible and employees are in control of their future, which I love.”

Here, Cooper talks about creating employee resource groups, how Signify invests in early career talent, and the exciting work she’s doing right now.

What attracted you to work at Signify?

After studying international business at Northeastern University, it was important to me to work for a global company. I was attracted to Signify because of the opportunity to work on projects around the world with people from all different backgrounds. I was also excited to work with a company that has tremendous brand recognition and is well known for the quality and innovation of their products.

You’ve held many roles since joining Signify. How has the company encouraged you to grow?

I have been able to truly create my own career path at Signify. I have always felt empowered to work on things I am passionate about and take on projects outside of my current role. This has led to opportunities in new departments, and I have been able to leverage skills cross functionally and build a deeper understanding of the business and how all our roles connect.

In each new role, I have been able to develop without feeling like I am starting all over in an entry-level position. Being encouraged to explore my interests across the organization has given me a unique experience that has strengthened my ability to collaborate and contribute.

What are you working on right now that excites or inspires you?

I am working on a project that will automate point-of-sale data from our top B2C customers. Making this information readily available for consumption by the organization has the potential to be game changing not only for the sales team, but also for marketing, demand planning, and our supply chain function. It is inspiring to collaborate cross functionally toward a common objective, and the potential impact for Signify is exciting. We will be able to create better promotions, understand our customers better, dive deeper into regional performance of new product introductions, forecast better, and overall be a stronger partner for our key customers. And we will do all of this with less manual effort than before.

You created Signify’s first-ever employee resource groups. What inspired you to do so?

I had positive experiences with affinity groups at other organizations where I built lasting friendships and met mentors who have helped shape my professional journey. As a Black woman in corporate America, I am often the only one who looks like me in the conference room, and no matter how inclusive the corporate culture is, it’s important for me to be able to connect with others who have a similar experience as me. Being in a space where shared experience is acknowledged in a productive way is extremely valuable. The objective of these groups is to create a family within the larger Signify family that we are all a part of.

Read more of this article at the Muse