People-First Growth: How to build your dream team in 2025
Written by SPARK Member Clare Willenberg, Founder of The Happy Hive Co.
As Jim Collins, author of "Good to Great" wisely noted, "People are not your most important asset. The right people are." The ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent is often the critical differentiator between a good company and a great one.
The key to building an exceptional team lies in creating a positive work environment that people genuinely want to be part of. This requires a people-first approach to leadership—one that prioritises understanding and supporting your team's holistic needs and well-being.
By implementing this approach, you can unlock remarkable benefits:
Increased productivity that drives competitive advantage
Improved employee engagement
Reduced turnover in a competitive talent marketplace
Higher retention of star performers
Enhanced ability to attract top talent
Improved collaboration and team synergy
For female founders, having a motivated team willing to go the extra mile can transform your business from surviving to thriving.
The secret to unlocking discretionary effort lies in understanding intrinsic motivation. Here are five strategic levers to create a workplace that inspires and empowers:
Purpose-Driven Work: Create opportunities for employees to contribute to meaningful projects that transcend transactional job responsibilities. Help your team see the broader impact of their work by linking their KPIs to the company’s goals.
Authentic Connections: Foster a workplace culture that prioritises genuine relationships and psychological safety. Research shows that strong interpersonal connections reduce stress and enhance collaboration.
Empowered Autonomy: Trust your team by providing flexibility in how, when, and where work gets done. This approach is especially powerful for attracting and retaining diverse talent.
Continuous Growth: Design clear pathways for personal and professional development. Invest in your team's potential, demonstrating that their individual growth matters as much as organisational goals.
Meaningful Recognition: Develop a culture of appreciation that goes beyond traditional rewards. Recognise not just outcomes, but the unique strengths and efforts of each team member. When people feel seen and valued, they are will continue to put in their best effort.
Ultimately, people care deeply about companies that demonstrate genuine care for them. As female founders, we have a unique opportunity to redefine workplace culture—creating environments where talent can thrive.
Expert / Author
Clare Willenberg is an employee experience expert and the Founder of The Happy Hive Co. She is dedicated to helping business leaders in professional services create happy workplaces where their employees can thrive, and drive business results.
