Last week, we launched our Employee Spotlight series with the first highlight in the series. This week, we’re excited to continue the series with Bethany Francis, our VP of People and Culture. Bethany’s leadership and her unwavering focus on co-creating trust have been instrumental in shaping Sparkrock’s vibrant and collaborative culture.
As a fully remote organization, Sparkrock places a strong emphasis on building meaningful connections across teams. Bethany recently helped to spearhead a special in-person event in Mississauga that brought together Sparkrock team members from across the globe. This gathering was an invaluable opportunity to build stronger connections, foster trust, and create shared experiences that continue to strengthen our collaborative culture. In this conversation, Bethany sheds light on why the event was so important, how it was structured, and the lasting impact it had on Sparkrock’s people and culture.
Q: Bethany, Sparkrock recently held a company-wide in-person event. Why was this important?
Bethany: With a global remote team, building a strong, intentional culture requires deliberate effort. Virtual communication works well for many day-to-day needs, but it can’t fully replace the human connection that happens face-to-face. The team engaged in collaborative workshops, participated in team-building activities, and shared meals that sparked candid conversations and deeper connections. This event reflected our commitment to one of Sparkrock’s core values: co-create trust. These moments not only reinforced trust but also inspired creative solutions and a renewed sense of purpose. It was designed to strengthen relationships, spark fresh ideas, and tackle meaningful work together—all of which are vital to building a culture where people come first.
Q: How did mixing departments contribute to the event’s success?
Bethany: Cross-departmental collaboration was a key part of the event’s success. We intentionally mixed groups to bring diverse perspectives to the table. Each team participated in real-work problem-solving exercises that not only encouraged creativity but also helped to break down silos. These moments of connection allowed people to collaborate in ways that don’t typically happen in a virtual setting. It was inspiring to see team members who don’t usually interact find common ground and build trust.
Q: What about the balance between work and socializing?
Bethany: That balance was something we focused on carefully. While structured sessions were essential for achieving tangible outcomes, we also wanted to prioritize informal connections. We organized company-wide activities to foster a sense of unity, and smaller team-focused gatherings to create space for deeper conversations. We actually used a framework to ensure the time was balanced to support all of our goals; 30% Interdepartmental, 30% Intradepartmental, and 40% Social and Engagement. The balance worked! It’s the combination of shared goals during work sessions and shared experiences during downtime that truly builds camaraderie and trust.
Q: What impact did the event have on the team?
Bethany: The impact was profound. Teams walked away with stronger bonds, renewed motivation, and fresh insights. You could feel the energy shift—there was a new level of excitement and alignment across the board. It reaffirmed that trust isn’t just built through results-driven collaboration but also through the experiences we share. These strengthened connections have a ripple effect, improving communication and innovation in day-to-day operations.
Q: How does this event shape the future of Sparkrock’s culture?
Bethany: This event was a reminder of the power of investing in our people. It’s not just about building trust; it’s about reinforcing our values through actions. We learned that blending deliberate collaboration with moments for organic connection strengthens our culture in a sustainable way. Moving forward, we’re committed to creating more opportunities like this—where trust, collaboration, and purposefulness intersect to drive innovation and make Sparkrock a truly exceptional place to work.
This event was a powerful demonstration of how Sparkrock’s commitment to its core values translates into real-world actions and outcomes. By fostering trust and building connections, we not only strengthen our team but also set the stage for continued innovation.
Are you inspired by Bethany’s insights and Sparkrock’s commitment to building a culture of trust and collaboration? We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our innovative team. Visit our careers page to explore exciting opportunities and see how you can be part of the Sparkrock journey.