At Sparkrock, we believe leadership is about more than just managing tasks—it’s about fostering trust, collaboration, and growth. This week, we’re kicking off a series of posts as part of our Employee Spotlight, where we highlight the inspiring leaders and team members who bring our core values to life. To start, we’re excited to shine a light on Natalie Yachtorowych, whose leadership exemplifies Sparkrock’s commitment to empowering people and creating a thriving work environment.
Q: Natalie, when you took on your current leadership role, what inspired you to approach team development in such a thoughtful way?
Natalie: When I stepped into this role, I saw an opportunity to not only improve our team’s effectiveness but also enhance their satisfaction. I wanted to create an environment where everyone could thrive. Sparkrock’s values, like "Co-Create Trust" and "Make It Easy for Each Other," really guided me.
Q: Can you tell us about the first step you took?
Natalie: Absolutely. I started with a simple but transformative exercise. I asked my team to share their "superpowers"—the skills they excel at and enjoy—and the tasks that drained their energy. The goal was to understand what excites them and what holds them back.
Q: How did the feedback shape your approach?
Natalie: It was eye-opening! The team’s responses revealed a range of strengths and preferences. I used that insight to realign responsibilities. By focusing on what each person excelled at and enjoyed, we created an environment where everyone could contribute at their best.
Q: This seems to embody Sparkrock’s "Own It" value. How did this impact the team?
Natalie: The results were profound. By empowering team members and supporting their growth, we increased job satisfaction and improved outcomes for our clients. For less experienced team members, this approach created opportunities to develop skills in challenging areas, setting them up for long-term growth.
Q: What’s been the key takeaway for you as a leader?
Natalie: Leadership is about creating an environment where people feel safe enough to be honest about their challenges and confident enough to embrace their strengths. That’s when real growth happens—for individuals, the team, and the organization.
Q: What advice would you give to other leaders?
Natalie: Listen to your team. By understanding their strengths and supporting them, you can unlock their potential and improve outcomes for everyone.
Through her empathetic leadership, Natalie exemplifies Sparkrock’s values and highlights why it’s more than just a workplace—it’s a thriving community.
Are you inspired by Natalie’s leadership and Sparkrock’s core values? We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our dynamic team. Check out our careers page to explore exciting opportunities and learn how you can make a difference at Sparkrock.