Lions & Tigers honored among Washington’s Best Workplaces of 2020

We haven’t been to “the office” for a while, but not a workday goes by that each of us at Lions & Tigers aren’t intensely aware of what a privilege it is to work for a company built on making work “work for everyone.”

Others are taking notice, too.

We’re thrilled to be named one of Washington’s 95 Best Workplaces of 2020 and #15 in the Small Company category by the Puget Sound Business Journal! As a relatively young company, it’s an honor to be recognized alongside seasoned peers of all sizes and sectors. It’s a signal that the type of company we set out to create has become a reality.

The workplace culture that has earned Lions & Tigers it’s place on the list didn’t come about by accident.

From adversity to innovation & inclusion

“I consider my consulting career and our business founded under duress, because the traditional working world didn’t give me the flexibility I needed as a working mom of two young kids,” CEO Brea Starmer said of her experience founding the company in 2018. “I’ve come from a place of being excluded and now I dream of a world of inclusion, where people are accepted and rewarded for their contributions no matter how much they work.”

Though ambitious and known for high performance, Brea found that carving out her place in a rigid professional setting required courage and drive.

That place was the sweet spot where flexibility and impact created an exhilarating and productive way of work.

Fast forward two years and the environment Brea hadn’t been able to find as an employee has become her own thriving company. Since then, its grown at breakneck speed, attracting a likeminded team of leaders dedicated to the shared mission of nurturing an inclusive, flexible, impact-driven workplace.

Evolution of workplace community

Lions & Tigers is where professionals who were told they might not have a place in the workforce are able to thrive.

Following a creative sidestep, L&T Marketing Consultant, Kathy Harding, returned to technology in her 50’s. “The first industry recruiter I spoke to on the phone told me to get Botox,” she recalled. “I was concerned about how I would be received in the workplace. Fortunately, at L&T my age has been a non-issue. We’re too busy doing high-impact work.”

With over 50 remote-based, full- and part-time employees and consultants, L&T has the unique challenge and opportunity of fostering intentional community from a distance.

“Our agile talent model uses a mix of freelance specialists and employees to offer our clients a unique option when filling their virtual boardrooms with on-demand expertise,” said Terry Rice, VP of Operations + People. “Reimagining the way our community shows up at work and creating space for real impact requires vulnerability and courage. We are listening to our teams, evolving our practices, and getting a little better every day.”

Designed for this moment

This flexible model has already had acute and meaningful impact on the lives of countless L&T team members.

In the middle of the ongoing pandemic, Kathy’s husband was deployed on an expedition to the bottom of the sea (yep). “I was faced with the choice that many women are struggling with now: quit work to take care of my son or work 24/7 to fit everything in,” she said. “Lions & Tigers was designed for this moment. They allowed me to shift to part-time, no questions asked, until he returned. They really showed up for me, and their purpose.”

This authentic support has given L&T Project Manager, Cristine Carlton, and her fiancé both a sense of freedom and stability as they plot their future together. “Lions & Tigers encourages employees to have complete perspective when it comes to their family, work life, and role in the world. Knowing that I won’t have to choose between starting a family or continuing my career has stimulated my desire for growth and impact in the workplace.”

Looking forward, Lions & Tigers leadership has no intention of slowing the pace of workplace innovation. Our world is full of opportunities to be better for our customers, colleagues, and community.

Courage is how Lions & Tigers began and how we will move forward. If you’re interested in working with us, as talent or a partner, we’d love to hear from you.