After dedicating years to her career in public relations and corporate communications, Annie Quinn found herself at a crossroads. Her journey, filled with both triumphs and challenges, led her to a pivotal moment—a six-month sabbatical that reshaped her perspective on work and life. In a recent conversation, Annie shared her experiences, insights on flexible careers, and the benefits of a blended workforce, which ultimately drew her to Lions & Tigers. Her story offers valuable lessons for organizations aiming to adapt to the evolving workforce landscape.

Annie Quinn and family

A Career Spanning Decades

Annie Quinn began her career in public relations over 25 years ago. From agency work in Chicago to corporate communications for the Minnesota Twins, and a long tenure at AT&T, Annie’s professional journey has been diverse and enriching. Her role at AT&T highlighted the importance of flexibility in her career, allowing her to work from home and be present for her daughter.

 “The flexibility AT&T allowed me was invaluable. Being able to work from home, pick up my daughter from school, and manage my schedule made a significant difference in my life.”

Organizations take note: recognizing the importance of flexible work arrangements is now a key factor in retaining talent, especially for employees balancing career and family responsibilities. Offering flexibility is not just a perk but a necessity. Companies that have the capacity to support remote work, flexible hours, and the ability to manage personal and professional commitments demonstrate a commitment to their employees’ well-being. This approach not only attracts top talent but also fosters loyalty and reduces turnover.

 Embracing Flexibility: Insights on Blended Workforces

In November 2023, Annie, along with many colleagues, faced layoffs due to AT&T’s new return-to-office policy. This change, though unexpected, afforded her the opportunity to pause and reflect on her next steps. She spent this time with family and friends, considering what she truly wanted from her career.

 “I knew I didn’t want to jump into a role I didn’t care about. I needed time to think about what mattered to me and how I wanted work to fit into my life.”

Finding Lions & Tigers

The job search process was daunting, with traditional methods yielding little success. However, through connections at her daughter’s school, Annie discovered Lions & Tigers. The organization’s culture and mission resonated deeply with her, offering the support and flexibility she sought.

“Lions & Tigers stood out because of its supportive culture and commitment to flexibility. It was exactly what I had been looking for.”

Organizations take note: company culture matters. Building a supportive workplace culture can be a significant differentiator in attracting top talent. A workplace that prioritizes its people not only draws in skilled professionals but also creates an environment where team members feel valued and motivated.

The Blended Workforce: A New Era of Work

Annie now balances her consultant role at Lions & Tigers with a continued focus on motherhood, volunteering at her daughter’s school, travelling, and personal passion projects. By focusing on her Highest & Best Use (HBU) through consulting, Annie is able to give time and energy to her personal priorities.

She currently works on a team made up of full-time employees and independent contractors which has provided her with an appreciation for blended workforces.

 “I now consult for a Fortune 100 technology client on a team made up of employees and independent workers. Through this experience, I see how a mix of full-time employees and consultants brings creativity, new insights, and fresh perspectives into the workplace.”

Organizations take note: Blended workforces, which integrate full-time employees with consultants and freelancers, offer organizations the flexibility to scale their teams based on project needs. This model can lead to enhanced creativity and innovation, as diverse perspectives are brought into the fold.

The Modern Workforce

Annie’s journey highlights the importance of finding a workplace that aligns with your values and life priorities. Her experience underscores the importance of flexible work environments and the need for companies to adapt to the evolving workforce landscape.

“Workplaces need to evolve and embrace flexibility. It’s crucial for productivity, well-being, and employee satisfaction. I hope more companies follow this path.”

As Annie continues to thrive in her new role, her story serves as an inspiration for both job seekers and enterprises looking to stay competitive in the modern workforce. By fostering a culture of flexibility and leveraging blended workforces, companies can attract and retain top talent, drive innovation, and create high performing teams. As the workforce continues to evolve, these strategies will be essential in creating resilient and thriving organizations.

Learn how Lions & Tigers can help you find the right mix of talent to support your valued team members, ensuring a dynamic, flexible, and resilient workforce ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.