What it takes to succeed at Publicis Sapient from Talent Acquisition Lead, Halley Marsh

How would you describe the culture at Publicis Sapient?

Our culture is best encapsulated in our core values. We truly live and breathe these values. Our five core values are:

1. Engaging with Openness

2. Inclusive Collaboration 

3. Learning Mindset

4. Embracing the Future

5. Partnering for Client Impact

Our culture is focused on collaboration. We have a very matrixed environment where different capabilities, industries, country focuses all come together. Everybody collaborates as one team to “help people thrive in the brave pursuit of next”, our company purpose. If you really want to make change and transformation happen, you have to learn how to do that in partnership with others.

Three of our values are about how you do things with other people. There is a messiness that comes with that collaborative mindset. People are messy, but collaboration is how real change happens. 

Our other two values are about change and transformation. We are focused on helping our clients change. We are also focused on individual, personal transformation. I graduated from our inaugural Fellowship in Transformation Leadership and it was the most transformative educational experience I have ever had.

How has Publicis Sapient’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion impacted the organization overall? 

In order to do real transformation work, to change individuals' hearts and minds, to change the world, you have to have diverse perspectives. We have done so much work as an organization to help people learn how to have an inclusive mindset and build inclusive teams. We do workshops, trainings, reflections, and continue to have conversations on how we can improve. Our Employee Resource Groups are a big part of that transformation. Everyone has to do the work of DEI. It is messy and hard work, but I have been very proud of this company and our willingness to have hard conversations to impact change. 

I see that you have also worked in marketing and program management. How has your past experience in other functions informed the work you do now in Talent Acquisition? 

I say that recruiting is my third career. My first was consulting, my second was non-profit work focused on program management and now recruiting. Being a consultant changed how I think about recruiting. I understand what it is like to deliver client work and I know what the people I hire are doing in this professional services environment. I look at everything like a program that I am managing. I know how to put together a structure and a plan to get things done, meet objectives and get results. That is what a good consultant does. My unique perspective helps to connect strategy with execution.

You’ve been at Publicis Sapient for almost thirteen years in Talent Acquisition, how have you seen Publicis Sapient grow? What are some differences you see now from when you started?

There are many! When I started the company was called Rosetta and with about 1,100 people. We are now a 20,000+ employee global organization owned by Publicis Groupe. A huge change. I have worked for six different brands over the past 13 years, but my focus has always been bringing all the pieces together to make client impact. I have seen is the power and impact of different global perspectives all coming together to make change happen. I have been able to see it unfold, which is awesome.

What do you look for in potential employees? Who succeeds at Publicis Sapient?

We look for someone who aligns with our core values. In order to succeed here those values need to really resonate with you. I would emphasize that learning mindset. To do transformation work, you have to be willing to constantly learn. As industries change, you have to change and adapt with them. It is continuous reinvention. I also want to highlight the collaboration and inclusion mindset. If you are a lone wolf, this is probably not the right place for you.

To conclude, what do you wish every Publicis Sapient applicant knew?

Not just applicants, I wish everyone knew that when an opportunity comes up, they should walk through the door and take it. They can start at Publicis Sapient doing one thing and then move to another function or role. My job has changed so much, and I have had the opportunity to try so many different things and learn along the way. I wish people would just give it a shot and not stress so much about finding a set path.

I wish people would not be looking for a set path and just give it a shot and follow the path wherever it leads you and not stress so much.