Katie Perugini, 34
Director, Communications and Culture Development, Thompson Creek Window Company, multi-state
“Build ownership through involvement.” That’s what Perugini wrote on the white board in her office and the phrase serves as her “guiding light.” “I read that, and it really stuck with me. It aligns with an overarching goal I have for the year,” she says. That goal: help team members feel a sense of purpose and connection to their work.
Biggest Challenge: Effectively communicating with employees while markets are constantly in flux. “My intention is to move beyond simply sharing the facts,” she says. “I want to help our team members understand why changes are happening, how they connect to our bigger picture, and what it means for them individually.” Ultimately, Perugini says she wants to build a shared understanding and a collective sense of direction.
Most Proud of: Asking questions about company culture is a big part of Perugini’s job, and she wondered if team members received enough recognition. Seeing room for improvement, she developed a company-wide initiative called Recognize & Celebrate that aligns with company’s core values of teamwork, recognition, and community. “Seeing the positive impact this initiative has on the employee experience is incredibly rewarding,” she says.
Book Recommendation: The Art of Gathering