Changing the Culture Through An Employee Stock Ownership Plan with Bethany Sobczak

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The top rule from this human resources star? Good vibes only.

Bethany Sobczak, Corporate Director of HR at Fitzgerald Auto Mall and 2023 Automotive News 40 Under 40 winner, brings a refreshing perspective to HR in the automotive industry. Her career might have started as car salesperson straight out of high school, but today, Bethany is spearheading Fitzgerald’s transition to a 100% employee-owned company. She leverages her love for cars and people to cultivate a workplace culture that emphasizes transparency, trust, and shared success.

In this episode, Bethany dives into the cultural shift that comes with an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), the rebranding of HR as a fun and supportive partner rather than just the rule enforcer, and how maintaining an optimistic mindset can transform even the most challenging situations.

From her early days selling cars to managing HR for an organization of 4,000+ employees, Bethany shares how she balances the need for policy with a genuine love for people. Her insights into managing egos, encouraging proactive communication, and the importance of maintaining an employee-first culture show practically how to align business goals with employee well-being.

Timestamped Takeaways
0:00 - Intro with Paul J Daly, Kyle Mountsier and Michael Cirillo
04:09 - Bethany shares how her early success in car sales led to a long-lasting passion for the automotive industry.
08:00 - Bethany explains the decision behind Fitzgerald Auto Mall's shift to a 100% employee-owned model and how it's transforming company culture.
10:07 - The cultural shift: How employee ownership has increased accountability and team cohesion across the organization.
13:59 - Bethany discusses how her optimistic approach in HR helps her handle difficult situations and maintain a positive work environment, even when delivering bad news.
15:36 - Rebranding HR: Bethany’s mission to shift the perception of HR from the office “Grim Reaper” to a supportive, strategic partner in the workplace.
17:21 - Bethany highlights why the automotive industry is the best place to be in HR, emphasizing the unique, fun culture that allows HR professionals to be themselves and connect more authentically with employees.
19:00 - Managing egos in the car business: Bethany discusses how to leverage ego positively while maintaining a collaborative environment.
22:03 - Proactive HR: The importance of training and relationship-building to prevent issues before they arise.

Bethany Sobczak is the Corporate Director of Human Resources at Fitzgerald Auto Mall

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