049 - It All Starts with The People with Michelle Hirons of Higher Ring

Michelle Hirons was introduced to the business world at a very young age; by 6 years old she was helping with pricing and customer service in her family’s pharmacy, and by 12 she was accompanying her parents on buying trips. When she entered the working world in her own capacity, she became acutely aware of the discrepancies that exist between how people are treated at different rungs on the business ladder, and this drove her desire to found a business that puts employee wellbeing at the forefront. This desire became HigherRing, a customer service outsourcing company that focuses as much on its people and the planet as it does on making a profit. In today’s episode you’ll hear about how HigherRing helps their partner companies grow through their variety of offerings, some important learnings Michelle has had since founding HigherRing 5 years ago, how the company is planning to evolve in the coming years, and why treating people like people makes good business sense!  Key Points From This Episode: Michelle’s early introduction to business, and what she learned from this experience.  How Michelle’s family’s business has evolved over the years.  Advantages that come with caring for your employees' wellbeing. Wisdom that Michelle brought back with her to the US after the year she spent studying in Europe. Some of the big retailers that Michelle worked for in the past. Discrepancies between the way customer-facing staff and headquarter-based staff are treated by many major brands. Michelle’s journey of founding HigherRing, and what the company does. Types of companies that HigherRing partners with.  The process of becoming a Certified B Corporation and a member of 1% for the Planet.  Two main learnings that Michelle took from the 10,000 Small Businesses Programme. Examples of how HigherRing helps their clients grow.  Why HigherRing has been so successful in attracting employees. The value of giving feedback in the moment.  Growth that Michelle is planning for HigherRing in the future.  Tweetables:“There is a strategic advantage in treating people well and making sure that they’re cared for, and in running your business in a sustainable and holistic way.” — @michelle_hirons [0:07:03]“We’re aiming to be that fire under the growth of all of our partner companies.” — @michelle_hirons [0:20:36]“We’re trying to create great jobs. That’s our mission.” — @michelle_hirons [0:25:03]Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:HigherRingMichelle Hirons on LinkedInCertified B Corporation1% for the PlanetModern SpeciesEvolve CPGSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.