Ep. 1 - Company as Community: How Shared Values Shape Culture and Strategy - with Sarah Diamond

When a workplace becomes a true community, strategy and culture grow stronger.In the first episode of the English edition of the Level Up HR podcast, host James Weier welcomes Sarah Diamond, Chief People & Culture Officer at BOA, for a conversation on building a thriving workplace from the inside out.Sarah shares how true transformation at BOA is anchored in lived values, and how connecting those values with both strategy and daily practice helps prevent the unhealthy tensions that can arise when culture and business goals drift apart. She also discusses why stakeholder relationships, built on genuine curiosity and collaboration, empower HR to act as both business partner and community builder.From hiring to leadership development, you’ll get an inside look at BOA’s collective approach to talent, growth, and culture, and why seeing people as a community, not just employees, makes all the difference. Whether you’re navigating a growth phase or a major transformation, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for HR leaders who want to create lasting impact.You'll learn:1. How to ensure values guide both strategy and everyday practice2. The critical role of stakeholder relationships and collaboration in HR’s business impact3. How to move from “pushback” to “positive challenge” and co-create change4. Why community-building is at the heart of sustainable company culture5. Practical ways to attract, integrate, and engage top talent through authentic connection___________Get in touch with Sarah Diamond on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiefpeopleofficerglobal/___________About the host James Weier:James is Director, US at EGYM Wellpass and President of the Denver chapter of the Level Up HR Community. With 10 years of experience and a degree from the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign, James brings a collaborative, community‑focused approach to his work. When he’s not elevating employee experience or strengthening HR leadership, James enjoys spending time with his wife and their two young boys in Colorado’s great outdoors.Get in touch with James Weier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesweier/