The 2021 Best Small Firms to Work For: Insight Sourcing Group

Client Industries Served: Retail, Manufacturing, Private Equity, Colocation, Financial Services, Healthcare, Etc.

Consulting Service Lines: Strategy

CMAG: How would you say you've managed to stay among the industry's Best Firms to Work For amid these unprecedented times?

Transparency and maintaining connections have led us during these times. Regular communications occur as the circumstances with Covid-19 shift. We have solicited feedback frequently and have been very open with the team about how we have made decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of team members, including pivoting when feedback from our team and/or the community dictates. In addition, we have worked hard to stay connected through a variety of means. Project managers are expected to have "non-work" calls regularly. The executive team connects with 3-4 employees they don't work closely with every few weeks. When possible, small group events are encouraged to keep our team engaged. We've also made sure our team knows how much we appreciate them during these difficult times by offering summer half-days, a summer wellness day (and associated stipend), and other small tokens of our gratitude.

CMAG: Were there any specific programs or initiatives (internal or external) that contributed to you being a Best Firm to Work For?

We have several initiatives and programs that we offer to grow and connect our team members. Some that likely contribute to a Best Firm include; our development programs such as the Personal Communications program for our junior staff, the Managerhood program for mid-level employees, and the LEAD program, which is a mid-management program focused on leadership and self-awareness. Our career performance process is robust and supported by "counselors" to help individuals grow and reach their potential. We have taken a concentrated look at our Women in Leadership and are enhancing how we work to support them personally and professionally as they advance in their careers. Our focus on Diversity & Inclusion supports training such as Removing Bias in Interviews, as well as our popular Around the World Potluck event. We also have social groups and a "somewhat athletic" group (ha!) who plays on ISG kickball, basketball, and flag football teams, as well as participates in community events and initiatives.

CMAG: What is unique about your firm? What sets it apart?

The people. You could ask this question to 10 ISG employees and every one of them will say the people. We are so fortunate to have a very talented, humble, and collaborative team at ISG. As we grow, new employees comment regularly on the friendly, supportive, and inclusive nature of our team. Our team is comprised of a diverse group of individuals who, together, drive results and bring innovative solutions to our clients.

CMAG: What's the top priority over the next 6 to 12 months?

We are focused on a new 3-year strategic plan to grow and advance our business to the next level. The next 6-12 months will be focused on laying the groundwork for that plan.

CMAG: When you look at the remainder of this year and 2022, what excites you? What opportunities do you see in your markets?

We continue to see strong interest in our space of procurement consulting and spend visibility. We are developing Centers of Excellence (in addition to our robust list of current CoE teams) for specific needs, we see from our clients and are investing in Sustainability & Supplier Diversity efforts to support our clients.

CMAG: What impact do you think being a Best Firm to Work For has on the firm? Employees? Clients?

Being a Best Firm to Work For is a wonderful external validation of what our team already knows! That stamp does help us with recruiting and earning new client business, but once prospective employees or clients engage with our team, they will experience for themselves what it means to work for or with ISG, and the full value that comes with joining or partnering with one of the Best Firms to Work for.