The 2023 Best Small Firms to Work For: CompassX

Client Industries Served: Financial Services, Health Care, Life Sciences, Automotive, Tech, Consumer Products, Restaurant, Aerospace

Consulting Service Lines: Delivery Leadership, Data Solutions, Business Resiliency/Change Management, Business/Agile Transformation, Technology Advisory

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

CompassX emerged with the aim of crafting a consulting venture distinct from the conventional "big-box" firms. Our visionary founder, Kyle J. Heppenstall, aspired to fashion a company that retained an intimate essence for its employees – one that could cultivate the close-knit camaraderie and enthusiasm akin to a small team, all while upholding the professional advancement that accompanies tackling intricate challenges for sizable enterprises. The fruition of this ambition is CompassX: a consulting entity that retains its local roots and tight cohesion even while serving esteemed national clientele. We take immense pride in the substantial dedication we invest in placing our team members at the client projects that align with their growth aspirations. This commitment is mirrored in the outcomes we deliver for our clients, effectively bridging the gap between innovative concepts and tangible, impactful results.

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

Each year, we prioritize resources toward achieving People Excellence. We depend on input from our staff to consistently enhance our organizational culture and the overall employee journey. Biannually, we circulate surveys and conduct focused discussion sessions to affirm the preservation of our outstanding culture and the integration of employee aspirations and suggestions. Moreover, we foster personalized connections with each employee, comprehending their ambitions in order to facilitate skill advancement and tailor their professional path.

CMAG: What's unique about your firm? What sets it apart?

In a landscape dominated by impersonal corporations that demand conformity, CompassX stands out by not only valuing diversity but also celebrating individual uniqueness. There is simply no replacement for genuine passion, and we take immense pride in affording our employees the opportunity to pursue their passions within their careers. Are you a photography enthusiast? Join us at our events and capture captivating moments! A budding chef? Share your culinary expertise during our lunch-and-learn sessions! In addition, our dedication to a robust mentorship program is unwavering. Right from the outset, our consultants engage in monthly check-ins with both an executive and a peer, fostering professional growth and meaningful connections. We offer monthly rewards, and consistently sponsor a range of casual and formal gatherings such as local happy hours, festive holiday parties, and family-friendly picnics.

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

Our priorities are to grow our various service lines: Data, Technology and Business Transformation solutions. We have an ambitious goal of deploying a new practice area once per year over the next five years.

CMAG: When you look at the remainder of this year and 2024, what excites you? What opportunities do you see in your markets?

CompassX is well positioned to continue to mature and launch new practices during the rest of '23 and '24. It is exciting for us to be able to catch the waves of AI, MarTech and anything that provides our clients with more useful ways to deploy and visualize their data.

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

Earning a prestigious award, such as "Best Firm to Work For", represents an accolade for the incredible amount of work our team has put into our "People Excellence" initiatives over the past several years. The impact both internally and externally will be to put on full display that no matter the size of the firm, you can still make your people and culture a top priority.