Our People, Their Stories
Discover why our professionals chose Sands Capital, and perhaps, you’ll find your own reasons to join our journey
Susan H. Saunders
Sr. Manager, HR Business Partner
You work in human resources, focusing primarily on talent development and benefits administration. Can you tell us a little bit more about your role?
In my role, I am looking at ways we can enhance the staff member’s experience at our firm. From a talent development perspective, that could mean providing upskilling opportunities on anything from presentation training to team and leadership development. Staff may have the opportunity to work with a professional coach, as well. From a benefits perspective, this consists of seeking to provide our staff with best-in-class benefit offerings. Our goal is to provide a total benefits package so that staff know they are taken care of and can show up as their best version of themselves.
How do you feel that Sands Capital’s benefits package (including professional development resources and other perks) reflects its values, culture, and commitment to its staff?
I think Sands Capital’s benefits package reflects our values of integrity, commitment to excellence, client-centeredness, and graciousness. In my experience in HR, it is evident that senior leadership sincerely cares about our people. They want to ensure we are providing the best benefits and development opportunities for our staff. In turn, this makes my job that much easier because it all starts at the top.
Can you talk about a recent project you found particularly fulfilling?
I recently started a managers’ working group. This group serves two main purposes: the first is to share knowledge by introducing different tools and resources and discussing learnings from leadership books and podcasts. The second is to provide an opportunity for managers to learn from each other and to establish connections with their peers outside of their day-to-day work. It has proven to be a great way to get to know others at a deeper level and gain more context and insight into the work that other teams do.
Can you share a specific perk or benefit that has had an impact on you and your family and why?
I’d have to say both the 401(k) and medical benefit offerings. The generous contributions that Sands Capital has made to my 401(k) account over the last 10 years have made a huge impact on my ability to save for retirement, which will have a lasting impact on me and my family. For our medical, we pay so little out-of-pocket for medical costs. We have a zero-deductible plan, which means my family and I can seek the medical care we need without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses. I think the comprehensive medical benefit is not something to be taken for granted!
One of Sands Capital’s values is balance. Can you share how Sands Capital has empowered you to maintain a healthy work-life balance?
From the beginning of my career at Sands Capital, my manager has been 100 percent supportive of my life outside of my job. She offers me the flexibility I need to get my job done while also ensuring I can drive my son’s soccer carpool, attend school functions, doctor’s appointments, etc. We appreciate that our staff have lives going on outside of their day-to-day work responsibilities. Family is highly valued at the firm, which helps to foster a supportive work environment. This flexibility and support allow me to bring my best self to both my work and my family.