Business & Tech
SSPC Annual Luncheon Features Paula S. Larson of Newell Rubbermaid
Larson , the company's chief people officer, discussed the strategies that have led to Newell Rubbermaid's global success.
SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- Members of the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber of Commerce and guests had the opportunity this week to listen to Newell Rubbermaid Chief People Officer, Paula S. Larson, who has successfully built a career as both an HR business partner and a strategic consultant.
Unlike typical luncheons that involve a podium, Larson sat down with SSPC 2015 Chairman, Chris Burnett, for an informal Q&A and concluded with letting the audience ask questions. The luncheon was attended by approximately 120 guests and was sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.
Larson defined Newell’s Growth Game Plan and her role in establishing a process to reach that objective. Her approach to sustaining continuous growth is achieved by creating a company environment that captivates its prospects.
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“My key priority is to create an, I want to work here, culture,” Larson said. She believes that acquiring and retaining talent is vital to achieving company prosperity.
Larson explained that transparency in the presentation of an opportunity draws in talented candidates and ensures long term satisfaction. She believes that through this transparency, candidates can determine if they are the right fit.
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“They have a voice,” Larson said, when asked if Newell successfully maintains constant engagement with its 17,000 employees worldwide. When asked how this is achieved, Larson explained the strategic HR process has to be parallel to the ever growing company and it too needs constant innovations in order to maintain its success.
One innovation included creating an online portal to engage all its employees. The portal includes multiple tools, one of which allows for employees to analyze themselves. Another development tool, ‘My GPS,’ helps employees plan and navigate their professional development, she explained. “Newell is prevailing on the premise where people want to know where they stand,” Larson said.
Larson concluded by expressing her passion for maintaining a diverse and innovative company culture that offers exciting products to its customers.
In addition to Larson speaking, the 2015 Woman of Distinction recipient was revealed at the November SSPC luncheon. Teri Cloud, the honoree, has been an outstanding citizen within the Sandy Springs community. Cloud is a marketing professional with more than 20 years of experience in professional services marketing. Her leadership positions have included Executive Board of ArtSS and Communications Committee Chair, Lower School and Preschool President of the Mount Vernon Presbyterian School (MVPS), Co-Chair of The MVPS Benefit, MVPS Grandparents Liaison, and the Sandy Springs Society’s Communications and Fundraising Committees. Cloud is currently a Director of Marketing at the accounting and consulting firm Babush, Neiman, Kornman & Johnson, LLP in Atlanta, Georgia
About Newell Rubbermaid:
Newell Rubbermaid Inc., an S&P 500 company, is a global marketer of consumer and commercial products with 2014 sales of $5.7 billion and a strong portfolio of leading brands, including Sharpie®, Paper Mate®, Elmer’s®, Irwin®, Lenox®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Contigo®, Rubbermaid®, Calphalon®, Goody®, Graco®, Aprica®, Baby Jogger®, Dymo®, Parker® and Waterman®. As part of the company’s Growth Game Plan, Newell Rubbermaid is making sharper portfolio choices and investing in new marketing and innovation to accelerate performance. www.newellrubbermaid.com.
About Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber of Commerce:
The Chamber was formed in 2008 to serve businesses in the City of Sandy Springs and the north Perimeter area. With leadership from an elected Board of Directors, and working in partnership with city government, the Chamber’s mission is to maximize the business success of its members, strengthen the competitiveness of the Sandy Springs business community and enhance economic prosperity of the area. Ongoing initiatives include workforce and economic development, business education, community service and networking opportunities for members. Tom Mahaffey is president of the Sandy Springs-Perimeter Chamber of Commerce. www.sandyspringsperimeterchamber.com
