IN THIS EPISODE...

Sarah Fortier is the CEO of Outwitly Inc. She shares her journey from industrial design to founding Outwitly in 2016, initially as a consulting firm and later focusing on staffing. Fortier emphasizes the importance of proactive contractors, effective onboarding, and maintaining a supportive community through Slack and coaching. She stresses the importance of stakeholder savvy in managing client relationships and the adaptability of blended workforces in response to industry shifts.

Outwitly, Inc. is an eight-figure UX and service design staffing agency. They specialize in helping clients build high-impact teams by placing UX and service designers on long-term contracts.

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WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:

1. Sara’s journey from UX design to building a successful staffing agency.

2. Qualities and mindsets that make external talent thrive in blended workforces.

3. Strategies for helping contractors feel connected and supported, even when remote.

4. Balancing business profitability with contractor well-being and client satisfaction.

5. Tips for effective onboarding and integration of external talent.

6. Advice for organizations considering blended workforces for the first time.

7. What soft skills are most important for success as a contractor?

8. How can companies foster a sense of community among external team members?

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FEATURED TIMESTAMPS:

[2:20] How Sara balances family life and a demanding career

[3:40] Sara’s transition from industrial design to launching a staffing agency.

[6:07] Outwitly’s approach to partnering with organizations to build high-impact teams.

[7:33] Advantages of using contractors for flexibility and business scaling.

[9:25] The role of agencies in supporting both clients and contractors.

[11:21] Challenges and strategies for balancing client needs with contractor well-being.

[16:13] Importance of setting expectations and practicing empathy in contractor relationships.

[18:10] Methods for improving onboarding and integration with client organizations.

[21:21] Community-building and coaching initiatives for external talent.

[22:44] Signature Segment: Sara’s entry into the LATTOYG Playbook: Key advice for companies considering blended workforces for the first time.

[25:02] The impact of personal contracting experience on support programs.

[29:17] Signature Segment: Sara’s LATTOYG Tactic of Choice: Stakeholder Savvy

[31:21] Resources for learning more about the company and its services.