By: Emily Martin; CEO of Elevation Search Solutions
In our series, Voices of Gratitude, some of our favorite local leaders tell us about how gratitude impacts their lives and how they share it with the people around them. As a company that believes in the importance of acts of gratitude, we’ve invited prominent and admirable business leaders in the Nashville area to tell us about maintaining relationships, feeling appreciated, and what they’re most looking forward to. You can find other guest interviews from this series here.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your company’s background.
Elevation Search Solutions was founded in 2014 by recruiting veteran, Brian Hoppes, alongside Mike Taylor and Scotty Lee with the mission of elevating recruiting services and results. Elevation is a retained search firm that specializes in executive search and team build-outs for early and high growth stage companies. We consult with investors and other executive decision makers to customize, build, and execute large scale hiring strategies and deliver top talent to our clients with unmatched precision.
Born and raised in Nashville, I joined Elevation as a Recruiter in 2017 and had the opportunity to gain deep exposure to each function of our business as our national footprint grew. As of January 2022, I was named CEO, and I could not be more excited about the future of this incredible organization! Outside of Elevation I serve as a YP Board Member at The Next Door, a non-profit providing addiction treatment and rehabilitation services to women in Nashville and Chattanooga. I am also a member of Leadership Health Care, which is an emerging leader’s initiative led by the Nashville Health Care Council. I am a foodie, coffee enthusiast, and a runner!
Why do you think gratitude is important?
I believe gratitude is a critical ingredient to existing in a relationship with yourself and with others. Expressing gratitude takes awareness and courage because voicing appreciation can feel extremely vulnerable. It prepares and empowers us to pay forward the kindness shown to us.
How do you use gratitude in your business life?
There is a lot to be thankful for in life and preparing for each day with that mindset sets a great tone for the workday. The engine of Elevation’s business is our team and clients, so it is important to me to show my appreciation for who they are and for their tireless efforts and support on a daily basis. If they understand they are valued, I find it directly impacts motivation, productivity, engagement, and momentum!
What’s your best piece of advice for maintaining business relationships?
Treat people with respect and communicate! When those two pillars are upheld, navigating business relationships becomes not only more manageable, but also more enjoyable!
How do you recognize that your work is appreciated? What actions from others make you feel most appreciated?
I am happy to say that I have an incredibly supportive board and team that encourages me daily. Unspoken and spoken appreciations allow my brain to rest in the fact that my work is making an impact. Oftentimes, the most meaningful acts of appreciation are unspoken. It could be the time spent on a task, a willingness to help, honoring meeting times, or going above and beyond. I feel appreciated when candidates and clients express gratitude for how we deliver our services. One of the most meaningful comments our team often receives is, “I have never experienced recruiting like this.” This may seem small but that type of appreciation drives our business forward!
How can others start integrating gratitude into their daily life?
One of my goals is to start each day with a cup of coffee and an even bigger cup of gratitude. Some days it’s easier to pull this off than others, but be intentional about setting aside time for acts of appreciation in both your personal and professional life each day. Amidst the rapid pace and challenges of life, gratitude can easily become an afterthought even though it should be the act we lead with.
How do you practice gratitude in your personal life?
Words of affirmation and quality time are my love languages! It’s important to me that people know their worth and that not only my words, but also my actions make that clear. I enjoy writing letters, going on walks with people, sending flowers from Amelia’s Flower Truck, or treating someone to a meal!
What’s something you’re looking forward to?
I just bought a house in West Nashville, and I am looking forward to getting married this Spring!
What’s one thing you’re grateful for right now?
My support system!
