April 25, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by MarketBeat.

Have you ever considered what happens if you invest in your team and they end up leaving? Or, even scarier, what if you don’t and they stick around? These questions are what led to MarketBeat’s dedication to employee development.

As a growing team, MarketBeat supports its employees’ participation in various programs aimed at mentoring and developing the next generation of community and business leaders. It finds value in providing the time and support for all its employees to participate in leadership programs, regardless of career level or tenure with the company.

“We believe in the potential of our team members and the positive impact they can make both inside and outside of our organization,” MarketBeat founder and CEO Matt Paulson said. “We have great people; they are the best at what they do, and we want to invest in them. We are a company of leaders.”

MarketBeat team

Programs like Leadership Sioux Falls, Leadership South Dakota, Embe’s Women’s Leadership Program and Think3D’s Leaders of Tomorrow are just a few of the many development programs that have allowed MarketBeat employees to enhance their leadership abilities.

Employees also are encouraged to attend educational events and serve on local nonprofit and community boards. They have the opportunity to get involved with organizations such as Downtown Rotary, Sales & Marketing Executives, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the chamber’s Young Professionals Network.

MarketBeat team at the 2023 YPN Crossroads Summit

MarketBeat regularly explores new ways to lift up its employees and help them reach their full potential.

“We regularly ask our team: ‘What can MarketBeat do to help you grow? Are there any boards, leadership positions or volunteer roles that interest you?’ It’s all about empowering our people to take the lead in their own development journey while getting them connected to the resources they need to succeed,” said Will Bushee, vice president of operations.

Through these experiences, employees cultivate a broad personal network and develop into well-rounded leaders who make significant impacts at both MarketBeat and in their community.

“Allowing employees dedicated time for development is crucial,” Paulson said. “It sends a clear message: We’re invested in your long-term growth as much as we are in our immediate business goals.”

MarketBeat’s employees have felt the direct impact of this and deeply value the opportunity it presents. Employees like web developer Bekah Van Maanen have experienced profound changes in their career perspectives thanks to these leadership development programs.

“Think3D’s Leaders of Tomorrow program helped me realize the importance of self-growth as the foundation of effective leadership,” Van Maanen said. “I appreciate that there isn’t a limit on opportunities we can participate in. MarketBeat’s supportive environment really encourages continual growth.”

Inspired by the transformative impact of this program, Van Maanen has continued her leadership journey by joining the spring 2024 cohort of  Leading Me, part of the Women’s Leadership Program at EmBe.

Bekah Van Maanen at the Think3D Leaders of Tomorrow graduation

Digital marketing strategist Laycee Kluin, having also attended the Think3D Leaders of Tomorrow and Author of My Life programs, notes that early encouragement from MarketBeat has had a significant impact on her career and personal goals.

“Within the first month of working at MarketBeat, Matt encouraged me to apply for Think3D’s program and get involved with YPN, where I am now an active steering committee member. It really shows how MarketBeat invests in its people right from the start,” Kluin said.

Laycee Kluin at the Think3D Leaders of Tomorrow graduation

Vice president of product Rebecca McKeever echoes Kluin’s sentiments, having completed the Dare to Lead program based on Brene Brown’s work and led locally by Melissa Hiatt.

“It really opened my eyes to how I approach leadership,” she said. “The program wasn’t just about learning new skills but also included a lot of self-reflection and figuring out how to use my strengths as a leader.”

McKeever also mentioned her appreciation for the time given to focus on these development programs.

“Having the time to pursue leadership development without having to juggle my work responsibilities is something I truly appreciate. MarketBeat’s support in allowing us to develop during office hours really shows how much they value our growth.”

And it’s not just about individual growth. As MarketBeat’s team members expand their horizons, they bring fresh ideas and new energy back to their roles. Technical support manager Andrew Peschong recently graduated from Leadership Sioux Falls and noticed a direct impact on how he engages with his work.

“Seeing the city’s inner workings and meeting leaders from various sectors gave me insights that have enriched my contributions to MarketBeat,” he said.

Leadership Sioux Falls Class 38 trip to the Capitol

The influence of these leadership programs echoes through every corner of MarketBeat. Better team dynamics, a deeper leadership bench and a more vibrant culture are just some of the wins the team is seeing. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to bring their best selves to work every day.

“Investing in leadership development is a no-brainer for us,” Paulson said. “It’s about what we’re building together while everyone is here — growing as individuals, flourishing as a team and making an impact that reaches beyond our office walls. And that’s something worth investing in, every single day.”