At BILL, our mission to drive innovation through diverse teams is central to our success. We champion talent from all backgrounds and prioritize potential and skills over traditional markers like resumes.
Through partnerships with organizations like CodePath, we encourage and help prepare historically underrepresented individuals for careers in tech, and by providing an inclusive culture, we empower every employee to succeed. These collaborations are vital in shaping a workforce that reflects our values.
Recently, Savannah DeVarney, Staff Software Engineer at BILL, chatted with Savannah Vrbas, BILL Staff Technical Recruiter, and the CodePath team to share her insights on why company culture is critical to career growth during the CodePath 2024 Emerging Engineers Summit. Here are the key takeaways from her presentation:
From microbiology to engineering mastery: Savannah’s journey
Savannah’s unique path into tech began with her microbiology studies, transitioned through 12 years in health tech product management, and led her to engineering through Hackbright Academy, an all-women coding boot camp.
Initially terrified by the leap into tech, Savannah credits BILL’s supportive and growth-oriented culture with enabling her rapid rise from Level 1 Engineer to Staff Engineer in just five years. “The rate and shape of your career growth,” she says, “is deeply influenced by the culture around you.”
Why culture matters
Savannah’s passion for understanding culture shines in her analogy: “Culture is like a bacterial culture. In the right environment, growth flourishes. In the wrong one, it withers.” At BILL, values like humility, collaboration, and accountability are not just written on the walls—they’re embedded in day-to-day interactions and decisions.
The company’s response during the Silicon Valley Bank crisis, where leadership prioritized customer trust, underscores these lived values. The company also celebrates employees who embody these values through performance reviews, awards, and tangible rewards like bonuses and extra PTO.
Navigating your culture compass
Savannah encourages job seekers to reflect on their core values through exercises that identify peak experiences and moments of frustration. “When your values align with a company’s culture,” she explains, “it’s like having the wind at your back, propelling you toward growth.” By aligning your personal values with those of a company, you can ensure your workplace supports your best self.
Avoiding toxic cultures
A non-negotiable for Savannah is psychological safety—the baseline of any healthy workplace. During interviews, she suggests looking for signs of respect and transparency, asking pointed questions like:
- How does the team handle mistakes and failures?
- How does leadership communicate during challenging times?
- What behaviors are not tolerated?
These questions help uncover whether a company's lived values align with your own, ensuring a productive and harmonious environment. Savannah also highlights red flags like vague answers, blame culture, or fear of speaking up.
The power of trust and kindness
Savannah leaves job seekers with a story of a computer program, Tit-for-Tat, which won a game theory competition by leading with trust and forgiveness. “Leading with kindness and trust isn’t weakness,” Savannah shares, “It’s strength. It creates a cycle of cooperation that can transform environments.”
Why it matters
Savannah’s journey and advice underscore the importance of aligning your career with a company culture that amplifies your strengths and values. At BILL, we’re proud to offer a workplace where diversity, growth, and employee well-being are at the forefront.
If you’re inspired by the idea of making a meaningful impact on small and midsize businesses while being part of a culture rooted in inclusivity and innovation, we’d love to have you explore our open roles and learn more about us.
