HR for growing companies with 10+ employees
who want to do work differently
Let's make your business flourish.
Hi, I’m Candice – a values-based Human Resources Strategist. And this is my work-philosophy:
Your business isn’t just an isolated institution. Rather it’s part of an ecosystem. There are ecosystems within ecosystems in business, and the key to creating a sustainable business is to incorporate regenerative practices at every level that support the replenishment of each of the resources that go into creating your business.
These resources are:
-
Your Human Resources: The people who are doing the work to make your company run day to day
-
Earth Resources: the materials and processes that you use that impact or come from the earth
Regenerative practices focus on no longer using these resources as disposable, but rather, on providing tools that are supportive and renewable. When you do this, work goes from being a place that is full of stress, unspoken threats, and constant pressure that leads to burnout, to a place that supports the people in your company to be well-resourced in their minds, bodies, and spirits, so they can feel good in their day-to-day and feel like the work they’re doing is part of fulfilling their soul’s purpose.
Your HR system is so much more than a bunch of policies and procedures
My wholistic approach starts with your core vision and builds out systems and streamlines processes to create the environment you want to bring into the world.
Interested in holistic HR? Wondering how I could support your organization?
The best way to get started is to book a discovery call where we will identify one opportunity for you to align your actions with values-based HR best practices.
Flipping the Script on HR as a “Four Letter Word”
Around here, we’re all about creating sustainable, equitable workplaces that support your people and your financial goals. It’s a workplace revolution!
Instead of making life more complicated or helping you avoid problems, I’m here to help you build something powerful and effective. We’ll streamline your systems so things feel simple. We’ll focus on your people – creating an environment where they feel seen, supported, and fully safe to be themselves. And we’ll keep your vision and values at the center of it all.
Sustainability
This looks like
Financial, physical, and emotional support for every member of your team
We achieve this by
Implementing a values-aligned HR approach
This matters because
A team that’s always running from one fire to the next doesn’t have time to rest or grow. Building a sustainable environment is the best way to help your team thrive!
Equality
This looks like
Diversity in team members and a commitment to working with different perspectives
We achieve this by
Examining unconscious bias in all aspects of business
This matters because
Diversity helps us adapt to changes, solve problems more creatively, and develop resilience. Everyone performs better when they know they are treated fairly.
Community
This looks like
A compensation plan, staff rituals, and reinvesting plans that bring everyone together
We achieve this by
Aligning your actions with your core values
This matters because
People are a stabilizing force in an unpredictable economy. When you prioritize creating a strong community, you build a tapestry of people who can weather any storm.
Values-Aligned HR in Practice
Generosity is a core value at Fortress and Flourish, and I carefully consider where we donate our time and money. Each cause or organization is chosen because it aligns with our organizational values and is committed to powerful change. Click on each organization to learn more about where part of your investment goes when you work with us!
2021 Giving
Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes
2022 Giving
Are you ready for a workplace revolution?
Wholistic HR
Work with me one-on-one to develop a comprehensive, collaborative HR foundation. This custom HR strategy and design is perfect for entrepreneurs and executives who are already running a business.
Back Pocket HR
Choose to get one-time or short-term help with Strategy Sessions, VIP Days, and Fractional Chief People Officer services.
HR Building Blocks
Create a powerful HR action plan as you start your organization or grow a small team for the first time. The courses are based on your needs, so you don’t waste time on education, skills, and strategies you don’t need.
A Few Surprising Facts About Me. . .
I’m a woodfire
ceramic artist
I throw functional ware (like cups and bowls) and then work with a team of people for 24 hours a day, many days in a row to fire the kiln. There's nothing like pulling the pieces out. I never know what I'm going to get!
I started my first company when I was 23
It was a group tour company and we took people to Key West, Savannah and New Orleans for up to 4 days at a time. I closed the company when I moved back to CA to be closer to family.
I lived and worked as an archaeologist in the Middle East
I specialized in burials and human osteology. When I graduated I decided to take some time away from school to see if archaeology was really what I wanted to do with my life.
My first HR job was for a restaurant group
I'm a foodie & beverage lover! I love trying new local restaurants, weird foods, going to the Farmer's Market, cooking at home and gardening. I tried brewing beer one time, but decided to leave that one to the pros.
Media Bio
Candice Elliott uses values-aligned HR best practices to help impact-driven leaders grow their teams, improve employee retention, create a supportive, safe work environment, and save money.
With over 15 years of experience, a master’s degree in HR from Penn State, and a Senior Professional certification in California, she has the knowledge, experience, and skills your organization is looking for. Candice is passionate about supporting small businesses and nonprofits through monetary donations and time. During the pandemic, she donated hundreds of work hours to support organizations during and through the challenges of the changing world of work.
Candice lives and works on the unceded land of Popeloutchom, home to the Awaswas speaking Uypi Ohlone, recently called Santa Cruz, California.
Ready to simplify and streamline your systems to create a happier, healthier workplace for your team?
Let’s chat about how we can make it happen!