Over the years, ezCater’s impressive growth has shaped our culture and the way we work together.

Our goal has always been to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, and capable of reaching their full potential. This is where our People Business Partner (PBP) team comes into play.

They collaborate with leaders to enhance team performance by providing support in areas such as leadership coaching, career development, performance management, and navigating company policies.

Additionally, they play a crucial role in preserving ezCater’s unique culture, ensuring sustainable solutions that benefit both the business and our greatest asset — our people.

To dive deeper into the role of a PBP at ezCater, we sat down with Phylicia Williams, Senior Manager, People Business Partner, who has been with ezCater since November 2022 and supports our Legal, Marketing, and Finance teams.

1. As a People Business Partner, how do you support employees? 

From a person’s first week at ezCater, I ensure they have the resources they need to be successful and thrive, whether it be access to specific Slack groups, Confluence pages, company policies and  guidelines and more.

I’m passionate about helping people and work to offer personalized tools and support as I recognize that everyone’s career journey is different.

As a people partner, I consult on organizational design, career growth, people strategy, performance management, leadership coaching, and employee relations.

My priority is to make sure that business decisions are made with minimal disruption to our people and organization, and that our people leaders have the right tools to drive team engagement and performance, while yielding the highest business impact.

Trust is essential in creating meaningful partnerships with my teams. I aim to be a proactive partner, not just someone who is just there when tough situations arise. I like to be two steps ahead to help my leaders anticipate team and business needs so we can continue fostering  a culture of high-performance and do really impactful work together. 

2. What makes ezCater’s culture unique, and how do you help nurture it in your PBP role?

Our people! Every person at ezCater brings something different to the table, and these diverse experiences and perspectives create a dynamic and engaging culture that drives the growth and success of our business. 

Whether you’ve been here for years or are a new team member, there’s a shared belief in what we’re building and a natural desire to be kind and collaborative as we collectively work towards a common business goal.

The founders set the tone for an employee-centric culture that’s all about seeing employees succeed, which in return allows the business to succeed.

My goal is to maintain a workplace where everyone’s needs are heard and respected (no jerks allowed!), people stay accountable in their roles, and we uphold values like kindness and collaboration. 

3. What is the most valuable advice you would offer to someone at ezCater

Stay open to learning and continuously ask yourself: How can I best align with our culture values in the work I do and ways I show up every day? Seek ways to be part of this community because this sense of connection is really what makes ezCater special.

I would encourage them to attend a “Together Week,” typically held during the second full week of each month, where employees work from our Boston office. Together Weeks are so fun and they help foster team creativity, collaboration and connection. 

We’re growing fast and with that comes change. But with change comes opportunity. I encourage you to zoom out and identify the ways that ezCater is empowering you as a professional and a person. Let that energy fuel how you contribute to your team and the business at large, and make a meaningful impact.

There are so many available resources to help you succeed so take advantage. Join a Slack channel dedicated to something you’re interested in, whether it’s sharing pictures of your pets or what you’re cooking at home.

And remember, there’s something for everyone at ezCater. Beyond your job and compensation, you’ll find a unique sense of community. Whether it’s bonding over pets, kids, or just shared experiences, the people here are truly connected in a way you don’t often see at other companies.

4. What inspired you to become a People Business Partner?

It all traces back to my mom, who is truly my HR origin story. She was a single mom working tirelessly, juggling responsibilities with grace. My mom worked from 3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., and I could see firsthand how difficult it was for her to juggle this and spend time with me. 

Growing up in this environment made me understand how impactful work is to home life and how business decisions can have lasting effects on people’s well-being.

It instilled in me the belief that when making business decisions, it’s not just about tenure or a title — it’s about recognizing that people are more than the job they do. They are mothers, fathers, friends, and so much more.

I always tell our leaders here that adversity breeds empathy. I keep that in mind as I navigate business decisions and people strategy. I know that everyone is fighting a battle we may not know about, and that’s why it’s so important to walk in kindness and offer support.

In the end, being in this role means making an impact in the lives of others. That’s the heart of why I’m so passionate about being a People Business Partner.

5. What’s your go to meal/food of choice?

As a native New Yorker, but adopted South Carolinian, I enjoy a good barbeque.

My go-to meal of choice would be a platter featuring some really good smoked brisket, delicious ribs, and all the classic southern fixings. This includes creamy mac n’ cheese and savory collard greens. There’s nothing quite like it!