, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at 

, faced a daunting challenge unique to her organization: how do you bring together five distinct company cultures into a single, unified team without losing the strengths each one offers? While many organizations wrestle with change management and cultural alignment, Opus IVS's situation was particularly complex.

On the "How I Use Happy" podcast hosted by 

 Amanda shared how Opus IVS turned to Happy's tools to tackle this challenge head-on. What they found was not only a path to better collaboration but also to a stronger, more adaptable culture—all built on understanding people.

For many organizations, especially those with diverse, cross-functional teams, one of the biggest challenges is getting everyone aligned under a shared vision. Teams may have different priorities, processes, and goals, making working together difficult. Over time, silos can form—isolated departments or teams that operate independently, often leading to stalled communication, weakened collaboration, and missed opportunities for innovation. These silos aren't always intentional, but they can hinder progress and productivity in significant ways.

For Opus IVS, Amanda understands how critical it is to identify and address these silos head-on. And the first step is openly acknowledging their existence. "We have silos - to be open and honest. They exist, and as an organization, we know [that's one area we must work on to improve]. I love the fact that everyone's driving towards that. It's not just HR or the leadership team saying that."

At Opus IVS, breaking down these barriers isn't just the responsibility of leadership—it's a collective effort. By recognizing the issue and encouraging a 

culture where collaboration and open communication are prioritized

, the organization takes actionable steps to unify its teams and improve alignment. This proactive approach helps employees at all levels work more effectively, driving innovation and results.

 became a cornerstone of this effort. A Coaching Circle allows employees to create a custom group of colleagues—whether peers, supervisors, or direct reports—with whom they frequently work with or want to build stronger relationships. Once the Circle is established, Happy Coach provides daily, targeted coaching insights about these colleagues. This feature prioritizes relevant, actionable guidance aimed at improving how they work together.

These circles have helped bridge departmental gaps, creating a more unified work environment. Amanda expressed her excitement about expanding this initiative in 2025, recognizing its potential to further enhance teamwork and alignment.

The Challenge of Merging Cultures and Building Understanding

Opus IVS is part of the larger Opus Group, a dynamic organization that came together through the acquisition of five companies. While rich in expertise and innovation, this unique structure also presents complexities in 

Combining five companies into one is no small feat. Each organization brought its own culture, processes, and norms. To be successful, they had to find a way to merge these five distinct cultures over time. This meant that for Opus IVS to succeed, it needed to create a unified culture without losing the strengths each legacy organization contributed.

Amanda and her team recognized that sustaining this cohesion would require a deliberate, strategic approach. An approach that 

 help by giving employees practical tools to improve understanding and adapt their interactions with others in daily work.

real-time coaching and communication insights

 that support employees through key interactions. Amanda shared an example of how an employee used Happy's insights to prepare for a meeting with a team member with great results.

Before a meeting, this employee reviewed a colleague's Workstyle, noting that the person preferred time to process information. "She knew ahead of time that [the colleague] liked to process information, take their time, and analyze thoroughly. So, she provided data in advance for review, which made the meeting much more productive in reaching the needed decision."

By providing key data ahead of time, they were able to have a far more productive and efficient discussion, highlighting the power of tailored communication.

These efforts have empowered employees to build trust, empathy, and stronger connections, driving engagement and productivity. By integrating these practices into their development programs, Opus IVS continues to align its teams around shared goals and values.

At Opus IVS, core values like being customer-oriented, results-driven, innovative, and collaborative are not just ideals—they guide how the organization operates every day. Amanda emphasized that these values are deeply embedded in their culture and that it is important to understand how they all connect to each other.

For example, while delivering exceptional customer experiences is the top priority, Amanda knows 

. Employees collaborating and communicating well are better positioned to drive innovation and deliver measurable results for the customer.

As CHRO, Amanda believes that putting a focus on people, and helping to build a workplace that thrives as a result of its strong team dynamic, is a central part of her role. She recognizes that teamwork lays the foundation for both short-term and long-term success.

Leaders at Opus IVS have also seen significant benefits from using Happy's tools. Amanda explained how these resources help her tailor communication to meet the individual needs of her colleagues.

One example she shared involved her interactions with the company's CEO. His Happy Workstyle profile emphasizes a preference for concise, direct communication. Understanding this, Amanda now structures her updates to be brief yet thorough—getting straight to the point while still covering the essential details. This adjustment has improved the efficiency and clarity of their interactions.

These insights—which Amanda often calls "CliffsNotes" for workplace relationships—enable leaders and employees to engage more effectively. By applying these tools herself, she demonstrates how understanding different communication styles and preferences leads to fewer misunderstandings, stronger collaboration, and, ultimately, better results. This approach has not only improved her interactions with colleagues but also serves as a guide for others to work more effectively together.

The experiences of Opus IVS offer valuable lessons for other teams striving to enhance their workplace dynamics. Their journey demonstrates how even the most complex organizational challenges—such as merging multiple cultures and overcoming communication barriers—can be addressed with the right tools and strategies. Opus IVS has created a foundation for stronger collaboration and better results by encouraging a culture of understanding, improving communication, and reinforcing shared values.

Here are some key takeaways that other organizations can apply to their teams:

 Insights into communication and decision-making preferences lead to more effective interactions and collaboration.

 Silos stifle innovation. Promoting cross-functional relationships and creating structured opportunities for collaboration can foster a more connected workplace.

 Values should be more than statements and guide daily actions. Happy's tools help organizations consistently practice their values.

 Behavioral insights enable leaders and employees to tailor their communication strategies, resulting in stronger relationships and higher engagement.

 Amanda's vision for 2025 highlights the importance of ongoing development. Opus IVS aims to achieve even greater alignment and collaboration by refining their use of Happy.

As Opus IVS continues integrating Happy into its operations, the company remains focused on 

delivering exceptional results through innovation and teamwork

. Their journey underscores the power of understanding people to create stronger, more connected teams.

For organizations grappling with similar challenges, tools like Happy provide the insights needed to build better collaboration and communication. By investing in 

, companies can unlock their full potential and create workplaces where employees thrive and customers benefit as a result.

Ready to see what's possible for your team? Start your journey with Happy today and discover how you can build a more collaborative, engaged, and successful organization.

Discover how Opus IVS uses Happy to align culture, boost collaboration, and reinforce core values while removing silos. 

Breaking Down Silos: How Happy Drives Collaboration at Opus IVS

Strong workplace relationships are at the core of successful teams. 

, a media company specializing in automotive content and producing automotive events, understands that fostering collaboration, engagement, and connection isn't just a goal—it's an essential part of its culture. As a largely remote team, it recognizes the unique challenges that come with maintaining strong connections across distances.

, the Office Manager and HR leader at Power, and explored how their team is leveraging 

 to strengthen connections and enhance their work together.

Creating Meaningful Connections from the Start

POWER has integrated Happy into their onboarding process to help new hires better understand their colleagues' workstyles and communication preferences. Gina explained how this approach has been instrumental in creating a smoother transition for new employees, allowing them to quickly adapt and feel connected, even in a remote setting. Providing new hires access to their coworkers' 

 from day one encourages early engagement and meaningful interactions. This approach helps employees feel more confident in their roles and builds a sense of belonging from the outset. Team members are better equipped to recognize different work styles, helping them to adjust their approach and work more effectively with one another.

Additionally, Gina highlighted how Happy's insights have been particularly 

, where building connections can often take longer without in-person interactions. The 

ability to quickly understand a teammate's preferred communication style helps bridge the gap, making collaboration more seamless from the start.

Introduce Happy into the onboarding process to give new employees instant access to their coworkers' Happy profiles. These profiles act as a personalized 'user manual,' helping new hires quickly understand their team's workstyles and communication preferences, setting them up for success from day one.

Strengthening Communication Across the Organization

Maintaining effective communication can be challenging with a mix of in-office and remote employees. Gina shared how POWER relies on Happy to create a more transparent and connected work environment, helping team members bridge communication gaps that often arise in a hybrid setting. The platform provides valuable insights into individual communication styles and preferences, making it easier for employees to align their interactions and collaborate more effectively, regardless of location.

 plays a crucial role in keeping communication in mind. These insights provide gentle reminders about workstyle differences, helping employees stay mindful of how they engage with colleagues. Whether adapting their approach to better suit a teammate's preferences or becoming more intentional with their communication, employees are better equipped to navigate conversations productively.

Gina also shared how the platform has helped build a culture of openness by encouraging employees to share their workstyle profiles and communication preferences. This visibility has led to more thoughtful interactions, reduced misunderstandings, and ensured that teams remain aligned across different departments and time zones.

Use Happy Coach to enhance communication, improve team alignment, and proactively identify and address potential gaps, ensuring smoother collaboration across the organization.

Happy has played a significant role in facilitating collaboration across different teams and leadership levels at POWER. Using the Happy platform to better understand each person's preferred working style has helped their team approach collaboration with greater intentionality. Whether planning meetings, coordinating projects, or addressing challenges, visibility into how colleagues work best allows smoother workflows and more productive interactions.

Gina shared how Happy has personally helped her collaborate more effectively across different teams and projects. "On any given day," Gina shared, "I could be working with the CEO, I could be working with our content team, I could be collaborating on events. I think Happy has given me greater ability to communicate more effectively with each style of person and each level of person in the company." This tailored approach has helped break down silos between departments, enabling teams to work more cohesively across different functions. By using the side-by-side behavioral comparison of team members on 

, employees can anticipate potential friction points and adjust their collaboration strategies to complement one another's strengths. This has proven especially useful in cross-functional projects, where clear communication and alignment are crucial to achieving shared goals.

Gina also pointed out that the POWER leadership team has embraced these insights to foster a more supportive and productive work environment. By understanding their team's diverse workstyles, 

 to provide guidance and support, ensuring everyone feels empowered to contribute their best work. This proactive use of Happy has enhanced collaboration and strengthened trust and morale within the organization.

Leverage Happy to tailor communication and collaboration strategies based on team workstyles, integrating these insights into project planning to streamline workflows and boost efficiency.

POWER's company values—such as community, authenticity, and drive—are deeply ingrained in its culture. For Gina, one of the most powerful aspects of using Happy is how it has provided a structured way to bring these values to life in everyday interactions, ensuring that employees stay aligned with the company's vision. By offering personalized insights into workstyles and communication preferences, Happy helps employees become more mindful of how they engage with one another, reinforcing a culture built on respect and collaboration.

The platform is a practical tool for maintaining these values across teams, 

especially in a largely remote environment

 where interactions may lack the spontaneity of in-person office settings. With Happy, employees are reminded of the importance of communication and empathy, helping them approach their work relationships with greater awareness and intentionality.

Utilize Happy as a tool to reinforce core values, align behaviors with company culture, and empower teams to enhance respect and collaboration through deeper understanding.

Making Happy Part of the Everyday Workflow

At POWER, Happy has seamlessly integrated into the team's daily operations, becoming a valuable resource that employees rely on to stay connected and aligned. Gina explained how the platform has evolved from useful to essential, helping team members navigate their work relationships more confidently and efficiently. By regularly using Happy's platform, employees gain a deeper understanding of their colleagues' 

 and learn their work preferences, creating smoother collaboration and stronger connections.

Gina believes that the best way to use Happy is to use it consistently. She highlights for new employees how daily engagement with the platform is the best way to get the most value out of it. Whether it's through routine check-ins, project planning, or day-to-day interactions, employees can use Happy to anticipate potential challenges and proactively adjust their approach. This ongoing awareness has helped minimize misunderstandings and ensure everyone stays on the same page, regardless of location.

By integrating Happy into key touch points—such as team meetings and performance discussions—employees are reminded of the value of staying mindful of their communication styles and team dynamics. As a result, Happy has played a pivotal role in enhancing workplace relationships and reinforcing a shared commitment to effective teamwork.

Integrate Happy into regular team check-ins and meetings to reinforce its value and foster a culture of connection and collaboration through consistent use.

POWER's experience with Happy highlights how understanding workstyles can create a more connected and productive workplace. By embracing Happy's insights and tools, organizations can enhance communication, collaboration, and engagement, leading to a stronger, more cohesive team.

Discover how Happy can help your team work better together and create a culture where everyone thrives.

Learn how POWER uses Happy to prioritize clear communication and team cohesion to drive success in a hybrid work environment.

Creating Meaningful Connections in a Hybrid Workforce: POWER's Playbook

Building effective teams is one of the most significant challenges facing organizations today. It's not just about productivity or meeting goals—it's about nurturing meaningful relationships that allow individuals and teams to thrive.

transformed their leadership training and team dynamics

 by integrating Happy into their operations and client services. The conversation provides powerful insights into how organizations can use Happy to improve collaboration, engagement, and sustainable growth.

Mike Mitchell's perspective on leadership is refreshingly holistic. At ML3 Leadership, leadership isn't confined to titles or positions of authority. "Leadership is not a business skill; it's a life skill," Mike explains. Leadership is about influencing others positively in the workplace, within families, or in communities. ML3's 14-week leadership development program embodies this philosophy, equipping participants with practical tools to develop their ability to inspire and connect with others, regardless of their role.

This broad definition of leadership underscores the universality of tools like Happy. Just as ML3 helps leaders build relationships and adapt to diverse needs, Happy provides a behavioral science-based platform that enhances these efforts. By understanding workstyles and leveraging personalized coaching, Happy bridges the gap between intention and action, making leadership principles actionable in real-time.

From One-Time Assessments to Continuous Development

Before adopting Happy, ML3 relied on traditional assessment tools to understand team dynamics and support coaching sessions. While these tools provided valuable insights, their impact often faded over time. As Mike recalled, "Six months after a debrief, we'd ask clients how they were applying the information. The answer was they hadn't. They'd forgotten everything since we walked out the door."

, turning a one-time evaluation into an ongoing development journey. Unlike traditional assessments that deliver a static report, Happy offers an expansive platform designed to foster continuous growth, collaboration, and self-awareness long after the initial assessment is complete.

It begins with uncovering each user’s unique 

, which is key to developing self-awareness—understanding natural tendencies, communication preferences, and approaches to challenges. But Happy doesn’t stop there. Users not only gain personal insights but also learn how to collaborate more effectively with their teams.

While most assessments are, as Mike describes, "one-sided," focusing solely on the individual, Happy emphasizes building better relationships between people. The platform bridges the gap between self-awareness and collaboration, helping users turn insights into action and cultivate stronger, more connected teams. Weekly coaching emails and real-time guidance ensure these concepts are consistently reinforced, moving them from theory to practice. The platform’s accessibility allows teams to tap into its benefits over time.

This sustained impact—what ML3 calls "stickiness"—has significantly enhanced both their internal operations and client services. By integrating Happy into their leadership development programs, ML3 has created a ripple effect, extending the benefits of Happy beyond their own team to their clients’ organizations.

Leading with Care: The Foundation of Trust

A core leadership principle at ML3 is that "leaders are lovers." While Mike acknowledges this phrase might surprise some in traditional corporate environments, it speaks to 

. At ML3, leadership is about more than directing others—it's about genuinely caring for them and building meaningful relationships. Effective leaders don't expect their team members to adapt to their style; instead, they take the initiative to understand and connect with their team where they are.

 reflects this approach by equipping leaders with tools to better understand their team members' unique workstyles and communication preferences. This goes beyond improving performance metrics—it's about fostering trust and connection. Mike emphasized, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

At ML3, Happy is more than just a tool—it's woven into daily practices that enhance both internal team dynamics and client interactions:

: Happy provides actionable tips for crafting emails and preparing for meetings, helping to ensure that 

communication is both personalized and effective

. By considering the recipient's unique workstyle, team members can avoid misunderstandings and build stronger connections.

: ML3's facilitators use Happy to prepare for one-on-one coaching sessions. This intentional preparation allows them to tailor their approach, leading to more impactful and meaningful interactions.

: ML3's leadership program prioritizes long-term development over quick fixes. Happy supports this approach by reinforcing key lessons over time, helping participants integrate new behaviors into their everyday routines, and making sustainable growth achievable.

The way ML3 uses Happy offers valuable lessons for any organization seeking to improve teamwork and leadership. Here are three actionable steps to integrate Happy into your workplace:

 Use Happy's weekly coaching tips to keep leadership principles at the forefront of your mind. This consistent reinforcement helps prevent valuable details from fading over time.

 to deepen understanding between team members. Understanding each other's workstyles fosters empathy and collaboration.

 Before meetings or important conversations, review the Happy Workstyle reports to remember the specific needs of the person you are meeting with. Tailoring your approach to others' preferences can transform routine interactions into meaningful connections.

One of the most inspiring aspects of ML3's story is how they've extended the benefits of Happy beyond their own team. By integrating Happy into their leadership programs, ML3 equips clients with tools to enhance workplace relationships. This creates a ripple effect, spreading the principles of empathy, adaptability, and collaboration across multiple organizations.

Mike discussed the potential impact on their clients, sharing, "Knowing the impact that that's having on us, who are already good practitioners of these principles, ... we just really sense it is going to be huge."

ML3's partnership with Happy highlights the transformative power of understanding and adapting to diverse workstyles. By fostering trust, improving communication, and sustaining behavioral change, Happy enables teams to thrive in ways that go far beyond productivity metrics.

Whether you're a team leader, an individual contributor, or an executive, the lessons from ML3's journey are clear: investing in tools like Happy isn't just about improving processes—it's about building stronger relationships and creating a culture where everyone can succeed.

 to explore how Happy can transform your team. Let's build workplaces where connection, collaboration, and care take center stage.

ML3 Leadership’s CEO Mike Mitchell discusses how they use Happy in their mission to grow and empower leaders.

How ML3 Uses Happy to Empower Leaders

, success hinges on more than just delivering cutting-edge IT, security, and compliance solutions. Keeping pace with evolving challenges requires more than technical expertise to stay ahead—it requires strong team dynamics, effective communication, and a culture that fosters collaboration. Enter 

, a transformative tool that’s helping R3 improve workplace relationships, boost engagement, and create a thriving team environment.

In the inaugural episode of How I Use Happy, Happy Ambassador 

, R3’s Director of People Success. Hilary shares how Happy has become an essential part of the company’s toolbox, supporting their mission to enhance team communication and employee engagement. 

Here are the key takeaways from their conversation and top insights for teams looking to harness the power of Happy.

Building a Culture That Prioritizes People

Hilary begins by explaining her role at R3: ensuring that employees have an exceptional experience and feel supported in their roles. For her, success starts with bringing in great people who align with the company’s core values and creating an environment where they can excel and grow.

“Culture is definitely something that trickles down from the top,” Hilary says. “The most important piece is having someone at the helm driving the ship who believes that people are the primary force behind a company's success and understands that being able to 

invest in them is what will help in the long run

 aligns perfectly with Happy’s mission to enhance organizational culture by focusing on improving communication and relationships. At R3, Happy helps the team understand and adapt to diverse communication styles, enabling smoother collaboration and stronger connections among team members. By fostering mutual respect and understanding, Happy has become a key driver of R3’s workplace culture.

Enhancing Communication Across Diverse Workstyles

One of the standout features of Happy for R3 is its ability to 

. As a growing company, R3 constantly welcomes new employees, each bringing their unique communication preferences. This diversity, while a strength, can sometimes create friction if not managed effectively.

, allow team members to compare their communication styles with those of their colleagues. “It’s such a simple tool to say, ‘This is how you like to communicate, and this is how I like to communicate,’” Hilary shares. “It’s like having a little coach in your back pocket.”

Hilary recalls instances where these insights transformed her interactions. Learning about a colleague’s background or interests through their Happy Profile opened doors to deeper connections. In one case, a shared connection to Ohio helped her build rapport with a colleague she initially had some trouble connecting with. These tools make 

 and building trust seamless and intuitive.

Self-Awareness as the Foundation for Growth

Happy isn’t just a tool for understanding others; it’s also a powerful resource for self-reflection. After taking the 

Happy Assessment, which is modeled after the DISC framework

, Hilary discovered valuable insights about her own workstyle. As a Driver, she’s focused on achieving results and values direct, transparent communication. However, this approach isn’t always ideal for every situation.

“Happy has made me more aware of my own communication style,” Hilary says. She explained that it helped her pause and reflect before approaching conversations, ensuring that she was mindful of how others might perceive her tone or approach.

This heightened self-awareness has been transformative for Hilary, enabling her to adapt her communication style to meet the needs of her team. By fostering this kind of personal growth, Happy supports a culture where continuous improvement becomes second nature.

Hilary’s experience with Happy highlights how the platform goes beyond traditional workplace tools by addressing the human side of work. By providing insights into team members’ personalities and preferences, Happy helps R3 create stronger, more authentic relationships.

Hilary highlights how Happy has reshaped the way new employees are welcomed at R3. By 

uncovering unique details about team members

 that might not surface in an interview, the platform creates a foundation for authentic connections right from the start.

Christine adds, “Happy brings the personal to work, which we can’t avoid anymore.” By uncovering shared interests and building genuine connections, Happy helps teams build a foundation of trust and camaraderie from day one.

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

Hilary also highlights how Happy has helped her reframe potentially challenging interactions. She recalls moments where different communication styles initially created tension. With Happy’s insights, she’s been able to approach these situations with empathy and understanding, turning potential conflicts into opportunities for connection.

For Hilary, this has made all the difference in her role as a Director of People Success. By using Happy to better understand her team, she’s able to create a supportive environment where employees feel seen and valued. It’s a reminder that navigating workplace challenges with empathy can lead to stronger relationships and better outcomes.

Hilary’s experience with Happy underscores its versatility as a tool for enhancing workplace culture. Whether it’s improving communication, fostering personal connections, or driving self-awareness, Happy empowers teams to work better together.

For teams looking to replicate R3’s success, they should focus on understanding and adapting to diverse workstyles as a core strategy for fostering collaboration and cohesion. By 

, teams can uncover new ways to connect, communicate, and grow together, paving the way for a more unified and productive workplace.

As Hilary reflects on her journey with Happy, she emphasizes its potential beyond the workplace. “Communication is life,” she says. “It’s about developing authentic, strong relationships with everyone in our world.”

For those ready to transform their team dynamics, Happy offers a starting point for meaningful change. Whether you’re a leader or a team member, Happy provides the tools to improve communication, build trust, and create a workplace where everyone feels empowered and supported.

Hear from R3's Director of People Success, Hilary Reichler, on how Happy has become a game changer for their organization. 

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