At LevelTen, we believe that recognizing and celebrating our employees’ contributions is crucial to fostering a positive and supportive work environment. To further promote our company values and acknowledge outstanding efforts and contributions, we are excited to announce the winner of LevelTen’s Values Awards for Professionalism: Andrew Grandahl, Senior Content Marketing Manager.
The Values Awards program is designed to honor individuals who exemplify our core company values through their actions and achievements. Each quarter, we focus on one of our four company values, providing an opportunity for employees to nominate their colleagues who demonstrate exceptional dedication to that particular value. Andrew was honored for embodying LevelTen's value of "Professionalism." Congratulations, Andrew!
To honor this achievement, Andrew took time out of his busy schedule to share more about his work at LevelTen and how he leads with LevelTen's values in mind:
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at LevelTen?
I’m something of LevelTen’s “resident writer.” I’m very fortunate to work with so many stellar colleagues, and to bring their wisdom to the masses through developing a wide range of content — from blogs and whitepapers, to thought leadership articles and industry reports. I’m always learning new things and, thankfully, my many brilliant peers are generous with their time and equally committed to providing the industry with insightful content.
Outside of work, I keep myself busy playing and writing music (I play upright and electric bass). Bass is such a great instrument, because every genre needs us! So I get to play in orchestras, rock bands, and everything in between. Aside from that, I’m a dedicated yogi and meditator, and am always seeking to further my knowledge of anthropology, the natural sciences, and many adjacent fields. And of course, I love spending time enjoying the natural riches of the Pacific Northwest with my wife and our dog.
How long have you been with the company and what initially drew you here?
I’m about to cross the four-year mark here at LevelTen. The qualities that initially drew me to LevelTen are the ones that have kept me here: a mission that truly makes a difference in the fight against the climate crisis, dedicated and exceptional colleagues who are all motivated to further that mission, and getting to engage in impactful work every day.
What makes LTE a unique company to work for?
Truly, I’ve never worked anywhere with such wonderful people. I give much credit to our People Team for hiring not just on the basis of technical qualifications, but also on cultural fit and personal commitment to sustainability. Regardless of their title, people leave their egos at the door and collaborate in a manner that is seamless and selfless. Everyone is here to “do the work” and support each other unconditionally. I think the quality of the people who work here has been a primary force behind the success this company has had, and the reputation of trust and expertise we’ve been able to build in a short period of time.
Congratulations on winning the Values Award for "Professionalism"! What does this recognition mean to you?
I hold my colleagues in immensely high esteem, so for them to recommend me for this award is a tremendous honor. I believe we reflect the qualities of those we surround ourselves with, and I have learned so much from my LevelTen peers over the years. The fact that they view me as worthy of this award is a major vote of confidence, and I don’t take it lightly!
To me, “Professionalism” comes down to being able to be counted on to consistently produce quality work, and to contribute to a respectful working environment where everyone’s voice is heard. I believe this builds trust among colleagues, and contributes to a virtuous cycle where they are excited to continue collaborating and contribute their time and knowledge.
Collaboration often plays a key role in progress. How do you foster a collaborative environment within your team or department?
I think we collaborate best when we feel comfortable speaking our minds and coming as we truly are. I’m grateful to work somewhere where I can be myself, and I like to think that I support an environment where everyone can show up authentically and contribute any and all ideas towards a project or initiative. Sometimes, it’s the more “eccentric” sides of ourselves, or our more unconventional ideas, that spur what becomes our best work. I truly believe that fostering an open forum where everyone feels safe sharing their thoughts allows us to produce output that drives change and brings novel and impactful perspectives to the fore.
What advice would you give to your peers who aspire to instigate progress and make a difference?
I admire my colleagues so much, I’m not sure I’m in a position to “advise” them any which way. I’d rather take the opportunity to thank them for showing up so authentically, maintaining such a high standard of work, and for so generously sharing their wisdom and perspectives. I believe this open, high-integrity environment allows us all to contribute our best, and furthers LevelTen’s critical mission of accelerating the transition to a sustainable world.
