The Connector: Edition 136
Feb 25th, 2026 | The Connector
Lead Insights
Compensation Gets Attention. Benefits Earn Loyalty.
Compensation alone is no longer the ultimate retention lever. Today’s employees are prioritizing stability, flexibility, and meaningful benefits alongside pay.
As Amit Neev, Head of HR, North America at ADAMA, shared, raises are appreciated, but benefits shape daily life. Research supports this shift: employees who feel supported in their overall well-being are more engaged and less likely to leave.
The takeaway for HR leaders? Competitive pay matters, but strong benefits, clear communication, and operational discipline are what truly build long-term loyalty. Read more.
Rise & Thrive 2026- A Summit for Women Entrepreneurs
Step into a day designed to ignite your ambition, amplify your voice, and connect you with a powerful community of women leaders and allies.
Hosted by EO Philadelphia and Shadow Her, the Rise and Thrive Summit returns after last year’s sold-out success to celebrate and elevate women entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals. This is more than an event; it’s a transformative experience where bold ideas, authentic conversations, and purposeful networking collide to help you rise higher and thrive stronger. Save the date, Friday, March 13th!
Register here
Save the Date
March Moments that Matter
March is packed with meaningful opportunities for leaders to recognize, engage, and inspire their teams. As you plan your people strategy, be sure these key dates are on your radar:
- Women’s History Month – Celebrate the achievements of women across your organization and industry.
- Employee Appreciation Day, March 6– A simple but powerful opportunity to reinforce recognition and culture
- International Women’s Day, March 8 – Spotlight leadership, equity, and advancement initiatives.
Learn more
TOC in Action
Client Testimonial
"Partnering with TOC has truly felt like answered prayers. Our consultant stepped in seamlessly, operating as if she had been part of our organization for years, immediately elevating our work with no onboarding required.
During an overwhelming season, she became our saving grace—knowledgeable, steady, and reassuring. She guided us through complex situations with clarity and professionalism, always communicating promptly and thoughtfully."
See our human resources approach
From the Executive. To the Executives
In this inaugural piece, 57th Street Partners Founder Marcia Zaruba O'Connor reflects on why 2026 is shaping up to be a year of clarity for executive leaders. After years of rapid movement, this is a moment to pause, ask better questions, and ensure you have the right leadership in place for what’s next.
It’s a thoughtful perspective on intentional hiring, retained executive search, and building leadership teams that truly align with where your organization is headed.
Follow 57th Street Partners on LinkedIn to explore how executive search is being redefined. Read the full blog here.
Let's Get Local
The Children's Scholarship Fund Philadelphia has been nominated for Favorite Nonprofit Organization for the Philadelphia Inquirer's 2026 Philly Favorite Contest.
Every child deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their circumstances. The work they do is transforming lives, one scholarship at a time. Voting closes on February 27. Vote here.
Wellness Wednesday
Wellness isn’t just physical. Connection plays a powerful role in mental well-being. Small, positive interactions at work can boost mood, reduce stress, and strengthen engagement.
This week, try one simple action each day: Say good morning, send a thank-you note, check in on a colleague, or share a small win.
A little intention goes a long way in building a healthier, more connected workplace. Learn more.