**LIVE from the Transform Conference in Las Vegas**

In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Sarika Lamont, Chief People Officer at Vidyard, to explore what it looks like to build a transparent, adaptable, and people-first culture inside a fast-moving AI company.

Recorded live from the Transform conference, Sarika shares Vidyard’s evolution from a startup founded by two engineers from the University of Waterloo into a globally distributed AI and video-enabled go-to-market platform. She also opens up about her unconventional career path from management consulting into HR leadership, how relationships shaped every major career move she’s made, and why authenticity matters deeply in both recruiting and leadership.

They also discuss how Vidyard approaches remote culture-building, why honesty and “talent repellence” are critical in hiring, and how AI is forcing organizations to completely rethink performance management, compensation, and the future of work.

What you’ll learn:

• What Vidyard does and how it uses AI and video to support sales, marketing, and customer engagement
• How Sarika Lamont transitioned from federal consulting into HR and tech leadership
• Why every major career opportunity Sarika has landed came through relationships and referrals
• How Vidyard has maintained startup energy after 15 years in business
• What remote culture-building looks like at a globally distributed company
• Why transparency and authenticity matter during the hiring process
• The importance of “talent repellence” alongside talent attraction
• How Vidyard supports employee wellbeing and encourages real time off
• Why Gen Z is reshaping leadership, performance management, and compensation
• How AI is changing the future of work — and the types of employees who thrive in that environment
• What types of roles Vidyard is actively hiring for

Vidyard Highlights:

• Headquarters: Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
• Team Size: ~120 employees
• Industry: AI / Video Technology / Go-To-Market Software
• Founded: Approximately 15 years ago
• Workforce Style: Remote-first and globally distributed
• Employee Nickname: “Vidyardians”
• Culture: Collaborative, transparent, adaptable, community-oriented, startup-minded
• Major Hiring Areas: Go-to-market teams, engineering, AI-focused roles, digital customer success, AI automation

Unique Perks & Programs:

• Flexible PTO policy with strong encouragement to actually take time off
• Company-wide holiday shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s
• Charitable donation matching program
• Ability to donate unused professional development funds to charities
• Tree planting initiatives tied to employee work anniversaries
• Strong emphasis on employee authenticity and transparency
• Remote-first culture intentionally designed around collaboration and connection
• Leadership philosophy centered on adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning
• Heavy investment in AI-forward tools, systems, and workforce development
• Deep commitment to supporting the Canadian tech ecosystem and emerging founders

To learn more about Vidyard:

Careers Page (They're hiring!)
LinkedIn Page
Sarika's LinkedIn