Humblebee LLC

'Bee'ing Thoughtful in Consulting

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Authors

Rosalie Walton

Rosalie Walton

Jacqueline DeVuono

Jacqueline DeVuono

Ana Faguy

Ana Faguy

James Hammerstedt

James Hammerstedt

Megan Baker

Megan Baker

School

Saint Joseph's University

Saint Joseph's University

Professor

Ron Dufresne

Ron Dufresne

Global Goals

5. Gender Equality 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth 10. Reduced Inequalities 16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Flourish Prize Honoree - For Business as an Agent of World Benefit - Weatherhead School of Management

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Summary

Humblebee LLC is a consulting business based in Philadelphia, PA focused on bringing improv practices and psychological positivity into the business world. In a culture with a strong commitment to work-life balance, their transformative services strive to design professional environments that promote equity and reduce structural inequalities.

Founding member, Emily, strives to meet these goals primarily through proper employee treatment. With growth, Humblebee plans to be an innovative company where employees receive comparable wages and a comfortable, welcoming environment. Humblebee prides itself on reducing inequalities on all levels of business.

Innovation

Humblebee is dedicated to working with progressive businesses that have an aim toward social justice in some fashion. Founding partner and sole employee, Emily Wyner, only selects projects which align with the company's overall mission. Due to these standards, Humblebee is not in the business to to grow for growth's sake, unlike other consulting businesses which may work to maximize profit.

Emily believes Humblebee will exist for as long as people will find her services useful and necessary. She is humble enough to admit that they are "not what [one] would call expert consultants. We show up without pretending to be an expert on any one topic or organization." Instead, they integrate different models of decision-making into their consultation to empower people so they are able to sustainably run their businesses long after Humblebee's services end.

'Bee'ing Thoughtful in Consulting

Inspiration

Inspiration for Humblebee came from previous business experiences with "useless consultations," as Emily put it. She noticed that many of these third-party consultants would come in claiming expertise in one area and be very out of touch with the business at hand. After these experiences, she realized there was a necessity in this field for a service which actually listened and crafted thoughtful recommendations from what they gathered in their consultation. These negative experiences paved the way for Humblebee's open-minded and flexible services tailored to local, mission-driven businesses.

Overall impact

Within the short time Humblebee's services have been offered, Emily has already seen a wave of positive impact. The consultations give existing businesses fresh, personalized and mission-driven eyes on their projects and operations at hand. One testimony on the website reads that as a result of Humblebee's services, "the team was able to develop a stronger sense of collaboration and break down some barriers. [Emily's] interactive and dynamic facilitation helped the group to take risks and explore new experiences.” By creating a sense of trust within a business, authentic relationships will be formed as a result, thus impacting positive and transparent communication in the long run.

Business benefit

Within the short time Humblebee's services have been offered, Emily has already seen a wave of positive impact. The consultations give existing businesses fresh, personalized and mission-driven eyes on their projects and operations at hand. One testimony on the website reads that as a result of Humblebee's services, "the team was able to develop a stronger sense of collaboration and break down some barriers. [Emily's] interactive and dynamic facilitation helped the group to take risks and explore new experiences.” By creating a sense of trust within a business, authentic relationships will be formed as a result, thus impacting positive and transparent communication in the long run.

Social and environmental benefit

In general, according to Emily, Humblebee's services "fundamentally encourage leaders to be slow and intentional." She reflected on the current height of neoliberalism and capitalism in the country, and believes now more than ever, intentionality is essential. By instilling these beliefs of within her clients' organizations, radical change can be made without it seeming rushed or abrupt. She understands that each business is different, and with those differences she is able to meet them where they are. Whether it is consulting for environmental impact, positive psychology, meeting facilitation, etc., Humblebee's services are tailored to the business' needs at hand.

Interview

Emily Wyner, Founding Partner

Photo of interviewee

Business information

Humblebee LLC

Humblebee LLC

Philadelphia, PA, US
Business Website: https://www.humblebee.network/
Year Founded: 2017
Number of Employees: 2 to 10

Humblebee is a network of organization development, positive psychology, and applied improv practitioners committed to bringing a playful approach to the work we take seriously: creating and sustaining a more just world.