Bestofus Festivus 2024
A festive drumroll, please! In this eighth year of Bestofus Festivus celebrations, we have been celebrating all month by giving those we’re thankful for the recognition they deserve. Now, it’s time to dance around the Festivus pole and announce the Bestofus.
Pop those holiday crackers, everyone, because we are heading to the UK to celebrate this year’s Bestofus: the incredible Seamus Okane!
Ho-ho-ho, who is Seamus? Many might know him from our blog series, People of ModSquad, but around here we know him as our friendly neighborhood People Ops Director. People, as the name of his department suggests, are his passion, and he’s made a career out of putting others first. He’s always ready to swing into action to handle anything our Mods may need and ensure they’re set up for success.
This is the dream that Seamus signed up for. He wanted to find somewhere with an amazing work culture. Somewhere that valued work-life balance. Somewhere diverse, inclusive, and special. Now, not only has he found that, but as the Director of People Ops he can help shape exactly what that means for others.
So, what is Seamus like outside of work? Well, he’s a proud Derry native with a passion for theater. The vibrant thespian scene is perfect for someone like Seamus, who has been known to binge four shows over two days. While he loves watching performances, he rarely puts one on himself. He jokes he is the last person on the dance floor. But, on the rare occasion that he is given just the right mixture of encouragement, it’s almost impossible to get him off of it.
Here is what Seamus’ colleagues have to say about his Bestofus nomination:
Seamus is a delight to work with! He is very collaborative, and my team and I thoroughly enjoy working with him on initiatives that cross our departments. He is able to see things from others’ perspectives, is always willing to listen, and brings a positive attitude to meetings. I am grateful to have him as a coworker and internal business partner!
Seamus is an exceptional collaboration partner, consistently bringing creativity, insight, and a supportive attitude to every project. His efforts were instrumental in improving our new employee orientation, ensuring a seamless and engaging onboarding experience for everyone.
Seamus ALWAYS goes the extra mile to help others. He is super collaborative, supportive, communicates well, and is solutions-oriented. Seamus is always striving to improve the business and equip our staff to be the best they can be.
Seamus has been nominated every year for the past 4 years for good reason. He is always willing to help, never needs to be given direction, and provides a positive experience to everyone he interacts with. Workday, Performance Mgmt, MPH, MUK, MCR - the amount of work he's been able to do with the teams to ensure smooth relations across the globe has been great!
Seamus embodies the ModSquad spirit, consistently going above and beyond with positivity, team leadership, and a commitment to excellence. Whether mentoring, resolving challenges, or celebrating milestones, he fosters a collaborative and supportive environment. Seamus leads by example, contributing to team dynamics, social media engagement, and events that connect colleagues across departments. His passion for people, innovative ideas, and unwavering support have made a lasting impact, making ModSquad a better place for everyone.
Seamus is a bright light at ModSquad. There isn’t a task too big or too small for him to take on, and he works overtime to ensure every single person at ModSquad is heard. From his constant cheer, to his hardworking attitude, Seamus embodies the Bestofus Festivus spirit with ease and a smile.
I believe one of the attributes of being the Bestofus, is that regardless of who your audience is, how challenging a project is, how many moons you’ve worked here or how many directions you get pulled in, you present a certain caliber of character consistent in each of those environments. I think Seamus is our guy. He is the same through and through: reliable, tactful, dedicated, and loyal. When you work with Seamus, the success rate of your collaboration is exponentially increased. He is able to make things happen and get things done. He leads from the front with strategy, innovation, and vision, and he will come alongside to offer direction, advice, support, or resources: all things we crave in a leader and colleague.
Bestofus Festivus 2024
By Izzy Neis
It’s the 23rd of December
and Ashley said to me, “It’s time to celebrate our nom-in-ee”
Let the Festivus horn bellow
As we cheer our Bestofus fellow For he is mighty worthy, THIS we can agree
Let’s take a trip down memory lane
Recognizing Seamus Okane
For more than this year’s human resourcery
Sure, he’s a wizard with his staff
Making his team of good people laugh
Through his charming talent with camaraderie
Yet in every task, his care reveals
Supportive strength and healing zeal
Influencing ModSquad with upmost quality
Every challenge, he helps folks rise
Meeting goals and unpacking sighs
Highlighting strengths and opportunity
For we welcome all walks of life
Digitally connected from Capetown to Fyfe
Ní neart go cur le chéile (There’s strength in unity.)
For these reasons and many, many more
Seamus, we truly do adore
Your leadership, kindness, and curiosity
Please join me in Bestofus Festivus cheer,
Echoing Seamus’s contributions this year
As we share gratitude for his part in our community.
Congratulations are due,
Seamus, we are so thankful for you,
Happy Holidays and All the Best to Ye!
Le gach dea-ghuí!!
