Nicci Spjut
Head, Human Resources | Frazil
Nicci Spjut has transformed Frazil’s approach to employee development through innovative feedback systems that foster genuine connections between leaders and their teams. Her strategic initiatives have not only enhanced performance management but fundamentally reshaped workplace culture.
When tasked with redesigning the company’s performance review process, Nicci saw an opportunity to create something more meaningful — a comprehensive feedback ecosystem that would support continuous growth and transparent communication. This vision materialized through a manager training program and a full-scale feedback platform.
The manager training and feedback programs exemplify Nicci’s commitment to developing effective leadership and communication. Through the manager training program, Frazil hosts regular offsites, touchpoints and cohort sessions. With these, Nicci has embedded the principles of “care personally” and “challenge directly” throughout the organization. The feedback program provides regular check-ins for employees and structured review systems.
The results speak volumes: In the first 10 months of implementation, Frazil achieved a remarkable 94 percent completion rate for weekly check-ins, with 95 percent of check-ins receiving leader reviews or comments — totaling 3,982 check-ins. This system facilitated 6,975 recognition comments between team members in 2024, creating a culture where accomplishments are celebrated.
Beyond culture-building, Nicci demonstrates exceptional business acumen through strategic initiatives like restructuring Frazil’s benefits approach. Recognizing that Frazil’s existing program wasn’t serving its increasingly distributed workforce effectively, she developed a hybrid solution that better supports employees across 18 states while generating significant cost savings — projected at millions of dollars over five years.
The impact of Nicci’s work extends beyond metrics to meaningful cultural change. By establishing systems where feedback flows naturally and continuously, Nicci has created an environment where high performance isn’t just expected — it’s systematically cultivated through genuine human connection and transparent communication.
