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When Donna Stephenson joined Simms & Associates nearly three years ago, the company was experiencing an exciting period of rapid growth. While the business was expanding quickly, it wasn’t the growth alone that convinced her to join—it was the people.
Starting as Practice Manager, Donna was drawn to a culture built on trust, strong relationships and a shared ambition. During the interview process, she recognised a company where people were encouraged to take ownership and contribute beyond their individual roles.
“I could see the opportunity not only to grow professionally myself, but also to be part of building a company that genuinely valued its people.”
Growing alongside the business
From her first few weeks, Donna noticed the energy and commitment of the team. Regardless of how long people had been with the company, everyone shared the same enthusiasm for helping the business succeed.
Since then, Simms and Associates has nearly doubled in size, expanded globally and introduced new structures to support its growth. Yet, for Donna, the company’s core culture has remained unchanged.
“What impressed me most is that we’ve grown without losing the qualities that made the company special.”
She credits Amanda Simms’ leadership for creating a workplace where trust, collaboration and people remain at the centre of every decision.
Stepping into something new
Fourteen months after joining, Donna transitioned into her current role as Executive Vice President of People & Culture—a move that pushed her outside her comfort zone.
Although she had always led teams, this was her first dedicated people-focused leadership role. It challenged her to think differently, develop new skills and embrace uncertainty.
Supporting employees across a growing global organisation reinforced an important lesson: successful businesses aren’t built by commercial decisions alone, but by creating environments where people can do their best work.
A culture built on trust
Ask Donna what defines Simms & Associates, and her answer is simple: trust.
People are trusted to take ownership, share ideas and make an impact, regardless of their role. Alongside that trust is a culture of collaboration, where colleagues genuinely support one another.
“People care about the success of the business, but they also care about each other.”
Donna also values the diversity of the global team, believing different cultures and perspectives strengthen both the workplace and the way Simms supports its customers.
Looking ahead
As Simms and Associates celebrates its tenth birthday, Donna is excited about continuing to invest in people and helping them reach their potential.
She believes the company’s greatest strength has always been its people, and that its culture of trust and collaboration will continue to guide the next chapter.
“I’m excited about the next chapter, how we grow, how we shape it, and how the people that we have in this business today will help us shape that and move forward.”
For Donna, the story of Simms & Associates has never been solely about business growth. It’s always been about creating an environment where people are trusted, supported and given every opportunity to succeed.