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Sonja Smith
Director of Human Resources at Umbra
Professional Background
Sonja Smith is a seasoned Human Resources executive with extensive experience in various aspects of people management and organizational development. Currently serving as the Director of Human Resources at Umbra, Sonja has made significant contributions to the field of Human Resources (HR) throughout her impressive career. With a strong foundation in both practical HR management and strategic planning, she has been instrumental in shaping human resource policies that align with organizational goals, ultimately fostering talent and driving growth in the companies she has served.
Prior to her current role at Umbra, Sonja held several key positions at American Riviera Bank (ARBV), where she progressed from Vice President and Human Resources Director to Senior Vice President and Senior Human Resources Director. Her tenure at ARBV is noted for her strategic leadership during periods of organizational change and for her ability to enhance employee engagement through targeted programs and initiatives.
Sonja also contributed significantly to the expansion of people and culture initiatives at Invoca, where she served in several capacities including Director of People & Culture and Senior Manager of People & Culture. Under her guidance, Invoca made remarkable strides in developing a workplace culture that emphasized both individual growth and collective success.
In addition to her corporate roles, Sonja has displayed a commitment to the Human Resources community by actively participating in local HR associations. As Co-Chair of Professional Development at the Santa Barbara HR Association (SBHRA), she played a crucial role in fostering professional growth among HR practitioners and continually elevated the importance of ongoing education in this field.
Education and Achievements
Sonja's educational background provides a robust framework for her successful career in Human Resources. She pursued her studies in Social Behaviour and Sociology at Guildford College of Technology in Guildford, which has endowed her with a deep understanding of interpersonal dynamics and organizational behavior. Additionally, she completed her CSE in English, Maths, German, Sociology, and Ceramics at Sondes Place School, cultivating a diverse skill set beyond HR.
Further demonstrating her commitment to professional development, Sonja studied Personnel Management at Coventry University, where she earned a Merit in the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). She also obtained a Certificate in Personnel Practice at Sutton Coldfield College, reinforcing her credentials in HR management. Her educational pursuits also include studies at Redhill College of Technology, reflecting her dedication to continuous learning.
Sonja's academic achievements and various certifications have greatly contributed to her expertise in strategic HR management and people development. In her roles, she has successfully implemented programs to improve employee satisfaction, streamline recruitment processes, and develop talent pipelines for future organizational leaders.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Sonja Smith has achieved numerous milestones that highlight her effectiveness as an HR leader. Her stint with Citrix as a Talent Acquisition Specialist, HR Generalist, and Recruiting Coordinator provided her with a foundation in effective recruitment strategies and employee onboarding processes. Sonja's understanding of the intersection between talent acquisition and organizational culture has been a hallmark of her success in the HR field.
As the former Owner of SLS Virtual Assistance, Sonja demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to providing exceptional service tailored to client needs. This experience has although expanded her perspectives on business operations and the diverse needs of different industries. As Assistant to Directors at both Board Evaluation Limited and Active Executive Recruitment Limited, her administrative talents further showcased her ability to manage executives effectively, ensuring organizational efficiency.
In her various HR roles, Sonja has consistently worked toward bridging the gap between management and employees, striving to create a cohesive and supportive work environment. Her experience as an HR Officer at Mobile Care Services and Human Resources Officer/PA to Chief Executive & Finance Director at Network Group Holdings Plc has equipped her with comprehensive insights into both operational and strategic HR functionalities.
Sonja’s progressive career demonstrates not only her expertise in HR practices and policies but also her commitment to fostering an inclusive and productive workplace atmosphere. Her association with various firms reflects a blend of administrative prowess and strategic foresight essential for leading HR functions in today’s dynamic business environment.
Sonja Smith remains a respected figure in the HR community, recognized for her commitment to professional development and ethical HR practices. Her journey continues to inspire many, highlighting the importance of strategic human resources in achieving organizational excellence.
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Clay offers tiered pricing options to suit different needs. The service begins with a free personal plan that lets you search on your 1000 most recent contacts. Clay offers a Pro Plan ($10 when billed annually) with unlimited contacts. Clay for Teams starts at $49/month/seat. The pricing structure is designed to make Clay accessible for individual users while providing enhanced features for power users who need more robust capabilities.
Yes, Clay offers extensive integration capabilities. Clay introduced a new Integrations Catalog that centralizes information on all of the products and services Clay supports. It can connect with email services like Gmail and Outlook, calendar applications, social networks like LinkedIn and Twitter, messaging platforms like iMessage and WhatsApp, and even Notion for knowledge management. Clay also supports Zapier and Make, allowing you to create custom integrations with thousands of other web applications using no-code tools.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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