#Duckumentary - Angela Fiocca

What did you do before your time at EDA?

I have held many roles in the function of human resources during my 20+ year career from a recruiting assistant, a HR assistant to a recruiter and a systems analyst working my way into generalist and manager roles. I have worked in partnership with managers and staff in the healthcare, facilities, plant operations and corrections industries supporting all facets of the business. Most recently, I was with Jefferson Health supporting the teams through the pandemic and the changing needs of the healthcare industry.

My goal is simple: to understand and support the business model and partner with all levels of people within an organization with a continuous focus on achievement of the business goals. Our people are at the core of our company, so taking care of our people is the priority no matter what your role is.

Can you briefly explain what you do at EDA?

As a leader of People & Culture, my role is to partner with people and people leaders to achieve their business and teams’ goals and objectives. I will support in all efforts related to employees and managers alike. This can include activities in recruiting, onboarding, development, pay, benefits and performance management.  We will continue to be immersed in our culture and ensure we create safe spaces for our team members to be who they are and achieve their personal and professional goals here at EDA.

What are some things that most people don't know about you?

Most people do not know that my first language was Italian. My parents immigrated from Italy to the U.S., specifically to Philadelphia in 1974. I was born in Philadelphia, but I learned to speak Italian as my first language and I learned English from the children in the neighborhood and from my older brother who was learning it at school.   In 2019, I was fortunate enough to bring my three children to visit my parents’ hometown in Italy for their first time where they got to practice their Italian. It was their first language as well. My children spent their early years’ with their grandparents and were only spoken to in Italian!

What are your communication and decision-making styles?

My communication style can be described as interactive and informative. Like many of us, I am in what feels like a constant state of ‘communicating.’ Avenues for communications include verbal, written, listening, texts, emails and many other forms. I like to interact when communicating because there is the opportunity to exchange ideas and information. Feedback is an important part of communicating so be prepared to actively listen and receive feedback.

My decision-making style can be described as collaborative, but often times, definitive as well. I hate to say ‘It depends,’ but decisions can depend on the situation. Making effective decisions includes gathering data, identifying facts and creating reason where there may not seem to be reason. I am flexible and agile in my role, but strive to make effective and informed decisions. We have many opportunities to collaborate to ensure we have reached an appropriate level of engagement when coming to a decision.

What is your favorite EDA value, and why?

My favorite EDA value is Exceed Expectations. I believe it is important to set expectations in most any relationship and scenario in my professional and personal life. Setting reasonable expectations allows both parties, or anyone involved, to be on the same page and greatly improves communication. It creates a baseline for how we anticipate the relationship or work may go and makes it safe for you to discuss any issue that may arise. Once expectations are set, always strive to meet them, but exceeding one’s expectations is key and drives to longer lasting and deeper relationships. Checking in along the way is helpful. As partnerships are created and continue to evolve, this allows for safe space to re-calibrate and re-set expectations as needed.   Always strive to improve the communications and exceed expectations.