We recently sat down with Thunder Chief People Officer, Eryn McHugh, to learn a little more about our ultimate people person. Here’s what she had to say!

Q. Eryn, tell us a little bit about your role at Thunder.

I joined Thunder as Head of Talent in October 2021, initially to build out our recruiting function. Over time, my role expanded as our team grew, and now, as Chief People Officer, I work with our leadership team to build and maintain a culture that strives to balance the needs of a growing business and take our people into account.

My team focuses on hiring, engagement, and the experience of our team members throughout their journey here. We also prioritize creating a transparent, growth-oriented environment, which includes everything from building strong and equitable compensation structures to ensuring that our leaders have the resources to foster a healthy and supportive team culture.

Q. What made you want to join the Thundercats?

I was drawn to Thunder because it offered the chance to shape an all-remote, people-centric company from the ground up. Joining as a key player in a young company meant I could bring big ideas and see them in action, especially around employee experience and team cohesion, which are huge drivers for me. Plus, the leadership team was fully committed to building a culture where people truly thrive and have the space to grow professionally and personally.

Q. You’ve been in the people biz a long time, much of it spent in talent acquisition and employer branding. How has your past experience prepared you for being the people leader at Thunder?

My background in talent acquisition and employer branding taught me a lot about the importance of a company’s reputation, both internally and externally. Understanding what drives people to join a company—and what keeps them engaged—has been instrumental in my approach to creating Thunder’s people strategies. It’s about alignment between what we promise candidates and what we deliver as an employer. These experiences gave me insight into how we can attract the right people and ensure they feel supported, valued, and excited to be part of the team.

Q. Culture is a huge part of everyday life at Thunder, and you pride yourself on prioritizing employee wellbeing over everything else. Can you speak to that a bit?

Absolutely. Thunder was founded on the idea that our people are our greatest asset, and we take that to heart every day. Candidly, it’s a constant balance at the size and stage we’re in as a company, but we look for ways in all our people practices to create a work environment that respects boundaries, supports mental health, and encourages personal growth.

Whether through flexible work arrangements, open communication channels, or fostering a culture of appreciation and support, we’re committed to making Thunder a place where people feel balanced and valued. This isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s a priority that shapes our policies, leadership style, and how we work to support our team members.

Q. Not only are you in the people care business inside Thunder walls, you are in the people entertainment business outside! A little birdie told us you are quite the songbird. Where can we hear those beautiful pipes?

Yes, it’s true! When I’m not in the trenches with our Thundercats, I’m making music as MUNITIONS. You can find my songs on Spotify, Apple Music, and all streaming platforms. Music is a huge part of my life outside of work – though the life of a start-up doesn’t allow for a lot of studio time! – and it’s an outlet that keeps me grounded and inspired.

Q. Last one! As a leader at Thunder, what are you most excited about in the near future for the rapidly growing company?

I’m excited about Thunder’s potential to lead in the Salesforce consulting space while staying true to our values. The team we’re building here is incredibly talented and passionate, and we’re poised for some big growth. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow our team thoughtfully and intentionally, building a company where people want to stay for the long haul. It’s going to continue to be an exciting journey, and I feel lucky and grateful to be part of the ride.