FSB/Winning Workplaces Best Bosses 2003

Honored Leader: Rosemary Jordano, President and CEO
Company Name: ChildrenFirst, Inc.
Location: Boston, Mass.

Nature of Business: Provider of corporate-sponsored backup childcare.
Founded: 1993
Revenue: $11-25 million
Growth Rate (2002): 11 percent
Number of Employees: 350 employees
Average Tenure: 2 years

Key Workplace Traits and Programs:

• New employee orientation
• Open-book management
• Employee opinion surveys
• Accessible leader
• Stock options
• Employee recognition programs
• In-house training programs
• Career counseling
• Tuition assistance
• Cross-training
• Company social events
• Cross-department collaboration

Jordano on leadership: "Lead with the heart. The rational side needs to be present, but the leader has to inspire. A leader defines the reality of those they lead."

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