FormAssembly Teammate Highlight: Joey Owens-Barham

It’s time for another FormAssembly Teammate Highlight! Throughout this series so far, we’ve introduced and learned more about several members of the FormAssembly team. For this highlight, we’re getting to know Joey Owens-Barham, Director of Talent and Culture at FormAssembly.

Name: Joey Owens-Barham
Title: Director of Talent and Culture
FormAssembly Start Date: May 2019

1. What interested you about FormAssembly in the first place?

I was really yearning to join another fully remote company in high growth mode—one that was passionate and really invested in making the best “thing” that they could. I really found that with FormAssembly! The passion and moxie we have for our form builder is inspiring, and it makes my job even more rewarding and amazing.

2. What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I love all of the conversations I get to have every day and all that I learn about the people that work here—from their children, to their pets, vacations, and favorite hobbies, and what they like to cook for dinner. We have a really diverse and positive workforce, and every day I get to learn more about them and have a better understanding of how to help them do what they love to do best.

3. What excites you most about your position and growth opportunities at FormAssembly?

FormAssembly is in a really exciting phase of growth right now across the board with new positions and company needs evolving consistently. That is really blowing the box wide open in terms of where people can evolve their careers here. I see so many avenues for impact across the board across all of the teams, and that is really exciting!

4. What unique qualities do you bring to the FormAssembly team?

I like to think of myself as sort of a “rebel HR leader.” Instead of being considered only a gatekeeper, I work more as a guide to safely explore new territories within the employee experience at FormAssembly. Growing up, I always had the mindset that if a rule didn’t make sense, then it wasn’t a “real” rule and therefore was optional. When there is a liability or a restriction that exists for a purpose, my goal is to make sure that there are no questions and that everyone understands the reason for why those rules exist. But, those rules can easily coexist with fun and amazing coworking experiences!

5. What are some of your favorite activities outside of work?

I love cooking and exploring new cuisines at home. Books are huge—my favorite author is Neil Gaiman. I’m also passionate about animal and child welfare; I have a big heart for those that need protecting. I also have a little boy, so my weekends are really driven by whatever sporting thing he’s off to, or fun local activities that we can plan with his group of friends and their parents.

6. What’s something not a lot of people know about you?

My husband and I were once extras in a music video for the song “Big Bright World” by the rock band Garbage. You can see us swimming in formal wear for about a fraction of a second near the end of the video!

7. Who was your role model/hero as a child? Why?

I think I have always been inspired by the risk takers—those that put themselves out there regardless of public opinion and strive for the greater good. They’re selfless and giving, and they live and breathe to create a better world for everyone around them. As a kid, I never really put a face or a person to these traits, but I often sought them out in the people around me.

8. What’s your spirit animal? Why?

I think a wolf, perhaps. They seem cool, they can handle things, get the job done, and then move along with the pack.

Want to learn about more members of the FormAssembly team? Meet Seychelle Brown, Sales Development Representative in our previous Teammate Highlight, or visit our team page to find out more about our company culture.