The Bridge, Not the Barrier: WorkJam CMO Louise Clements on Scaling a Global Brand and Prioritizing Human Connection

At Business Today’s 50th International Conference, Louise Clements, Chief Marketing Officer at WorkJam, shared her unique insights into scaling a global company, leveraging technology responsibly, and fostering meaningful workplace connections. Her candid discussion highlighted WorkJam’s mission to revolutionize the frontline workforce while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human connection in the digital age.

Clements’ career path into marketing was unconventional, starting in sales and media before a mentor identified her natural storytelling abilities. “My degree is in International Relations—completely unrelated—but my growth mindset and background in sales gave me a perfect springboard into marketing,” she said. Her journey underscores the value of transferable skills and the importance of mentors in recognizing and nurturing talent. Now leading marketing at WorkJam, a global leader in digital workplace platforms, Clements focuses on creating strategies that resonate with clients worldwide while staying true to the company’s values.

As WorkJam scaled from a startup into a global enterprise, one of Clements’ priorities was to establish core values collaboratively with employees. “Your brand is your most valuable asset besides your product,” she emphasized. These values are not just words but principles that guide decision-making. WorkJam’s team evaluates their campaigns against these values, ensuring that every email, project, and message aligns with the company’s mission.

When asked about managing creativity within her small marketing team, Clements revealed her strategy: “I rent the best brains. By collaborating with top-tier PR and branding agencies and treating them as part of the team, we bring fresh thinking and expertise to the table.” This approach allows WorkJam to punch above its weight in delivering innovative and impactful marketing campaigns.

Clements described a fundamental shift underway in the world of frontline work. As compliance requirements increase globally and economic pressures drive the need for greater productivity, organizations must adopt digital solutions to stay competitive. “We’re entering a digital revolution for frontline workers,” she said.

WorkJam addresses these trends by equipping companies with tools like AI-driven chatbots and shift-swapping automation, making life easier for managers and employees alike. However, Clements was quick to caution against over-reliance on AI: “Technology should connect the employee experience to the customer experience. AI can play a role, but people do business with people. That fundamental truth isn’t going to change.”

She highlighted WorkJam’s focus on creating a feedback-to-action loop (EX to CX loop), where customer feedback is transformed into actionable tasks for employees. “Technology should create moments of mentorship, not replace them,” she added, emphasizing the importance of human interaction in fostering workplace growth and satisfaction.

As AI and machine learning become ubiquitous, Clements stressed that not every problem requires a technological solution. “Your generation doesn’t want to be trained; you want to be mentored,” she said, acknowledging a shift in workforce expectations. WorkJam’s mission is to enable this mentorship by simplifying communication and fostering meaningful connections between managers and employees.

Clements believes that while technology can enhance efficiency, it cannot replicate the empathy and care provided by great leadership. She hopes that WorkJam continues to create mentorship opportunities, making employees feel valued and supported.

Reflecting on her career, Clements shared valuable advice for students and young professionals: “I wish I’d studied sociology or anthropology. The more technical we become, the more important it is to understand people.” She emphasized the importance of blending technical expertise with a deep understanding of human behavior to navigate the complexities of today’s workforce.

For Clements, there’s no point in dwelling on regrets. Instead, she focuses on leveraging her experiences to lead with empathy and innovation. Clements’ leadership at WorkJam exemplifies the balance between embracing digital transformation and prioritizing human connection. By fostering a culture of creativity and values-driven decision-making, she has helped WorkJam become a global leader in frontline workforce solutions.

Her insights at the Business Today International Conference left a lasting impression, offering a blueprint for how companies can scale responsibly while staying true to their mission. For Clements, the key to success lies in making technology a bridge, not a barrier, to meaningful human interaction.