At Pearl, we often talk about how values are lived, not just listed. Few people embody that belief as fully as Catherine Naughton, our Director of People & Recruiting. From redefining our core values to helping teammates grow into new roles, Catherine has been instrumental in shaping Pearl’s evolving culture over the past two years. We sat down with her to hear how she thinks about people, purpose, and professional development — and what it takes to create a company where people feel both challenged and supported.
What do you do at Pearl? How do you describe your role to friends or family?
I’m the Director of People and Recruiting, which means everything “people” runs through my team. That can be as small as putting together engagement events or as big as shaping our company values and building a culture where people are motivated and supported to do their best work.
When I talk to my grandma, I keep it simple: I make sure people at my company are happy, motivated, and able to do great work.
How did you end up at Pearl, and what drew you in?
I had been in HR roles before and was looking for something where I could make more of an impact. I came across Pearl and was immediately interested — not just in the mission, but also in the fact that it felt like a place where I could really help shape something. The opportunity to help build a people-first culture from the ground up is what sold me.
What stood out to you during the interview process that proved true once you joined?
I was impressed by how thoughtful the interview process was. I met with people across teams and departments, and it didn’t feel like a box-checking exercise — it felt personal. I also noticed the number of women in leadership positions. That really stood out, and it’s something that has continued to hold true.
You helped lead the recent work on redefining Pearl’s values. Why did that feel important?
We had a long list of values — maybe eight or more — that were created when Pearl first started. But the company had grown and changed, and those values didn’t reflect who we had become. So we set out to build something new, starting with input from employees. The result was three core values that are not only more memorable but more meaningful, and we’re integrating them into everything from performance reviews to hiring.
What does it mean to make values “live” in a company?
We want people to be able to see and name examples of our values in action. One of our new values is “Trust Through Transparency,” and that’s something we see every day — from how leadership communicates, to how our teams talk with partners. Values should be a north star, not just a slogan printed on some poster on the wall.
How do you see your role contributing to building the best team possible?
We try to be really intentional about hiring. It’s not just “fill this role.” We work with hiring managers to get really clear on what the team needs and what attributes will actually drive success. From there, we build a process to assess that — using a mix of interviews, presentations, case studies, and feedback from multiple perspectives.
What’s the “OYSTER” program, and how does it connect to your work?
OYSTER stands for “Own Your Success Through Empowerment and Resources.” It’s our internal professional development framework. We created it to encourage people to think proactively about their growth — what excites them, what drains them, what they want to do more of — and to have structured, meaningful conversations with their managers about how to move forward.
Why is that focus on growth and internal mobility so important?
At a startup like Pearl, we may not have a perfectly linear career ladder for every role. But we do have opportunities. Whether it’s title growth, a lateral move, or simply taking on new challenges, we want people to feel like they can evolve here. That keeps people engaged — and helps us retain great talent.
What’s your favorite part of working at Pearl?
The opportunity. We’re big enough to have structure and momentum, but still small enough that there’s room to make your mark. If you see an opportunity and want to own it, you often can. It’s empowering to know you can help shape the future here.
What makes you excited about Pearl’s future?
We’re just getting started. The work we’re doing has the potential to impact the entire healthcare industry — not just within value-based care, but in how we support physicians and patients more broadly. That’s incredibly motivating.
Catherine’s work may take place behind the scenes, but its impact is felt everywhere — from how people are hired and supported to how Pearl defines and lives its values. Her thoughtful, systems-driven approach reflects the company’s broader belief that investing in people is the best way to build a strong, enduring culture. As Pearl continues to grow, Catherine’s work will help anchor our growth in finding that purpose, understanding the possibilities, and enabling proactive support.
Interested in joining the Pearl team? We’re currently hiring across various departments and roles. Check out opportunities on our Careers Page.
