Employee Spotlight Series: Q&A with  Charlotte Tanenbaum

The brains behind our brand

We are back for another edition of “The Brains Behind Our Brand,” where we highlight the exceptional individuals on our team who drive #TeamCognitiv forward.

This month, meet HR Generalist Charlotte Tanenbaum, an invaluable Human Resources team member. With a passion for fostering a supportive and efficient workplace, she oversees the entire employee life cycle—from onboarding to development processes and retention—and truly everything in between.

Read her spotlight below to learn more about Charlotte’s enthusiasm for her role, her tremendous contributions to our onboarding experience, and her embodiment of dedication and positivity at Cognitiv. 

Pronouns: She/Her

Role: Human Resources Generalist

Team: Human Resources

Cognitiv Tenure: 2 years

How would describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in your department? 

Working in HR, we handle everything related to an employee’s full “life” cycle at Cognitiv—which is everything from onboarding to offboarding and everything in between. Some examples of the “in-between” are employee relations (conflict resolution, performance management, employee engagement), benefits administration (enrollment support, coordination with PEO), compliance and policy development, payroll coordination and compensation management, employee record keeping, talent development (training programs, career ladder development), HR metrics and reporting using our HR dashboard and much more!

Can you share a bit about your background and how you landed at Cognitv? 

I received my Master of Arts degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology in May of 2020 when there were very few entry-level HR jobs, so I started my career in a marketing role but I knew that I still wanted to pursue HR when the job market was looking better. I applied in April 2022 for the Human Resources and Recruitment Coordinator position and reached out directly to my now manager, Jason Pellegrino, on LinkedIn, he responded to schedule a phone screening and then moved into the interview process, and the rest is history! I am forever grateful to him for taking a chance on me because I did not have any traditional HR or recruiting experience before working at Cognitiv. 

What aspect of Cognitiv makes you excited about working here?

I am proud of how much I have learned in the last two years working here. I feel like I have been exposed to the various tiers of human resources, and I could not have asked for a better first job in HR. I am also proud of how much we have grown as a company since being here. I have helped onboard over 60 employees, and being a part of that growth has been really fulfilling. It is also so exciting to be a part of Cognitiv at a time when we are becoming better known in the industry, and our products are constantly improving and catering to a large variety of clients. 

Can you share an accomplishment or project that you are most proud of from your time at Cognitiv? Tell us about it.

Since being here, I have helped develop many HR initiatives. But the one I am most proud of was playing an integral part in the creation of Cognitiv University, our three-day employee onboarding experience—of course, with the help of many other contributors across the entire Cognitiv team!

Who on #TeamCognitiv inspires you the most, and why?

Sarah Kahn! Sarah has two young kids at home and has a commute that is 2+ hours from the office, but she still manages to show up to work with a positive attitude and contributes largely to our welcoming and supportive culture at Cognitiv. She is also incredible at what she does, and thanks to her and Athena Philippas, our amazing events team, Cognitiv hosts unique, innovative, aesthetic, intentional, and beyond-memorable events. 

What advice would you give someone just starting their career in our industry?

Never stop learning. Things are always changing in this industry, and it’s important to stay informed and up to date.

Describe your ideal weekend.

In the summer, my ideal weekend is spent by a pool or beach with friends on Long Island, going out to fun dinners, taking long walks with my dog, going to my fave workout class, and catching up on my favorite TV shows. If I am in the city on a summer weekend, I love long walks along the East River with my dog and fiancé, having a picnic in Central Park with friends and trying a new restaurant, or going to a fun bar. I also love to volunteer with Waldo’s Rescue Pen at events to get foster dogs adopted.

Let’s end with a fun fact! Tell us something unique about you – maybe your Astrology sign, a talent, your favorite vacation spot, etc. 

I am marrying my high school sweetheart this October, and we have been together since 2012!