The Empowerists - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

The Empowerists is a dynamic organization that empowers people, businesses, and clients through a diverse portfolio of technology solutions and management consulting services. Founded in 2003 as Diabsolut Inc. by Joe Diab, the company has significantly evolved, expanding its offerings from a ClickSoftware reseller to a multi-faceted entity in the enterprise software and human resources industries. Its core mission is to create an environment of growth, challenge, and unlimited potential, built upon fundamental values of collaboration, support, and advocacy for its customers. The Empowerists' significance lies in its ability to offer specialized business consulting, advanced technology solutions like Salesforce and Certinia implementations, and proprietary HR technology, helping clients achieve digital transformation and optimize human capital management.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

The primary business objectives of The Empowerists include:

• Empowering Growth: Fostering an environment of growth and unlimited potential for individuals and businesses.

• Client Advocacy: Providing high-quality support and innovative technology solutions that uphold strong foundational values of collaboration and advocacy for customers.

• Digital Transformation Enablement: Helping organizations navigate digital transformation through specialized consulting and technology implementations.

• Optimized Workforce Management: Delivering efficient and streamlined human resource solutions to enhance productivity and talent management.

Specialization Areas

The Empowerists specializes in several key areas through its distinct business units:

• Salesforce and Certinia Consulting: Through Diabsolut, a Salesforce Summit Partner, the company offers expertise in Service, Field Service, Asset Management, Revenue, CPQ & Billing, Higher Education, and Talent Management Solutions, specifically with Salesforce and Certinia (formerly FinancialForce) platforms.

• Strategic Change Management: Watershed CI focuses on strategic change management, people management, and initiative management to drive value through effective strategy execution.

• Cloud-based HRIS Solutions: HRWize delivers comprehensive, cloud-based Human Resource Information System (HRIS) solutions, including proprietary tools like EarnWize and Workaxle.

Target Markets

The Empowerists primarily targets organizations within the enterprise software, human resources, and broader consulting industries. They cater to businesses seeking:

• Digital transformation initiatives.

• Optimization of business processes through platforms like Salesforce.

• Efficient talent management and HR operations.

• Strategic guidance for organizational change and growth.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

The Empowerists operates as an unfunded company, having been founded in 2021 under its current name. It has not raised any external funding rounds to date. Growth has been fueled by strategic investments and acquisitions, notably the acquisitions of Foundry52 and Emelar since 2021, which have further solidified Diabsolut's commitment to the Salesforce ecosystem.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

The Empowerists' diverse portfolio includes:

• Diabsolut (Salesforce & Certinia Solutions)

• Description: As a Salesforce Summit Consulting Partner, Diabsolut implements and optimizes Salesforce and Certinia (formerly FinancialForce) solutions across various industries in North America.

• Development Stage: Fully operational and continually evolving with platform updates.

• Target Market/Condition: Addressing challenges in Service, Field Service, Asset Management, Revenue, CPQ & Billing, Higher Education, and Talent Management for enterprise clients.

• Key Features and Benefits: Deep platform expertise, tailored implementations, integration services, and ongoing support for complex business needs.

• Watershed CI (Management Consulting & Staff Augmentation)

• Description: Focuses on strategic change management, people management, and initiative management.

• Development Stage: Fully operational and actively providing services.

• Target Market/Condition: Businesses requiring strategic guidance, effective strategy execution, and additional staffing for key initiatives.

• Key Features and Benefits: Expertise in driving value through organizational change, project management, and enhancing operational efficiency through human capital.

• HRWize Platform (Cloud-based HRIS)

• Description: A scalable and secure Human Resource Information System designed to streamline numerous HR functions.

• Development Stage: Fully operational with ongoing feature enhancements.

• Target Market/Condition: Companies looking to efficiently manage HR processes, from employee data to payroll.

• Key Features and Benefits: Centralized HR data, automation of routine tasks, improved compliance, and scalability.

• EarnWize (Proprietary Salary Review Tool)

• Description: An automated tool within the HRWize ecosystem that simplifies annual salary review processes.

• Development Stage: Deployed and actively used.

• Target Market/Condition: Global teams and organizations needing to manage salary reviews across multiple currencies and track budgets.

• Key Features and Benefits: Automation of salary adjustments, multi-currency support, budget tracking, and streamlined review workflows.

• Workaxle (Enterprise Workforce Management Solution)

• Description: An enterprise-level solution for workforce management, integrated within the HRWize platform.

• Development Stage: Deployed and actively used.

• Target Market/Condition: Large organizations seeking comprehensive tools for workforce scheduling, time and attendance, and labor optimization.

• Key Features and Benefits: Enhanced operational efficiency, improved labor cost management, compliance with labor laws, and better resource allocation.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

The Empowerists leverages a robust technology stack centered around:

• Salesforce Platform: As a Salesforce Summit Consulting Partner, deep expertise in Salesforce Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Field Service Lightning, Revenue Cloud (CPQ & Billing), and various industry clouds.

• Certinia (formerly FinancialForce): Specialization in Certinia's professional services automation (PSA) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions.

• Proprietary HRWize Platform: A cloud-based Human Resource Information System developed in-house, offering secure and scalable HR functionalities.

• EarnWize and Workaxle: Proprietary applications built on the HRWize platform for automated salary reviews and enterprise workforce management, respectively.

Technical Capabilities

The company’s technical capabilities include complex system integrations, cloud solution architecture, data migration, custom application development within the Salesforce ecosystem, and full lifecycle implementation support for enterprise software. Their in-house developed HR technology demonstrates strong software development and product innovation capacity.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

• Joe Diab: CEO & Founder. Joe founded Diabsolut Inc. (now Empowerists) in 2003, leading its evolution into a diversified technology and consulting firm.

• Sally: President of HRWize. Sally spearheaded the launch of HRWize in 2016, bringing extensive experience in HR and technology.

• Parma Dutta Sharma: Chief People Officer. Parma is responsible for the company's human capital strategy, focusing on talent development and employee experience.

• Michael Riall: President, Watershed CI. Michael leads the management consulting and staff augmentation unit, guiding strategic change and initiative management.

• Mark Oleksiw: Vice President Finance. Mark oversees the financial health and strategic investments of The Empowerists.

• Abhishek Kumar: Director - Strategy & Governance. Abhishek guides the company's strategic planning and governance frameworks.

Recent Leadership Changes

There are no major recent public leadership changes beyond the structural evolution of the company's units and the recent appointments to key executive roles.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

The Empowerists has grown to over 300 employees globally and demonstrates a strong commitment to expanding its workforce. The company actively recruits for roles across sales, marketing, technology (especially Salesforce and Certinia specialists), and consulting, indicating continuous investment in its core business areas. Key roles being recruited typically include solutions architects, consultants, project managers, software developers, and sales professionals.

Company Growth Trajectory Indicators

The company's strategic acquisitions of Foundry52 and Emelar since 2021, coupled with its expansion into distinct business units (Diabsolut, HRWize, Watershed CI), indicate an aggressive growth trajectory. The emphasis on internal talent development, mentorship programs, and a dedicated People and Culture team further supports sustainable growth.

Employee Sentiment and Culture Insights

The Empowerists fosters a culture of empowerment and innovation, with a strong focus on employee well-being and professional growth. They provide ongoing training, development opportunities, flexible scheduling, and remote work options, highlighting a commitment to work-life balance. Support infrastructure includes mental health support and a Centre of Innovation, contributing to positive employee sentiment.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

The Empowerists maintains an active social media presence on platforms such as LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook.

• LinkedIn: The company uses LinkedIn extensively for corporate updates, thought leadership, recruitment, and showcasing its culture. Engagement typically includes sharing industry insights, project successes, and employee spotlights.

• The Empowerists LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/theempowerists/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/theempowerists/)

• Diabsolut LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/diabsolut/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/diabsolut/)

• HRWize LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrwize/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrwize/)

• Watershed CI LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/watershedci/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/watershedci/)

• X (Twitter): Used for quick updates, industry news, and engaging with the wider tech community.

• Facebook: Often used for broader brand awareness and community engagement.

Brand Messaging and Positioning

Their messaging consistently emphasizes "empowering people, businesses, and clients" and fostering a culture of growth and innovation. This positioning highlights their holistic approach to client success, combining technological solutions with human-centric consulting.

8. Recognition and Awards

Industry Recognition

Diabsolut, a key business unit of The Empowerists, was honored as Certinia's Partner of the Year for delivery excellence in 2022. This accolade underscores their deep expertise and strong partnership with Certinia, an enterprise software provider.

9. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

The Empowerists operates in a competitive landscape across Salesforce consulting, business consulting, and HR technology. Key competitors and alternative solutions include:

• Salesforce Consulting Services:

• Salesforce Customer Success: Salesforce's internal consulting arm provides direct implementation and optimization services.

• Accenture: A global professional services company offering a wide range of consulting and technology services, including significant Salesforce expertise.

• Other Salesforce Consulting Partners: Numerous regional and global consulting firms specialize in Salesforce implementation, such as Coastal.

• Business Consulting:

• Trilogy: Offers consulting services helping companies with sales and marketing strategies.

• EOS Solutions: Provides enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business management solutions.

• Magil Construction: A construction services provider, less directly competitive but falls under "consulting" in a broad sense.

• Other Digital Agencies & Consulting Firms: Firms like SmartSites, webdew, SmartBug Media, CIENCE, and Skydog Ops offer digital marketing, website development, and related consulting services.

• HR Technology & Software:

• beqom: Offers compensation management software.

• Hibob: Provides an HR platform for modern workplaces.

• Coveo: Specializes in AI-powered search and recommendations for employee experience.

• Vendavo: Focuses on commercial excellence solutions, including pricing and sales effectiveness.

• Indeed Flex: A platform for temporary staffing, similar to the staff augmentation services of Watershed CI.

10. Market Analysis

Market Overview

The Empowerists operates within large and growing markets:

• Enterprise Software: The market for enterprise software, particularly cloud-based solutions like Salesforce and Certinia, continues to expand rapidly. Businesses are increasingly investing in digital transformation to improve efficiency, customer experience, and data analytics.

• Human Resources Technology (HR Tech): The HR tech market is experiencing strong demand for integrated HRIS platforms, workforce management tools, and solutions that enhance employee experience and talent management.

• Management Consulting: The consulting industry remains vital for organizations seeking expert guidance on strategy, operations, technology adoption, and organizational change.

Growth Potential

The demand for specialized consulting in platforms like Salesforce and integrated HRIS is strong and projected to grow, driven by the ongoing need for digital transformation, optimized business processes, and efficient talent management. The market for strategic partnerships and collaborative alliances is also expanding as companies aim to leverage complementary strengths for mutual success.

Key Market Trends

• Cloud Adoption: Continued migration of business processes to cloud-based platforms.

• AI and Automation: Increasing integration of artificial intelligence and automation in enterprise software and HR solutions.

• Hybrid Work Models: Growing need for flexible and comprehensive workforce management solutions supporting remote and hybrid teams.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on leveraging data analytics for strategic insights in both business operations and HR.

11. Strategic Partnerships

The Empowerists actively uses strategic collaborations to enhance its market position and capabilities:

• Salesforce: As a Salesforce Summit Consulting Partner, Diabsolut maintains a close relationship with Salesforce for implementing and optimizing its platforms.

• Certinia (formerly FinancialForce): Diabsolut is a recognized partner for Certinia, even earning Certinia's Partner of the Year for delivery excellence in 2022. This partnership is crucial for their ERP and PSA service offerings.

• Acquisitions (Foundry52 and Emelar): Strategic acquisitions since 2021 have strengthened Diabsolut's commitment to and capabilities within the Salesforce ecosystem.

12. Operational Insights

The Empowerists distinguishes itself through a multi-faceted operational model that combines technology solutions with deep consulting expertise.

• Current Market Position: The company holds a strong position as a specialized Salesforce Summit Partner and a provider of comprehensive HR technology and management consulting.

• Competitive Advantages:

• Diversified Portfolio: Offering a broad spectrum of services through Diabsolut (Salesforce/Certinia), HRWize (proprietary HR tech), and Watershed CI (management consulting).

• Deep Platform Expertise: Specialized knowledge in Salesforce and Certinia, recognized by Certinia's Partner of the Year award.

• Proprietary HR Technology: Unique HRWize platform with tools like EarnWize and Workaxle provides a distinct offering in the HR tech space.

• Culture of Empowerment: Strong emphasis on employee investment, development, and work-life balance helps attract and retain top talent.

• Operational Strengths: Agile response to market needs, strong client advocacy, robust internal infrastructure for employee support and development, and a focus on measurable business outcomes.

• Areas for Improvement: As an unfunded company, continued growth relies on strategic investments and maintaining profitability to fuel expansion without external capital.

13. Future Outlook

Strategic Roadmap

The Empowerists is strategically positioned for continued growth and innovation. Their future initiatives are likely to include:

• Enhanced Salesforce & Certinia Expertise: Further strengthening their capabilities and market share within the Salesforce and Certinia ecosystems, potentially through additional strategic acquisitions or deeper niche specializations.

• HRWize Platform Innovation: Continuous development and introduction of new features and tools within the HRWize platform, such as EarnWize and Workaxle, to meet evolving HR technology demands.

• Talent Incubation and Development: Continued investment in their "incubator fund" model to proactively identify and nurture talent for future roles, ensuring a skilled workforce for ongoing expansion.

• Geographic and Industry Expansion: Exploring opportunities for expanding their service offerings into new geographic markets or specialized industry verticals.

• Thought Leadership: Enhancing their presence and influence as thought leaders in enterprise software, HR technology, and strategic consulting.

Future Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

• Market Competition: Navigating a highly competitive landscape by continuously innovating and demonstrating superior value and specialization.

• Talent Acquisition and Retention: Ensuring sustained growth by attracting and retaining skilled professionals, leveraging their strong employer brand and unique culture.

• Technological Evolution: Staying ahead of rapid technological advancements, especially in AI and cloud solutions, through continuous learning and adaptation.

• Economic Fluctuations: Adapting business strategies to potential economic downturns by maintaining operational efficiency and diversified service offerings.