CEO Chat

Brian Auden, CEO, Superbeo, Miami, FL

Q. What did you want to be when you were a little kid?

A. As a child, I always admired Superman, not for his superpowers but for his steadfast commitment to serve and protect and his constant striving to do the right thing. It was less about wanting to fly and more about wanting to make a difference and stand up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves.

Drawing parallels with my role as a CEO, I feel that leadership is not so different. Just as Superman used his abilities for the greater good, as a CEO I use my skills, knowledge and experience to guide my organization toward success while ensuring we maintain our commitment to our clients, our employees and the wider community. In my role today, I uphold the same values that inspired me as a child — integrity, responsibility and perseverance.

Q. What does your company do?

A. At Superbeo, we’re all about creating opportunities and building bridges. We’re a global workforce solutions provider, not just any staffing firm. We’re a certified service-disabled veteran and LGBTQ+ organization with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, or DEIB.

We leverage our extensive experience and a wide array of services to deliver top-tier staffing solutions for our clients. This includes everything from temporary and contingent staffing to direct hiring. We also provide employer of record (EOR), agent of record (AOR), and statement of work (SOW) services to meet our clients’ unique needs.

But beyond all this, we’re genuinely proud to be industry leaders in fostering diversity and inclusivity in the workforce. We passionately believe in the strength of diverse perspectives and are committed to helping our clients cultivate a more inclusive workforce.

Q. How long has your company been in business?

A. Superbeo has been serving the staffing needs of businesses across the globe since 2004.

Q. Can you tell us about why and how you started the company?

A. Superbeo was founded from a personal and profound understanding of the barriers many individuals face in the job market. Growing up as a socially and economically disadvantaged gay male in the South, I met my share of biases and had to prove myself continually. These experiences didn’t always reflect my abilities or skills, and often I had to accept positions that were beneath my capabilities.

In my journey, I’ve worked in the staffing industry since 1996, gaining insights into every industry sector, from Fortune 50 companies to small family businesses. I volunteered and served as a U.S. Army combat engineer and paratrooper after 9/11, further exposing me to the employment challenges civilian and government organizations face.

The experience of overcoming orientation and age discrimination, masking my true self due to societal prejudices, and then dealing with biases related to PTSD and physical disabilities after my military service, gave me a unique perspective. It made me realize how these challenges were not just personal but systemic, affecting many talented individuals who, like me, were forced to mask parts of their identity or work through physical discomforts to be seen as equal to others.

This realization and my passion for connecting individuals with opportunities that help them support their families and improve their lives inspired me to found Superbeo. Our mission goes beyond just providing staffing solutions. We are deeply committed to DEIB. We aim to help individuals find meaningful employment, regardless of race, gender, sexual or religious orientation, disability or other bias.

Q. What has been your biggest business challenge in the past year?

A. Our most significant business challenge has been managing our rapid growth, recognized by SIA as the fastest-growing and largest supplier category award for 2023. Superbeo’s commitment to DEIB and our specialized staffing solutions have resonated strongly with clients and candidates. As a result, we have experienced a significant increase in demand for our services.

While it’s a good problem, rapid growth can strain resources and potentially impact the quality of service if not properly managed. It required us to scale our operations quickly, recruit additional talent and implement new technologies to streamline our processes and enhance efficiency.

The challenge of growth has been a rewarding journey. It pushed us to become more efficient, innovative, and customer-focused, ultimately strengthening our organization.

Q. What is one thing that makes you stand out from your competition?

A. Our authentic and embodied commitment to diversity is what truly sets Superbeo apart from our competition. Recently recognized by NaVOBA as a top Service-Disabled Veteran Supplier of the Year “That We Love” award for 2023, we firmly believe in “walking the talk.” Diversity for us is not just a strategic initiative or a box to check; it’s embedded in the fabric of our company and reflected clearly in our operations and team structure.

Our C-suite is 100% diverse, which drives our mission from the top down. Our corporate staff is 65% diverse, and 55% of our placements are diverse. This isn’t by accident. We intentionally pursue diverse candidates, engaging with underrepresented communities and networks to broaden our reach.

Our dedicated recruitment and account management teams work tirelessly to ensure each client we support has a single point of contact, offering personalized and seamless service. Our team of highly skilled recruiters operates on a scalable onshore/offshore model, providing 24×7 support.

Q. What do you wish you had more time to do?

A. Contribute to community and government programs designed to support economically disadvantaged individuals. As a child, these programs played a crucial role for me, providing me with the necessary resources and opportunities to break out of poverty.

These experiences have instilled in me a deep desire to give back and ensure that the next generation of leaders has similar opportunities. If I had more time, I would love to volunteer, maybe mentoring or creating programs to help individuals navigate their way out of economic disadvantage.

I see it as investing in our future leaders, helping them harness their potential, and providing them with the necessary tools and opportunities to succeed. There’s something incredibly rewarding about making a positive difference in someone’s life, and I believe in paying it forward.

Q. What’s your favorite place in the world you’ve ever visited? 

A. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many beautiful places worldwide, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Columbus, Ohio. It might not seem as exotic as some other locations, but Columbus holds a special place in my heart.

This is where I met and courted my husband. We’ve been together for over 10 years. So, naturally, it’s filled with cherished memories and significant milestones. But beyond personal reasons, I genuinely appreciate Columbus for its diverse and socially rich community. It’s a place where different cultures, ideas and perspectives intersect, making it a vibrant and dynamic city. This diversity isn’t just about representation; it contributes to a sense of inclusivity and acceptance, making Columbus a genuinely welcoming place.

Q. What is one piece of

business advice you would offer your LGBTQ+ peers?

A. My advice would be about the importance of authenticity. I understand that navigating the business world as an LGBTQ+ individual can be complex, especially considering today’s public discourse around LGBTQ+ acceptance, rights and the political climate. These complexities can pose additional challenges that others might not face.

However, in my experience, standing tall and proud — embodying the very essence of “Superbeo,” or pride, from Latin — has made a profound difference. Being open about my true identity, both professionally and personally, has allowed me to be the most authentic version of myself. Authenticity not only invites trust and builds connections, but it also empowers you to bring your full potential to your work.

I’ve been inspired by visible LGBTQ+ CEOs, athletes and other public figures who have courageously shared their journeys. Their visibility encouraged me to show up authentically, and I hope to pass that inspiration on to others.

Of course, everyone’s journey is different, and circumstances may vary. Not everyone may feel safe or ready to be open about their identity, and that’s completely understandable. We all must meet the moment and make choices that best suit our well-being.

So, my advice is to strive to find your most authentic voice and path wherever you are in your journey. You never know who you might inspire along the way. And remember, each of us, by living our truth, helps foster an environment that makes it easier for others to do the same. Doing so collectively contributes to a more inclusive and understanding world and business landscape.

How to connect … superbeo.com