Faye Holland and James Parton welcome Amelia Miller, co-founder and CEO of ivee, a groundbreaking platform dedicated to helping women re-enter the workforce after career breaks. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for startup founders, venture capitalists, and anyone passionate about gender equality and innovative tech solutions.
Key Highlights from the Episode:
- The Genesis of ivee: Amelia shares the personal story behind ivee, inspired by her mother’s struggles to return to work after taking time off for motherhood. “We watched firsthand how unbelievably difficult it was for her to get back into the workforce,” Amelia reflects, highlighting the emotional and practical barriers many women face.
- The Power of Psychology in Recruitment: With a background in psychology, Amelia discusses how gender differences in job applications significantly impact hiring. Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet 50-60% of qualifications, while women typically wait until they meet 90-100%. This discrepancy underscores the need for tailored recruitment strategies.
- AI as a Game Changer: ivee leverages AI to connect companies with a vast talent pool of women returning to work. “What we’re building at ivee is an AI agent that can surface returner talent,” Amelia explains, emphasising the platform's unique approach to recruitment.
- Community and Confidence: Amelia highlights the importance of community in rebuilding confidence among women returning to work. “A lot of women feel very alone in their return to work journey,” she notes, stressing the need for supportive networks and resources.
- Tackling the Gender Pay Gap: The episode delves into the gender pay gap, which is often exacerbated by career breaks. Amelia states, “You can only do that if you can tackle the return to work problem,” illustrating the interconnectedness of these issues.