Hello and Welcome Back to Equity
[Audio Producer: Theresa Loconsolo]
Welcome back to Equity, a podcast about the business of startups, where we unpack the numbers and nuance behind the headlines. This is our Wednesday show, where we niche down to a single person, think about their work, and unpack the rest.
Meet Roger Lee
This week, Natasha interviewed Roger Lee, an entrepreneur who’s spent the better part of a decade building tools for employees and employers alike. Lee is the creator of Layoffs.FYI and co-founder of Comprehensive and Human Interest.
A Decade of Entrepreneurship
Roger’s introduction to entrepreneurship dates back to the dot-com bubble, where he learned the value of hard work and perseverance. This early experience laid the foundation for his future endeavors, shaping his understanding of the startup landscape and its challenges.
The Pandemic’s Impact on Layoffs
The pandemic had a profound effect on the way companies approached layoffs. It de-stigmatized the process, making it more acceptable to let go of employees due to economic uncertainty. Lee noticed this shift in attitude and saw an opportunity to create tools that would make layoffs less painful for both parties involved.
Layoffs.FYI: A Game-Changer
Roger’s most notable venture is Layoffs.FYI, a platform that helps companies communicate with departing employees, ensuring they receive essential information about their severance packages and next steps. This approach prioritizes transparency, making the process less traumatic for those affected.
Comprehensive: The Inverse of Layoffs.FYI
Lee’s other venture, Comprehensive, takes an inverse approach to employee support. While Layoffs.FYI focuses on departures, Comprehensive helps employees level-up by providing resources and tools for personal growth and development.
The Importance of Crowdsourcing
Crowdsourcing plays a vital role in Lee’s entrepreneurial journey. By leveraging the collective knowledge and expertise of his community, he’s able to create innovative solutions that cater to the needs of both employers and employees.
Monetization: Transparency Over Profit
Lee emphasizes the importance of transparency when it comes to monetizing services or tools. Rather than prioritizing profit over people, he chooses to prioritize open communication, ensuring that all parties involved are aware of how their data is being used.
A Lightning Round
The interview concluded with a lightning round, where Lee shared his thoughts on what his career could have looked like if he hadn’t taken the founder path. The answer might surprise you – it’s not related to venture capital at all.
Conclusion
Roger Lee’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of innovation and adaptability. By creating tools that prioritize transparency, crowdsourcing, and employee support, he’s making a positive impact on the startup ecosystem.
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About Theresa Loconsolo
Theresa Loconsolo is an audio producer at TechCrunch, focusing on Equity, the network’s flagship podcast. With a background in communication and audio production, she brings a unique perspective to the world of startups and entrepreneurship.
Links and Resources
- Layoffs.FYI
- Comprehensive
- Human Interest
- Equity podcast: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, and all the casts!
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