What’s Next for the Entrepreneur Behind Layoffs.FYI
Hello and 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: The Entrepreneur Behind Layoffs.FYI
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. In this episode, we’ll dive into his journey as an entrepreneur, the story behind Layoffs.FYI, and what’s next for him.
Roger’s Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Roger Lee’s introduction to entrepreneurship dates back to the dot-com bubble. At a young age, he was fascinated by the world of technology and innovation. He spent countless hours reading about startups, attending conferences, and learning from successful entrepreneurs. This exposure sparked his interest in building something from scratch.
During this period, Roger also had the opportunity to work with several early-stage companies. These experiences taught him valuable lessons about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, including the importance of adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to take calculated risks.
The Pandemic: A Catalyst for Change
The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to the world of work. As businesses scrambled to adapt to the new reality, Roger saw an opportunity to address a pressing issue: layoffs. He observed that companies were struggling to communicate effectively with their employees during this challenging time.
Roger’s insight led him to create Layoffs.FYI, a platform designed to help employers communicate transparently about layoffs and restructuring efforts. By providing a centralized hub for information, Layoffs.FYI aimed to reduce uncertainty and anxiety among affected employees.
The Importance of Crowdsourcing
One of the key features that sets Layoffs.FYI apart from other HR tools is its crowdsourced approach. Roger believes that by tapping into the collective knowledge of employees, companies can create a more inclusive and empathetic work environment.
This philosophy is reflected in Comprehensive, his other venture, which offers a platform for employees to level up their skills and advance within their organizations. By acknowledging the value of employee contributions and experiences, Comprehensive empowers workers to take ownership of their professional development.
Monetizing Transparency
The idea of monetizing transparency might seem counterintuitive at first glance. However, Roger argues that by providing a platform for open communication, companies can actually reduce costs associated with layoffs and restructuring efforts.
By sharing information proactively, businesses can avoid costly litigation, minimize reputational damage, and build trust with their employees. This, in turn, can lead to increased productivity, reduced turnover rates, and improved overall performance.
The Future of Entrepreneurship
As we conclude this episode, Natasha asks Roger about his career path if he hadn’t chosen the founder route. He shares an interesting anecdote about how he might have ended up as a venture capitalist (VC) or an investor, leveraging his passion for innovation to support emerging startups.
However, Roger emphasizes that his true calling lies in building products and services that address real-world problems. As we reflect on his journey, it’s clear that his dedication to entrepreneurship is driven by a desire to create meaningful change.
Where to Start
If you’re interested in learning more about Layoffs.FYI, Comprehensive, or Human Interest, check out the links below:
Stay tuned for more insights from our conversations with entrepreneurs and innovators in the world of startups.
About This Episode
This episode was produced by Theresa Loconsolo, an audio producer at TechCrunch, who focuses on Equity, the network’s flagship podcast. Before joining TechCrunch in 2022, Theresa worked as a producer for a four-station conglomerate, where she honed her skills in writing, recording, and editing content.
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