Sandra Westermann founded Superheldin, a job platform that aims to alleviate the shortage of skilled workers with more flexible work models. To this end, the founder connects family-friendly companies with willing mothers and fathers. An interview.
1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Sandra and I am the founder of Superheldin.io, the first job board that connects family-friendly companies with mothers and fathers.
With Superheldin, we want to solve two problems: support mothers in getting back into the job market and counteract the shortage of skilled workers in companies.
I worked as a production manager for various TV production companies for about 15 years, where I was responsible for budgets and all organizational tasks, from crew recruitment to filming. When I started job hunting after my parental leave, it turned out to be more difficult than I expected.
For days, I looked for job boards that offer flexible working models, but couldn't find any. I then looked into the problem more closely and received a lot of positive feedback on the idea of a "job board that family-friendly Bringing companies together with mothers (and fathers)." So I decided to set it up myself. My team includes Jana, who takes care of content and the social community, and Jessy, who supports me with all administrative tasks.
Superheroine brings skilled workers together with family-friendly companies
2. But that's been around for a long time!
It's true that there are job boards. There are generalists that cover all professional and personal groups, and specialists that specialize in specific industries. A job board that focuses on family-friendliness hasn't yet existed in this form.
3. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
The biggest challenge became clear pretty quickly. Superheldin faced the classic chicken-and-egg problem. Where there were no jobs, there were no applicants; where there were no applicants, there were no jobs. We've only been online for a few months, but I'm sure that will be resolved in the near future.
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
We're incredibly happy with how things are going. Since launching three months ago, our social media channels have garnered over 3,000 followers per channel. We're receiving incredible feedback from mothers who are excited about Superheldin, and our website reach is growing daily. We also have paying companies who realize how important family-friendliness is in these times. In addition to traditional advertisements, they can also present themselves through interview formats.
Companies realize how important family-friendliness is
5. What does Munich mean to you?
To be honest, I am a Rhinelander who moved here and therefore especially enjoy the proximity to the mountains and Italy.
There are also some great startups based in Munich. Since I'm just now starting to really get involved in the Munich startup scene, I'm looking forward to future exchanges.
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
As long as there is a problem of a shortage of skilled workers, as well as mothers who want to return to the job market, I am optimistic about the future for Superheldin.
7. Hiking or beer garden?
Wandering to the beer garden. As a Munich native, I'm totally fascinated by Bavarian beer garden culture.
