Founder Spotlight: Leonardo Zussner

Leonardo Zussner is the co-founder of jobvibe.io, the pioneering video-driven marketplace revolutionising how companies connect with and attract the next generation of talent. Alongside his business partner, Vanja Popovic, Leonardo embarked on this journey during their time at University, and together they have taken jobvibe.io from strength to strength.

Leonardo Zussner

Leonardo, tell us about Jobvibe.io and what motivated you to start up.
If you think about job boards, they have remained stagnant for the past 30 years, despite witnessing enormous technological advancements and demographic shifts. Just consider the banking sector and the emergence of challenger banks. Surprisingly, the recruitment industry, particularly job boards and their visual identity, has stayed rooted in the past.

Our motivation for creating Jobvibe.io stemmed from a desire to revolutionise the job search experience, making it more enjoyable, personable, and informative. We recognised a significant gap in the market — employers striving to attract a younger generation of talent but lacking effective tools to do so. Can you believe that most young candidates don’t even read full job descriptions? Or that the average Gen Z-er has an attention span of a mere 8 seconds?

At Jobvibe.io, we’re on an ambitious mission to bridge this gap and develop a platform that genuinely resonates with the younger generation. Employers now have the ability to upload engaging videos that showcase their team, culture, values, and facilities, making them more authentic and approachable. This innovative approach not only assists employers in finding the perfect talent fit, but also offers job seekers a deeper understanding of potential workplaces.

By harnessing modern technology and catering to the needs of today’s job seekers, we aim to create a fully video-driven platform that transforms job hunting into an exciting, dynamic, and fulfilling journey for everyone.

Why should more employers in your opinion use video as part of their recruitment effort?
Well first of all I’d like to ask a simple question back, what do you reckon will be more effective to attract a younger generation of talent to your job listing/company? I think video is a clear winner here… And research shows this, only 14% of candidates actually fully read job descriptions. But to give you a more complete picture video has the following benefits:

1. Engaging content: Video content is generally more engaging and attention-grabbing than text-based content. It caters to the preferences of the younger generation, who often have shorter attention spans and are more visually oriented.
2. Authenticity: Videos allow employers to showcase their company culture, values, and work environment in a more genuine and personal way. This helps candidates get a better sense of what it’s like to work at the company, allowing them to make more informed decisions.
3. Improved communication: Video enables employers to communicate their expectations, job requirements, and company vision more effectively. It’s easier to convey tone and emotion through video, which can help build a stronger connection with potential candidates.
4. Time-saving: Videos can save time for both employers and job seekers, as candidates can quickly assess whether a job or company aligns with their values and aspirations. This can lead to a more efficient recruitment process and a higher likelihood of finding the right fit.
5. Competitive advantage: Using video as part of the recruitment process can help set a company apart from its competitors. Embracing this innovative approach can demonstrate that the company is forward-thinking and willing to adapt to the changing needs of the job market.
6. Wider reach: Video content is easily shareable and can reach a broader audience compared to traditional text-based job postings. It can be shared on social media! This increases the chances of finding the right candidate and creates more opportunities for diverse talent to discover your company.

In summary, incorporating video into the recruitment process can lead to a more engaging, authentic, and efficient experience for both employers and job seekers. By embracing this modern approach, companies can gain a competitive edge and appeal to a wider pool of potential candidates. At jobvibe.io we are building an infrastructure that has yet not been seen in the job board industry.

Watch the Jobvibe Introduction video here.

What’ve been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome in your entrepreneurial journey?
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, two of the most significant challenges I have faced are building the right team and managing time effectively to maintain a work-life balance.

Building the right team has been a considerable challenge. It’s crucial to find skilled, motivated, and like-minded individuals who share the same vision and passion for the project. Creating a team that complements each other’s strengths and weaknesses while fostering a positive work environment is essential for success. It takes time and effort to identify the right people, but once you have a strong team, it can make all the difference in achieving your goals.

Managing time effectively and maintaining a work-life balance has been another ongoing challenge. As an entrepreneur, the demands of running a business can be overwhelming, making it difficult to find time for personal life and self-care. Learning to prioritise tasks, delegate responsibilities, and set boundaries between work and personal life is crucial for long-term well-being and success. It’s essential to find a balance that works for you, as it helps maintain focus, reduce stress, and increase overall productivity.

Is there anything you wish you’d known before starting up?
Before starting up, I wish I had known that things often take much longer than anticipated, and plans don’t always unfold as expected. The entrepreneurial journey is filled with uncertainties and unexpected challenges, which can cause delays and force you to reevaluate your strategies.

In the beginning, it’s easy to be overly optimistic about timelines and underestimate the complexities involved in bringing an idea to life. However, as you progress, you quickly realise that every step of the process — from product development and market validation to team building and customer acquisition — can take longer than you initially thought.

It’s essential to accept that plans may not always pan out as intended and be prepared to adapt and pivot when necessary. Embracing a flexible mindset and being open to change can help you navigate obstacles and seize new opportunities as they arise.

Additionally, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations and manage your time effectively to maintain a healthy work-life balance. By being patient, persistent, and adaptable, you can build a strong foundation for your business, weather the inevitable ups and downs, and ultimately achieve long-term success.

What are some of the important milestones and recognitions in your journey so far?
We’ve had some remarkable milestones and recognitions in our journey so far, which have fuelled our motivation and passion for our work:

1. Finalist at London Tech Week 2021: This was a significant milestone for us, as it was a UK-wide competition, and being a finalist showcased our potential and innovative approach in the tech industry.
2. Young Scottish EDGE winners 2022: Securing £10,000 in equity-free investment for our product was a great achievement. The event was opened by Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon, making it an exciting and memorable moment for our team.
3. Santander X Awards selection 2022: Being chosen for the Santander X Awards was another tremendous opportunity that highlighted our dedication and commitment to revolutionising the recruitment industry.
4. Creative UAL Enterprise Awards winner 2022: This recognition further validated our efforts and reinforced our belief in the potential of our product to make a lasting impact in the job market.
5. Selected for the NEF+ Accelerator Programme 2022: We were extremely fortunate to be accepted into the highly supportive NEF+ Accelerator Programme in London. This program fosters a fantastic community of entrepreneurs, providing invaluable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that have greatly contributed to our growth and development. Being part of the NEF+ community has been a truly enriching experience, enabling us to learn from fellow entrepreneurs, industry experts, and mentors while gaining exposure to best practices and innovative ideas.

These milestones and recognitions have not only bolstered our confidence but also provided valuable exposure and opportunities for growth. They serve as a constant reminder of the importance of perseverance and innovation in the ever-evolving start-up landscape.

Any top tips for entrepreneurs struggling with structure?
Creating a to-do list on paper for both daily and weekly tasks has been immensely helpful for me. Instead of using electronic tools like Google Sheets, I prefer the tangible nature of a physical list. This method allows me to prioritise tasks effectively and provides a comprehensive overview of my week.

In addition to these lists, I maintain a separate record of monthly goals. This ensures that I keep track of the tasks I need to complete and prioritise in order to achieve these goals. Focusing on monthly goals helps me concentrate on the critical steps that will propel my start-up to the next stage of its journey.

Naturally, everyone has their own unique approach to structuring tasks, and sometimes finding the right method can be a challenge. At the beginning, I certainly didn’t know the best way to stay organised. I experimented with different strategies, such as scheduling tasks in my digital calendar or using a physical planner. Ultimately, it’s all about trial and error to discover what works best for you.

So, don’t be afraid to explore various methods to find the one that resonates with your personal preferences and work style. Be patient and open to experimentation, as it may take some time to find the perfect fit.

Entrepreneurial communities can be such powerful support networks — do you have any asks or gives to the vine community?
Absolutely, entrepreneurial communities play a vital role in providing support, resources, and valuable connections. As we continue our journey with Jobvibe.io, we have some asks and offers for the vine community:

Asks:

• Introductions to potential investors or strategic partners who share our vision and can help us to achieve the next growth steps.
• Feedback on our platform from fellow entrepreneurs, particularly those who have experience in the recruitment or HR tech space.
• Recommendations for valuable resources, tools, or services that can help us optimise our product development process, marketing efforts, or business operations.

Gives:

• Willingness to share our experiences and insights on building a video-driven recruitment platform, and the challenges we’ve faced along the way.
• Offering support and mentorship to fellow entrepreneurs in the community who are just starting out or looking for guidance in their journey.
• Providing feedback on products, services, or business ideas from fellow community members, leveraging our expertise and knowledge in the recruitment and technology sectors.

We believe that by actively engaging with the vine community, we can both contribute to and benefit from the collective wisdom, resources, and support of fellow entrepreneurs. Together, we can overcome challenges, learn from one another, and ultimately succeed in our respective ventures.

So what are some of the marquee goals in your journey ahead?
As we move forward in our journey, two key focus areas for us are product development and securing investment:

Product development: Our primary goal is to continuously enhance and refine our platform to deliver the best possible user experience for both job seekers and employers. We’ll be incorporating user feedback, implementing new features, and utilising the latest technological advancements to ensure our platform remains cutting-edge and user-friendly. This will involve working closely with our development team, staying up-to-date with industry trends, and constantly iterating on our platform to meet the evolving needs of our users.

Investment: Securing investment is crucial to fuel our growth and expansion. So far we had minimal investment to propel our company forward, we bootstrapped most of it to find a closer market fit with our product. We are actively seeking investment at the moment and find investors who share our vision and can provide the resources and expertise needed to help us scale our platform.

Thanks, Leonardo, any final words of wisdom for our Vine Community?
Take care of yourself. Entrepreneurship can be demanding, both physically and mentally. Prioritise self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure you stay energized, focused, and able to give your best to your business.