Current & Critical - Bobbie Racette, Building a Tech Start-up that Changes Lives (what it really takes)

In this episode, welcome Bobbie Racette, Founder of Virtual Gurus, back to the show to discuss the competitive world of virtual talent, the highs and lows of raising funds, as well as Bobbie’s leadership journey. She explains the lessons learned from growing her company from 2 employees to 50, emphasizing the need for strong leadership when scaling up. She also talks about finding the right partner for developing proprietary technology as a non-technical founder and how Virtual Gurus takes a different approach to its talent than other firms. This episode will inspire you to take bold risks and get comfortable with failure.

Virtual Gurus’ mission is far from ordinary - it’s a transformative force that provides dignity and empowerment to those who often face barriers to employment. In her unwavering pursuit, Bobbie challenges biased hiring practices and champions individuals navigating challenging life circumstances. Many insights have emerged through her groundbreaking approach of integrating self-identifying markers into their first-party data and technology. An unexpected revelation has been a surge of interest from men in administrative roles, traditionally dominated by women. Bobbie’s vision is not just about breaking down gender barriers but also about redefining societal norms, allowing individuals to flourish in diverse roles. 

Despite her remarkable accomplishments - raising an astounding $9.2M, fostering a thriving team of 50 in a vibrant downtown office, and providing livelihoods to over 1,000 marginalized virtual assistants - Bobbie still grapples with imposter syndrome. Discover where technology and purpose converge, leading to triumphs for employers embracing virtual talent and the remarkable individuals driving this organization.