In 2019, founder of RecruitMyMom Phillipa Geard was named the Santam Woman of the Future. she has built a platform that not only connects employers with top-tier talent but also empowers women to thrive in their careers while balancing family life.
What motivated you to pursue your entrepreneurial venture?
I wanted to make a positive difference in the economic landscape for working women, particularly working mothers. In 2012 when I started RecruitMyMom working flexibly was unheard of. I wanted to educate employers of the enormous value of hiring skilled mothers as well as how to embrace flexible types of working (when, where, how) into a business for future growth success. Other recruitment companies would not take these women seriously – I absolutely believe working mothers should be empowered to retain their careers and happily raise their families.
How has your business evolved since winning the Santam Woman of the Future award?
The business has grown significantly since this award. We have added additional services to highlight that RecruitMyMom also assisits senior and executive women find employment. In addition we have expanded into global markets offering remote knowledge workers for companies seeking to reduce thier hiring costs, by hiring South African talent.
What is been the biggest success or highlights throughout your entrepreneurial journey?
Winning Santam Women of the Future was one of my highlights. The fact that the social impact RecruitMyMom makes in South Africa was seen and noticed by others meant very much to me and my team. The fact that the comoany survived the pandemic, political unrest and loadshedding is testimony to our resilience and loyalty from our clients.
What key lessons have you learned that you’d like to share with aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Key lessons I have learned is that every day you have to wake up and choose self belief or self doubt. Whatever you choose will win the day. In addition running your own business is not for sissies – you need to be brave and find a network of like-minded people that will support you on your worst days.
What’s one key lesson you’ve learned in your journey that you wish you knew earlier?
That resilience is not learned it is experienced, and as much as I would want to avoid the tough catastophic moments that taught me resilience, it only made me stronger. So taking risks can be scary – but you come out stronger when you take the risk.
What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve encountered as a woman entrepreneur, and how did you navigate them?
This journey can be a lonely journey, so find your tribe because you will need them. But I have also discovered that it is a fast growing cohort of women entrepreneurs and being together can be a great strength.
How important do you think mentorship and networks are for aspiring female leaders, and how have you benefited from them?
They are both invaluable. I wish I had built mine sooner. The support one gets is a life saver. Networks help open doors and shorten your knowledge deficit curve.
What changes would you like to see in the business world that would benefit female entrepreneurs?
I would like to see more people investing in female businesses to help them scale. Not just financially, but with knowledge, expertise, mentorship and opening new markets. We will see the economy and employment grow if more female entrepreneurs were supported. Thanks to Women of The Future Awards that support us.
***RecruitMyMom now releases the largest working women survey in South Africa. The results are shaping company policies on how to retain and attract female talent. In addition our global footprint of placing SA talent continues to grow. The company now employs twenty four women.
For more info, visit https://www.recruitmymom.co.za/