To celebrate International Women's Day, we sat down with our amazing Co-Founder, Hannah Peet. Her story of being part founder, part entrepreneur and part mum is certainly one of female empowerment.

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Hey Hannah,

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Could you let everyone know a little about yourself and about your business, Candidly?

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My recruitment career spanned two decades, and I loved every single second! I am passionate about helping companies hire well.

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When I became a mum, I realised I needed a more agile approach to my career. One that enabled me to dedicate myself to my son and my work.

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Having realised that traditional, full-time employment couldn't offer me this flexibility, I decided it was time to realise a long-held ambition and create my own business.

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After all, I still felt passionate about my work and didn't want to give it up!

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I love working with inspiring, kick-ass people, and I knew I didn't want to start the business alone. After some wonderful advice on the importance of choosing a co-founder carefully, I teamed up with Alex - who became my work wife!

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‍We launched Candidly in the midst of the pandemic, which turned out to be the perfect time, as it gave us breathing space to identify the problems we were trying to solve and how we could really deliver value for customers.

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Our dream is to give tech startups, who desperately need to hire, the power to do it themselves by having access to intuitive and intelligent technology.

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If you look at brilliant recruiters, the ones who successfully find the best candidates, they have an air-tight process. It might sound dull, but with the war for talent firmly on, companies need to engage with candidates in a slick and engaging way.

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With support, this should be something anyone can do!

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Candidly will give assistance and insight to startups, automate the mundane, and level the hiring playing field.

On the theme of International Women's Day, Who are some females that inspire you?

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"Alex Depledge - Although she is a friend first and foremost, she is also incredibly successful, runs her business with compassion, and balances work and home life - finding time to be a brilliant mum and entrepreneur.

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My co-founder Alex Sater - put simply, has taught me to be a better human being.

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She has helped instil greater confidence in our abilities and even manages to make me chill out from time to time."

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What has your journey been like so far?

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"A roller coaster.

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We have had the most insane highs and times where I've felt like we can't carry on.

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Through it all, we have kept a smile on our faces, and even though we still have so much to accomplish, we take the time to pause and reflect on the massive achievements we have had so far.

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Oh, I am about to have my second baby too 👶."

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What kind of culture are you looking to create at Candidly?

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"One that is flexible, honest and inclusive."

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What networks, groups or organisations have helped you on your journey?

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"I am part of the RISE group, which champions diversity and acts as a force for empowerment and inspiration. We run free events on topics related to soft skill professional development. I would highly recommend that anyone join."

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What advice would you give to other females looking to start a business?

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"Go for it!

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If you have a great product or idea and have done your TAM research, you shouldn't let anything stop you. It's so easy to doubt yourself.

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Surround yourself with positive, high energy people who make you believe that anything is possible."

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What can we expect to see from Candidly in 2022?

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"Full-scale launch, the tech will continue to evolve and become more sophisticated. We are growing our team and pushing candidly far and wide to help tech startups hire better, faster and fairer."

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