We speak with the CEO and co-founder of Testhub Technologies for our Inspirational Female Entrepreneurs series…

In recognition of International Women’s Day we’ve been speaking with the women who have used their time at business school to become trailblazers – unleashing their entrepreneurial superpowers to make a change in their industries and the world around them.

One key challenge which exists across most industries around the world is ensuring equal professional opportunities for all. For more women to be able to achieve the sort of position that Silje Lindtvedt Fladmoe has accomplished over her career, more needs to be done to level the playing field for all. Thankfully, Silje is working to ensure exactly that. As CEO and co-founder of Testhub Technologies, she’s working to remove bias from recruitment, helping to ensure that every candidate stands the same chance of securing a role and progressing up the career ladder.

Armed with degrees in Business Analysis and Performance Management, along with a Masters in International Management from the Norwegian School of Economics and CEMS, Silje’s start-up is utilising digital tools to help organisations become more inclusive…

Can you tell us a bit about your start-up, and what it does?

Testhub Technologies is an impact startup working to achieve equality in hiring processes. We provide large corporations with a software solution designed to eliminate biases and noise in the initial screening of job applicants. Our technology is inspired by Daniel Kahneman and others who have researched the flaws of human decision making.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I have always wanted to make a meaningful change, and I realized that if you truly want to make an impact, you must be in a place where your opinions matter. Starting on your own straight out from your studies also ensures a fast track to learn and develop.

How has your business school experience helped you in your life as an entrepreneur?

My time in business school provided me insight into the mechanics of running a successful business. It equipped me with fundamental knowledge of making a business model, financial management, and sustainable business practices. These are all important aspects of building a business, and the knowledge provided me with the confidence to start on my own.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early stages of building your business, and how did you overcome them?

During the establishment of Testhub we experienced fast growth in pilot customers, followed by challenges due to Covid-19. With recruitment activities being stopped overnight across industries, we had to rethink how to test out the product and make revenue.

“There will never be a “perfect” time to jump into something like starting a business”

– Silje Lindtvedt Fladmoe, CEO and co-founder of Testhub Technologies

We soon realised we had to target corporations that were not heavily affected by the pandemic. It has resulted in the team keeping social and political forces in mind when targeting new customers. We also diversify our customer portfolio, which we are lucky to have the opportunity to do as we provide a universal product.

As a female entrepreneur, have you encountered any unique obstacles or biases in your entrepreneurial journey? How did you navigate them?

As Testhub Technologies work with how biases affect recruitment decisions, I have been aware that being a young female entrepreneur might be challenging.  I think the most surprising thing to me is that in a group full of men, I am rarely asked what I do for a living. There are also many who are surprised when I talk about my role. To overcome this, I think it is important that we take space and ensure our voice is heard. We need even more female entrepreneurs as role models to inspire future generations.

What advice would you give to other women who are considering starting their own businesses?

I will advise other women not to postpone going for it. There will never be a “perfect” time to jump into something like starting a business. Being an entrepreneur is a long and demanding task, make sure you surround yourself with a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs and mentors, and that you have fun along the way.

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