Q&A with Elnaz Sarraf, Founder of Staphz
Elnaz, tell us a bit about Staphz.
On Staphz, everybody can write anonymous reviews with their honest opinion about their co-workers, and every individual can claim their own page and write a response to each review.
With periodic surveys, we will collect more information about the individuals for big data, and deep learning about people’s personalities and even company culture.
We can create a database of people’s work performance history as well as placing the right people in the right workplace.
What gave you the idea for your business and how did it start?
From Personal Frustration to Workplace Solution
It started with a simple question: Why Not?!
For the past four years, we have been involved in hiring and HR at our previous company iBaby. It was not easy to find the right person unless we hired them and invested in them by time and money. Most of the time the investment is more towards the person being the right fit to the company’s culture rather than just skills. Especially at startups, with small teams, it is so difficult to find the right people. Most of the time references are exaggerated or polished. Companies still say hiring is one of their biggest challenges.
After experiencing several ‘bad hires’ even through staffing agencies, and so much hassle, we realized we need to do something about this. For three years, in frustration, we asked ourselves why can’t we review our colleagues, current or past. Or why there is no place to see worker’s performance history. So, we decided to change this!
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
My favorite thing is the ability to wear different hats. From business development to design and marketing, I can jump on any project that needs work. Of course, it is not easy but I have lots of energy to spend on these areas. It really makes me happy and productive to do work on different areas.
What are your keys to making yourself productive?
Here is my routine every day:
Listen to motivational tracks on Spotify when I get up.
Watch videos in business, self-development, or marketing.
Exercise for about 30 minutes every day. Unfortunately, my busy work schedule does not let me have more time,
Drinking green tea makes me feel energetic.
Tell us one long-term goal in your career.
I want to make the next billion dollar company that makes a difference in our community. That is why founded Staphz.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?
I learned that after every difficult situation there is always a great success. Not giving up is what I’ve learned through out my career. Also, my best suggestion to everybody is to continue learning every day. Never stop learning and that will help you grow in your career.
What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?
Persistence is the only thing that gets you everything you wish. Work hard, dream big, and never stop believing in yourself.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
Reading books, playing with my cats (did I mention we have two playful office cats? And they have their own Instagram page @ifamcarecats), walking and brainstorming with friends how to improve the business or ourselves
Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.
Love to get the news every day from TechCrunch, Mashable, and VentureBeat
The great books I read recently are:
Words That Sell by Richard Bayan
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
