Starting small and having a clear vision helped us validate our approach and gradually work towards our larger goals.

In 2012, we recognized that talent was the key driver of competitive differentiation and innovation, which shaped our approach to building Lever.

In the early days, we struggled to raise money, which taught us to focus on solving real problems and to build an efficient, profitable business from day one.

At HireArt, I faced a moment of potential failure when we hadn't raised any funding while others had, but my co-founders encouraged me to keep pitching until we found an investor who believed in our mission.

When we started, all we had was a determination not to give up, despite lacking the necessary skills for success in startups.

We realized that the most important step in starting a company is defining your mission, which serves as a compass for your direction, rather than just focusing on technology or funding.

In our first year, we faced significant challenges, including a tough go-to-market transition and hiring the wrong team for our stage of growth.

We realized that we weren't alone in our struggles; other startups faced similar challenges, and persistence was key to success.

For female founders, the most important step is to start, regardless of the obstacles; taking big swings is crucial for success.