HBCU Founders Accelerator Spring 2023 Cohort Spotlight: Meet Kayla Wright-Jackson and Corey Shaw from Transition
Earlier this year, we launched the first cohort of the HBCU Founders Accelerator Program. Over the next several weeks, we’re thrilled to spotlight each of the teams, their founders, and their remarkable journeys. Up next, meet Kayla Wright-Jackson and Corey Shaw from Transition!
Can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired your entrepreneurial journey?
As the CEO, my passion for making a positive impact in the healthcare industry has been a driving force behind Transition. However, my personal experience of losing my grandfather in 2013 due to a lack of home healthcare assistance was the pivotal moment that sparked my determination to create change. In pursuit of my mission, I obtained a Master's Degree in Health Administration to deepen my understanding of healthcare operations.
In 2019, I relocated to Atlanta, GA, where I assumed a leadership role in Human Resources at a home-health organization. It was during this time that I became acutely aware of the challenges associated with consistently recruiting and retaining high-demand talent, especially in entry-level positions that directly impact patient care. The difficulties I encountered as a healthcare recruiter during the COVID-19 pandemic further reinforced the need for innovative solutions.
As co-founder and CTO, Corey Shaw, brings invaluable expertise to Transition with over seven years of experience in developing and scaling digital solutions within the healthcare and education sectors. Corey's entrepreneurial journey began during his time at Morehouse College when he was introduced to the concept of “The Dreamer's Dilemma”.
During our initial encounter, Corey was already developing technology for his family's CNA schools. It became clear to both of us that there was a need for a more effective strategy for recruiters to connect with fresh talent entering the workforce after completing their training. Corey's extensive background in software engineering and deep understanding of vocational training played a pivotal role in the development of our initial product.
Together, we are driven by a shared vision to bridge the gap between training providers and employers, revolutionizing the way talent is sourced and matched in the healthcare industry. With Transition, we aim to empower recruiters and aspiring professionals to find the perfect fit, ultimately improving career outcomes and transforming lives.
What problem is your startup solving and what inspired you to tackle this particular issue?
We are addressing the disconnect between skilled training and employment, a significant factor contributing to the massive workforce shortage in healthcare. This disconnect makes it difficult for employers to attract and develop talent.
We are motivated to solve this issue, enhancing pathways for aspiring healthcare professionals and guiding them to suitable career opportunities. This not only helps to address the workforce deficit but also leads to improved patient care outcomes, marking a vital distinction for our work in the industry.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you have faced while building your startup, and how did you overcome them?
Building a marketplace is not easy. When we first started Transition, we went straight into building what we thought the market needed. We had a hard time getting schools and employers on board with this strategy. We took a step back to perform deep customer discovery that led us to build the robust engine that Transition is today.
Our initial strategy shifted towards developing a standalone product for schools to attract the supply side—students. As our user base of students grew, the demand side—employers—started to notice and join our platform. This successful pivot has significantly enhanced our scalability, allowing us to expand more rapidly and efficiently.
Capital acquisition has been another substantial challenge we've faced. To overcome this, we've pursued every funding opportunity we could find, consistently expanding our network and submitting hundreds of applications. This tenacity has resulted in securing funding from accelerators, grants, and angel investors. Now that we have a proven business model, our focus is firmly on increasing revenue and securing larger partnerships.
Where do you see your company in 5 years? Can you discuss any ethical or social responsibility initiatives that Transition is engaged in?
Five years down the line, we foresee ourselves as the premier software company, streamlining the transition from training to employment for roles in high demand. Our aim is to eradicate the fragmentation and disconnect in our workforce, creating a more efficient job market that directly benefits our community.
In terms of ethical and social responsibility, we're steadfastly committed to equality and fairness, providing equal opportunities for all professionals regardless of their background. This is the impact we strive for - a more engaged, productive, and satisfying workforce.
How have your background and previous experiences influenced your approach as a founder?
Kayla - I was raised in a low-to-mid income household, where my parents diligently worked traditional 9-5 jobs. Despite the struggles to provide for me and my three siblings, they were determined to ensure we had everything we needed. Their perseverance and desire for us to have a better life became my motivation to make their sacrifices count. They often said, "We want you to do better than we did." This sentiment guided me to aim higher than a typical 9-5 job, fueling my entrepreneurial spirit. As a founder, I approach each day with the tenacity to hustle and never quit - a lesson I've learned from my parents.
Corey - Having grown up in an entrepreneurial family that operated numerous side businesses, including two CNA schools in Georgia, I developed an appreciation for education and skilled workers early on. With my engineering background, my mindset is perpetually geared towards improving and building upon what's already there. This thought process constantly drives me to innovate and make a significant difference in whatever I do.
What led you to become interested in Nex Cubed? What Nex Cubed resources or programs do you believe will be most helpful to you in launching your startup?
The promise of dedicated advisors for each participating company initially drew us to the Nex Cubed HBCU Founders Accelerator. These advisors have indeed become game-changers for us. Having the opportunity to engage weekly with industry experts, discussing and strategizing our business growth, is an experience unparalleled by other programs we've participated in. The ability to brainstorm, seek their advice, and harness their insights has been invaluable in taking our business to the next level.
What are the most valuable lessons you have learned as a startup founder so far?
Since launching, we've learned a few important lessons: One, it's crucial to learn how to create a product or service that people will pay for, a discovery process that's realized through in-depth customer exploration. Two, don't be afraid to follow your intuition and adopt a flexible, learn-as-you-go approach. Startups are rarely perfect out of the gate. Our advice is to introduce your product to the world and continuously improve it over time. In addition, the balance of strategic customer understanding and bold initiative is what we believe can set you apart.
What advice would you give to other HBCU entrepreneurs around fundraising?
To fellow HBCU entrepreneurs fundraising, I would emphasize the importance of having a scalable solution in a large market. Investors are primarily interested in sizable returns, so make sure your offering has the potential for significant growth. Additionally, it's essential to familiarize yourself with different financing options. Doing so will enable you to make informed decisions that best serve your business's interests and long-term growth.
How can others find out more about your business?
Website: https://jointransition.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jointransition/