Celebrate March 8: International Women’s Day!

March 8 is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. Head over to International Women’s Day to join the cause.

Celebrating women founders

For International Women’s Day we asked our founders Melissa and Helene to reflect on some of their learnings from their experience as women, entrepreneurs and moms.

Co-founders Melissa and Helene worked with neurodivergent adolescents (ADHD) as part of a research project that looked into how technology could support their needs. Tiimo was launched in 2015 as a result of that research. Melissa and Helene have led the company through ups and downs, turning it into one of Denmark’s fastest growing startups, all while raising their own families. Two years ago, co-founder Melissa was late diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, adding her lived experience to Tiimo’s mission of making life less chaotic and the world more neuroinclusive.

Melissa, how do you create a workplace that is more friendly to women and their needs?

As someone who menstruates, I know how energy levels can fluctuate throughout the month and my cycle. We talk openly about this at Tiimo and try to schedule meetings when we have the energy and capacity for them. For example, our Lead Product Designer and I like scheduling our creative workshops during ovulation because that’s when we feel most creative.

Helene, what are some tips you would give to women running a tech company for the first time?

Be persistent! Also It’s good to listen to advice and input from others who might have more experience or a different mindset, but remember to always listen to your own gut feeling. Trust in yourself and that you can create what you have set out to do.

How do you think being women co-founders impacted your Tiimo journey, both as women working together and as women impacting your team?

We have been able to create a work culture that values empathy and caring. Our team culture is warm and welcoming and makes people feel safe. When people feel safe, they are more productive and engaged.

We have both become mothers during the last five years, which has made us aware of how important it is for a workplace to make room for both your personal and professional life: being able to care for your family while staying ambitious about your work. Becoming a parent teaches you to really prioritize your time and focus on what matters.

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