
An Outside-the-Box Thinker
Erika Brodnock describes herself as an outside-the-box thinker. That’s no surprise, given her background: Her father is a founder, and she has followed in his footsteps by becoming an academic DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) researcher. From an early age, Erika had the drive and understanding that change is created – and data can help drive it.
Co-Founding Kinhub
Last year, Brodnock took her passions to bat and co-founded the London-based Kinhub, a B2B SaaS platform powered by AI to democratize access to coaching and wellness support for employees. She founded the company alongside Helen Yannakoudakis and Jacob Herandi to help employers navigate the needs of their workforce.
Kinhub helps employees find resources for circumstances such as elder care, pregnancy, managing the cost of living, and even navigating corporate environments as a minority. The onboarding process asks users about their personal lives – like if they have children or are experiencing menopause. From there, the algorithm collects data to then suggest resources to help that user with their wants and needs.
A Diverse Team
Much attention was paid to the consultants on the platform, Brodnock said – there are those from all sexual orientations, neurodivergence, and ethnic backgrounds. The attention to diversity was so every employee could find someone they identified with; in other words, no one was left behind.
"If we put the network around people to enable them to get the support they need to go through various life circumstances, we will enable them to be their best selves at work," she said. "If you as an organization want to encourage more people back into the office, we can send one of our consultants to do sessions on a particular day if it’s more convenient for people to access it at 3 a.m. when they have a crying baby who’s teething, then we’re there as well."
Patent Applications and Social Impact
The Kinhub team has filed patent applications around the technology they use to build generative agents that understand human emotions and urgency, Brodnock said. Though Kinhub is primarily sold to employers, for every three people who are paid for by a company, Brodnock says Kinhub offers its service free of charge to low-income families.
This was done as a way to contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, one of which is equality for all. By providing access to coaching and wellness support for those who cannot afford it, Kinhub aims to help bridge the gap in workplace well-being.
Breaking into the U.S. Market
Though the product right now is sold only in the U.K., Brodnock is keen to break into the U.S. market. For that reason, she is flying across the pond to join us for the Disrupt Battlefield 200, where her company will compete for the grand prize.
Kinhub is in the process of raising a $2.5 million seed, with already a few U.S. investors in the mix. "We think we’ll be incredibly well received in the U.S., where the market is slightly more tolerant of racial innovation and has a strong demand for diversity and inclusion solutions," she said.
The Importance of Workplace Well-being
The importance of workplace well-being cannot be overstated. With the rise of remote work, employees are facing new challenges that can affect their mental health and overall well-being. Kinhub aims to provide a solution by offering access to coaching and wellness support for all employees, regardless of their background or financial situation.
By doing so, Brodnock believes that companies can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment, which in turn can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
Conclusion
Erika Brodnock’s vision for Kinhub is one of democratization – making coaching and wellness support accessible to all employees, regardless of their background or financial situation. With its innovative approach and commitment to social impact, Kinhub has the potential to revolutionize the way companies approach workplace well-being.
As Brodnock prepares to take on the U.S. market, it will be interesting to see how she navigates the challenges and opportunities that come with scaling a startup in a new region. One thing is certain: with her passion and commitment to making a positive impact, Erika Brodnock is a force to be reckoned with.
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