Founders of the Week: Philippa Portnoy and Teresa Saputo-Crerend
Philippa Portnoy and Teresa Saputo-Crerend developed LaunchBreak to address workplace burnout by facilitating meaningful breaks that enhance team cohesion and creativity. With expertise in corporate strategy, people development, and mental health, the…
Philippa Portnoy and Teresa Saputo-Crerend developed LaunchBreak to address workplace burnout by facilitating meaningful breaks that enhance team cohesion and creativity. With expertise in corporate strategy, people development, and mental health, the founders integrate commercial knowledge with an understanding of human performance. Their aim is to redefine productivity, emphasizing rest, connection, and play as critical components for innovation and success. Under their leadership, LaunchBreak has become a preferred solution for organizations seeking to improve team engagement and happiness.
LaunchBreak is a complimentary platform designed for women athletes who have competed at collegiate, national, Olympic, or professional levels. It focuses on professional development and transition post-athletics.
The platform includes over 2,200 members who benefit from networking, mentorship matching, professional growth opportunities, and access to a job board.
The concept for LaunchBreak emerged from the founders' experiences as university tennis teammates in the 1980s. Their goal was to extend the professional and personal support they experienced to a wider audience.
The primary challenges include balancing daily responsibilities with strategic growth initiatives, deciding on staffing, and fundraising. Prioritizing tasks to focus on business development over routine operations is essential.
Their aim is to redefine productivity, emphasizing rest, connection, and play as critical components for innovation and success.
A pivotal moment was when organizations and leaders from women athlete groups began engaging with the platform, validating its significance and impact.
Business Success: Measured by member growth, engagement, and market reception.
Founder Perspective: Achieving a fulfilling, sustainable business operation.
Ensure adequate resources and a reliable partner to manage the challenges of startup life effectively.
LaunchBreak is planning to introduce new sponsors and programming initiatives to enhance user experience.
Based on reporting by techround.co.uk.
