Solving a true need, not just for the employee, but the employer – Michael Fodera | TFJ E58

The Founder's Journey Podcast

Transforming Employee Engagement: Insights from Michael Fodera
Welcome to the Founders Journey Podcast! In this episode, we feature Michael Fodera, founder of Trova, a platform revolutionizing how employees connect and engage. Michael's journey from working at major corporations like Dell and HP to creating Trova offers valuable lessons on innovation, resilience, and modernizing remote work engagement.
Michael Fodera begins by discussing the inception of Trova, a platform designed to build higher-performing teams by creating more opportunities for employees to connect outside their core teams. He shares the early challenges and successes, including launching the application in Slack and signing their first paying customer.

Michael explains how Trova helps employees start organic conversations based on shared interests and skills, making remote work feel more connected and engaging. Trova integrates with Slack to provide valuable data that helps employees find resources and mentors within their organization.

Trova allows employees to create detailed profiles showcasing their interests, hobbies, skills, and other personal information. This data helps employees connect with colleagues who share similar interests or can offer mentorship, enhancing both professional and personal relationships.

Michael discusses how Trova addresses the challenges of remote work, such as isolation and lack of engagement. By facilitating meaningful connections and offering mentorship opportunities, Trova helps improve employee satisfaction and retention, ultimately leading to higher-performing teams.

Michael highlights the innovative use of technology in Trova, including leveraging Slack's capabilities and integrating smart features that enhance user experience. He discusses the importance of continuous improvement and adapting to user feedback to keep the platform relevant and effective.

Michael shares insights into Trova's business model, which involves selling enterprise licenses to large companies. He emphasizes the importance of targeting the right market, understanding customer needs, and building strong relationships with key decision-makers.
Michael talks about the challenges of raising capital and the importance of finding the right investors who align with Trova's vision. He shares his experiences with TechStars and the plan to raise a $2 million round to expand Trova's capabilities.

Looking ahead, Michael discusses plans to expand Trova beyond Slack and integrate with other platforms like Microsoft Teams. The goal is to create a comprehensive solution for employee engagement that can be used across various work environments.

Join us in this insightful episode to learn from Michael Fodera's entrepreneurial journey. From leveraging technology to enhance employee engagement to overcoming funding challenges, Michael's story offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Don't forget to like, comment, and share this episode with fellow innovators and HR professionals. Together, let's support a thriving startup community and drive positive change in the workplace.