Meet Ekaterina Leonova, founder and CEO Leonova Consulting

Please tell us about Leonova Consulting

Leonova Consulting was registered in Switzerland in the spring 2023. I already have a company with similar name in Sweden, so I moved the concept. Under Leonova Consulting, we run a couple of projects related to talent solutions.
I believe that recruitment, at the moment, is done with a lot of resource waste. The resources here are people, sadly. The candidate does not fit – go to the next one. I wanted to create a company with a candidate-centred approach that would support diversity and inclusion and a conscious way of working with candidates and clients (i.e. companies). We talk a lot about sustainability right now when it comes to environmental resources, but so far, not about human resources. With Leonova Consulting, I am hoping to change that.

Tell us more about your plans for 2024 and what is your long-term vision.

My long-term vision is to coin a term “conscious recruitment” and apply it daily in our work. Hopefully create a culture where a recruiter works not to fill the gap, but also understands how to choose the right person from the holistic perspective – aligning the core values, hopes and goals.

What has been the biggest success that you have achieved in your startup?

Starting a little pilot in Netherlands, where we integrated highly-skilled expats into the job market in the Netherlands using the concept of traineeship – helping the expats to get a “foot throught the door” and to companies – to truly have diversity and inclusion in their work place, as well as access to a great talent on a trial bases, which is very beneficial for start-ups.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? What are your biggest learnings?

I would say, it is important to choose your customer wisely. I want to work with someone who shares my personal and work ethics and values.

What motivates you to continue your business every day?

The thought that I get to change someone’s life.

One piece of advice for someone who is just starting out with their startup?

Make sure you surround yourself with like-minded people who can share the highs and lows with you, and motivate and support you when you are feeling down. And find a mentor who has gone through a similar journey, because there is no need to learn only on your own mistakes.

What does it mean to you to be a member of the Swiss Startup Association?

Access to the community of individuals making the same journey as I am. Shared resources, brainstorming, ideas and partnerships.

Would you recommend joining the Swiss Startup Association? Why?

I would recommend it, yes, especially for those who are running the company for the first time and don’t have the network yet. There is a lot of knowledge to absorb in forms of webinars, people to meet, and resources to use.

Have you ever visited the events of the Swiss Startup Association? If yes, which ones? Would you recommend them?

I have only been to the Summer Night, and I enjoyed it! Simple, down to the point (networking), and nice people!

Connect with Ekaterina on LinkedIn

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About the Swiss Startup Association

The Swiss Startup Association (SSA) is the umbrella organisation and the voice of Swiss startups. As a sector-independent non-profit organisation, the SSA gives startups a strong voice vis-à-vis politics, business and the public and works to improve the conditions for startups in Switzerland.
Beyond its political engagement, the SSA fosters a community for startups, recognizing the unique challenges they face. Through networking opportunities, educational sessions, and practical services, the SSA collaborates with industry partners to offer tailored support and valuable resources to guide founders on their entrepreneurial journey.

Join the Swiss Startup Association! Tap into our member benefits, the comprehensive Investor List and get full access to our events. By becoming an SSA Member you enjoy discounted tickets to our Big Founders Dinners and the SSA Founders Day.

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