Our story
How it all began
The journey of GotDis began as an idea from an interaction on a professional networking site, between our two co-founders, Lara Plaxton (CEO) and Lyda Borgsteijn (Advisor). Lyda shared a copy of her dissertation as it related to the topic they were discussing online. It provided a great learning opportunity and reason to connect. We realised that within our professional networks, we tend to lack diversity across career levels. We started discussing how we could improve integrated professional networks to benefit both emerging talent and established professionals.
The launch of GotDis
We launched GotDis (gotdis.io) back in 2020 to enable students and graduates to share an accessible version of their dissertation so established talent could engage and share their content online. Whilst the idea was received well, like with many new startups, the solution had low traction. So after conducting extensive research, we realised the problem was deeper than we had anticipated. Emerging talent needed support to build the confidence and skills to network, as well as understanding how it can benefit them. This issue was exacerbated for those from less privileged, under-resourced backgrounds.
Employability quiz
From this, we built our employability quiz, a bespoke, scientifically-validated psychometric assessment. Our aim is to help emerging talent with action-orientated career advice, specifically linked to increasing their employability. We also want employers to be able to understand the potential of an individual based on who they are rather than biased education or CV data.
We want to create fair opportunities for emerging talent through enabling them to create a clear career vision, with the awareness of how to overcome barriers and promote their potential.
Meet the Team
Community. Innovation. Passion.
What brings us together and keeps us aligned is a passion for making a positive difference, pushing boundaries on how things have always been done and connecting as a community, both internally and with our clients and partners.
CEO & Co-founder
Lara Plaxton
Lara has 20 years experience in HR, mostly within the graduate recruitment and technology industries. She is passionate about how human-centred design can transform the future of work and enhance equitable outcomes.
Having worked alongside recent graduates for most of my career, I understand the challenges they face as they transition from education to employment. This is amplified for those who are from less privileged backgrounds. I have also always valued the opportunity to work alongside emerging talent and learn from their fresh perspectives. My aim is to make a difference to how we connect across career levels and support each other's development for a more engaging, equitable career experience.
Business Development Manager
Sorrel Knott
Sorrel focuses on our business strategy and external projects, helping
us to stay graduate-centred. She has five years of professional research experience, as well as an MSc in Politics and BA in Economics, and has experience working within university careers services.
As a first-generation university graduate from a low-income background, I have first-hand experience in the barriers facing graduates today. Harnessed in the right way, professional potential can be realised if recruiters and employers design modern workplaces in an inclusive, equitable way.
Lead Graphic & Digital Designer
Hayley Davis
Hayley is our Lead Graphic & Digital Designer, she ensures our visual communication is accessible, engaging, and purposeful. With a decade of experience, Hayley focuses on how design can simplify complex ideas to create genuine connections with users. She is the creative force behind our brand, not only designing our logo and iconography, but also continues to advise on our brand strategy.
I am passionate about creating good design to enhance the user experience, lowering the barriers to entry for emerging talent. By designing inclusive, intuitive user journeys, it enables us to transform how employers and talent connect, making career paths transparent, accessible and inspiring.