Our Story
GotDis' journey 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.
We launched GotDis (www.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 for. 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.
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From this, we built our Employability Quiz, a bespoke, scientifically-validated psychometric test. Our aim was to help emerging talent with action-orientated career advice, specifically linked to increasing their employability. We also wanted employers to be able to understand the potential of an individual based on who they are rather than biased education or CV data.
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We want to create fair opportunities for emerging talent by providing the support they need to overcome societal barriers and ensuring that employers can 'see' their potential.
Our Team
Lara Plaxton
CEO & Co-founder
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.
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"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."
Sorrel Knott
Research Executive
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.
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"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"
Hannah Bailey
Marketing Executive
Hannah focuses on our marketing and social media strategy, keeping up with the latest trends and emerging talent research.
"I was the first in my family to attend university. I had no idea what this three-year journey would entail or how difficult it would be to find a job after graduation with no inherited network. Seeing the contrast in opportunities available to me and my peers from more privileged backgrounds helped me to realise the work that needs to be done in making recruitment more equitable."