Hot House Helps Fuel TheXword’s Success
We recently spoke with Claire Radbourne from TheXword who started her journey with us back in Season 2 of The Hot House Project.
Claire’s passion for empowering businesses to understand how to improve their customer experience is what makes TheXword a leader in the customer experience space.
Can you tell us about your background prior to starting The Hot House Project and how you came up with the idea for your business?
“I've been working as Client Experience Director for a multinational media business for almost 6 years. The role gave me exposure to the incredible amount of time and resources being poured into big corporates in Australia and internationally. They had the understanding of Client Experience and we're willing to make an investment in the future of their companies. So when I connected with a group of small businesses and start ups at an innovation conference in Melbourne earlier in the year and realised they had very little understanding in the benefits of Client Experience I knew there was a gap in the market.
The Hot House helped me to launch TheXword which educates small businesses on CX and how to level-up their customer loyalty.”
How did you find the experience of working with the mentors during The Hot House Project? How were they able to help you achieve your business idea?
“The mentors were incredible, they made it really safe to fail, pivot and try again. My initial business concept evolved over the course. I came out the other end with a whole different idea! The mentors also gave us really practical tools we could take away and use right away.”
Were there any particular experts or speakers presented throughout the program that you found particularly inspiring, and how did they influence your business idea? If not through the program, were there others that inspired and influenced your business idea prior to The Hot House Project?
“All of the mentors were brilliant, I also loved the surprise session with Gus Balbontin, he always kicked our butts into gear! I walked away from that session feeling really motivated. The mentors forced us to validate our concepts, this was a difficult process - predominantly because I realised the initial idea wouldn't work but it helped me to uncover what the next steps would look like for TheXword.”
These are uncertain times for many people. What would you say to people who are considering taking part in the project, but are feeling unsure due to financial and other pressures brought about by COVID-19?
“You really have nothing to lose, if you don't try then you won't fail but what if you don't? What if you succeed? What if you build friendships and learn and grow and experience something new? At the end of the day, life is about experiences, don't miss this one.”
Do you have a bright business idea like Claire and want to know more about The Hot House Project? Don’t wait, register your interest today!
Katie Harrington
Acting Business & Industry Development Officer