27 April 2021|Latest Posts, Meet the Successful Founder
Zandra Moore is the CEO and Co-founder of Panintelligence an ambitious UK disruptor of the SaaS analytics and business intelligence sector, which is successfully competing against US giants such as Microsoft, SalesForce and Google.
Zandra is unusual amongst tech company founders in that she’s female, a mother of two, and her UK company is based in Leeds, England, rather than a tech hub like London, Berlin or San Francisco.
Inspired by her mother who was a pioneer in the early internet industry, Zandra also founded the ‘Lean in Leeds’ group which aims to empower female-led businesses. The group now has over 800 members, and mentors over 100 women. She’s also the founder of ‘No Code lab’ – a consortium of ‘No Code’ innovators – which seeks to transform the digital economy with accessible, inclusive and rapid-to-deploy tech.
What would you love to share to encourage other women to start their own company?
Sometimes adversity can be the best driver for change. These days, there is so much easy access to knowledge about starting your own company, and business ideas can be tested quickly and cheaply. So whether you’ve been furloughed, made redundant or just want a change – why not try?
Panintelligence was created out of necessity. After my first child was born, I wanted to get back into work, but I couldn’t find the right job role that catered for that suited my childcare needs. So, I created a business that allowed me the freedom and flexibility I wanted.
What are your 5 top tips for entrepreneurial success?
Trust your instincts – they’ve probably served you well until now – so don’t lose confidence in them.
Givers gain – give to as many networks and help as many people as you can. Don’t expect to always get something in return, but often you will, even if it’s years down the line.
Find your tribe – networking is a free resource and will introduce you to many people and allow you to learn a range of different skills. Find like-minded people – but not necessarily people like you.
For example, if you’re a lawyer, don’t just attend lawyer groups; instead find networks in your area filled with people who have different background and experiences. You can benefit from different expertise and guidance in a range of fields that you’ll need such as marketing, business planning or legal requirements. It’s like creating your own board… for free!
Surround yourself with people who share your values. In the beginning, you’ll take lots of risks and won’t know all the answers, but by having the right people around you, if and when you do go wrong, you’ll be able to learn, get support and grow together.
Cash is king – unfortunately this is true, so get a financial advisor and accountant because it’s a really important element of your business.
Who are the 5 women who inspire you the most?
My mum – she was a trailblazer – a tech leader in a very male-dominated world at the time and she’s the reason why I am now a Co-founder of a tech company
Madonna – feisty, out there and not afraid to be challenging and different
Sheryl Sandberg – COO of Facebook, and founder of the Lean In network
Megan Rapinoe – as a gay female footballer, she is not afraid to be a gay woman in sport and stand up for her beliefs.
Freda Kahlo – as a female artist in the early 1900’s, she was the most unlikely artist due to a disability and not being classically changed – she fought adversity to become one of the most important female artists.
What is your favourite saying/inspirational quote?
“It’s all s***s and giggles until someone giggles and s***s”
I’m from Yorkshire and these kinds of things makes me laugh! But really it reminds me of my happy place – with friends, having a drink and laughing until it hurts. This saying really puts life into perspective.
