The Hidden Ingredient in Every Startup: Strong Relationships

The journey of building SteppingStone, from the initial idea to a full-fledged startup, has been a story of relationships. When I first scribbled down the concept for SteppingStone in my notebook, it was just that—an idea. But as any founder will tell you, an idea alone isn’t enough. It takes persistence, guidance, and a community of supporters to transform that idea into something tangible. For me, the importance of relationships became clear early on in the startup process.

One of the first things I did after coming up with the concept for SteppingStone—an AI-driven platform designed to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers—was to tap into my network for feedback. I reached out to former colleagues, friends, and professionals whose opinions I trust, to get their perspectives on the challenges in the hiring space. The insights I received were invaluable. They didn’t just validate that there was a real problem to solve; they helped me better understand the nuances of those problems and gave me a sense of direction. These conversations laid the foundation for turning my rough ideas into a project, and ultimately, a product that we now know as Stella.

But the importance of relationships didn’t stop there. As we began to move from concept to action, I leaned even more on both existing connections and new ones. I’ve been fortunate to meet and work with brilliant people along the way—industry experts, investors, advisors, entrepreneurs, developers, and career services leaders. Each of them brought unique perspectives that shaped SteppingStone. Their feedback helped refine the product, define the market, and ultimately guide us toward creating something that could truly solve the hiring challenges so many people face today.

The startup journey is challenging, and at times, isolating, but relationships have been the key to overcoming every obstacle that has come our way. Whether it’s having someone to brainstorm with, seeking advice during tough moments, or getting introduced to someone who can open the next door, relationships have been my fuel. I realized that it’s not just about knowing the right people—it’s about fostering genuine connections, building trust, and offering value in return.

For SteppingStone, the heart of our mission is to make meaningful connections between job seekers and employers. Ironically, it’s the relationships I’ve built that have brought SteppingStone to where it is today. And I know as we continue to grow, it will be relationships that shape the future of this company.