Episode 73: A Comedian, A Salon Business and A Software Geek with Erika Wasser
Synopsis
Episode 73. In this episode of the Lifetime at Work Podcast, host Greg Martin interviews Erika Wasser, co-founder of Prospr, a software tool designed to manage frontline employees across multiple locations.
Erica shares her journey from starting a salon chain to co-founding a software company, discussing the challenges faced by non-technical founders, the social importance of salons and barbershops, and the common issues in managing deskless workforces. The conversation delves into the significance of well-informed teams for customer experience, the power of culture-building tools, and strategies for overcoming communication barriers in large-scale businesses.
Erika also provides insights on the role of AI in frontline operations, the importance of inclusivity and flexibility for employees, and her personal experiences with failure and resilience in entrepreneurship.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:16 Meet Erica Wasser: From Standup Comedian to Entrepreneur
01:09 The Birth of Prosper: Solving Frontline Communication Challenges
02:19 Real-World Examples of Communication Breakdowns
05:23 Building Prosper: A Non-Technical Founder’s Journey
07:49 Erica’s Career Journey: From Entertainment to Salons
12:12 The Role of AI and Technology in Frontline Work
17:51 Engaging Frontline Employees: Strategies and Insights
22:58 The Chipotle Effect
23:38 Challenges in Building a Business
25:15 The Software Industry Transition
26:53 The Unique Salon Experience
29:47 Navigating Growth and Marketing
32:29 The Future of Venture Capital
36:30 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
38:34 Conclusion and Contact Information
Background and Key Links