Moksha Menon is the founder of &I Technologies; a B2B corporate wellness software that leverages generative AI to bridge the gap between employees and employers. Its mission is to empower individuals in organisations to be their authentic selves within a safe, encouraging, and accepting environment by helping to reduce their stress levels.
Stress – an inevitable part of life – can be categorised into four types: Boredom, Eustress (positive stress), Stress, and Burnout, and each person has a different tolerance level. Unfortunately, many people confuse perceived stress with actual stress, leading to unnecessary suffering. The younger generations, especially Gen Z, often experience higher levels of stress compared to ‘baby boomers’ due to lifestyle changes, societal shifts, and the profound impact of technology. &I aims to redefine stress by educating individuals about stress concepts and helping them optimise "Eustress"; the right amount of stress that can motivate and enhance productivity.
After completing an undergraduate degree in Psychology and an MBA in Human Resources and Organisational Behaviour in India, Moksha relocated to the UK to pursue a master’s degree in Business Analysis and Consulting at the University of Strathclyde.
Drawing from her experience as a Human Resource professional in the corporate sector as well as her personal experience of a lack of support available in the workplace to deal with stress, Moksha realised the impact that increased communication and awareness around stress could have in elevating human performance in the workplace. She knew that with the right tools, these issues could be managed, and she was dedicated to addressing these challenges and prioritising holistic well-being in today's fast-paced world. And so, &I Technologies was born!
After finding out about the support on offer from Strathclyde Inspire, Moksha reached out to the team with a rough sketch of her idea and vision for building the business.
The support and guidance I received from Strathclyde Inspire was invaluable in shaping my idea into a viable business concept. As a first-time founder, I lacked familiarity with entrepreneurial terminology and processes, but through the business canvas process, I gained insight into this. Inspire provided a nurturing environment for both me and my business, fostering learning, growth, and providing essential support in terms of networking, workshops, and introductions.
The start-up team invited Moksha to apply for the Accelerator programme, where she was able to secure some initial funding which played significant role in kickstarting the business. Using their advice, she was also able to secure a co-founder and applied for a start-up visa, which enabled her to remain in Glasgow after completing her studies to focus on developing her business idea.
Moksha is motivated by her passion for promoting well-being and achieving a harmonious work-life balance:
I believe in maintaining a safe and inclusive environment that values every individual. Ultimately, my motivation is rooted in the belief that prioritising communication, understanding, and well-being can cultivate thriving and empowered organisations, benefiting both individuals and society as a whole. My experience with Strathclyde Inspire has further ignited my passion for entrepreneurship and making a meaningful difference.
The company’s vision for the future is to become a prominent player in the corporate wellness software space on a global scale. The team aspires to establish a strong international presence, providing a comprehensive ecosystem for employee well-being which leverages AI and personalised solutions to continuously innovate and stay at the forefront of wellness trends. The ultimate goal is to create a measurable impact on employee well-being, engagement, and organisational performance worldwide.
The most crucial attributes for becoming a successful entrepreneur, according to Moksha, are resilience and adaptability. She also emphasises the importance of embracing failure and using it as a learning opportunity rather than a setback.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, my advice would be to focus on building a supportive network. Surround yourself with mentors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs who can provide valuable guidance, insights, and support throughout your entrepreneurial journey. Remember, every entrepreneurial journey is unique, so be prepared to adapt, learn from experiences, and consistently evolve your approach.
