Social Impact Tech: Dr Stevens Bonhomme of Feedcoyote On How Their Technology Will Make An Important Positive Impact
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: Consider the long-term sustainability and impact of your technology. Aim for solutions that can adapt to evolving needs and have a lasting positive effect on society. This might involve scalable models, ongoing support, and a commitment to addressing emerging challenges.
In recent years, Big Tech has gotten a bad rep. But of course many tech companies are doing important work making monumental positive changes to society, health, and the environment. To highlight these, we started a new interview series about “Technology Making An Important Positive Social Impact’’. We are interviewing leaders of tech companies who are creating or have created a tech product that is helping to make a positive change in people’s lives or the environment. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Stevens Bonhomme.
Dr. Stevens Bonhomme is the Founder & CEO at Feedcoyote, a global collaboration network platform that connects freelance professionals to maximize earnings opportunities by networking and collaborating on projects. Dr. Bonhomme has a Doctorate in Business and a Masters Degree in Applied Economics. He is an Ex-Microsoft employee, and an adjunct professor of Business. Dr. Bonhomme is building Feedcoyote in his quest to take loneliness out of freelance work and fight economic isolation. Throughout his journey from Haiti to the US, Dr. Bonhomme has always prioritized education as a great equalizer, and always advises others to strive for excellence.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit more about you. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory and how you grew up?
Growing up in Haiti, a country marked by economic struggles, I developed a strong drive to succeed. Despite its rich history, Haiti faces challenges from natural disasters and political turmoil. While education is emphasized as a way out, the reality doesn’t always align due to high illiteracy rates. Growing up in this environment, each day posed challenges, and my determination was shaped by the circumstances of my birth. Navigating doubt and uncertainty in childhood, I found refuge in books, uncovering a passion for learning. My journey to the US, marked by resilience, added a new chapter to my pursuit of academic excellence. Pursuing academic excellence became a constant goal, driven by the belief that education is the key to success.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
One of the most interesting moments in my career occurred when I made the decision to leave a comfortable job at Microsoft to embark on the journey of building my tech startup, Feedcoyote. Initially, I entered the startup scene with a mindset to test the waters and gauge its potential. Unexpectedly, Techstars expressed belief in my idea and offered a coveted spot in their program. Faced with a one-month window to decide during a period of significant tech layoffs, I grappled with fear and uncertainty. Despite the challenges, I chose to quit my job and seize this opportunity. Nearly a year later, I can confidently say that the passion and dedication involved in creating my own product far surpass the experiences I could have encountered within the confines of a corporate setting.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I am fortunate to have supportive friends and family who believed in me to make this work. Even if they are not familiar with the startup ecosystem, they showed me support in pursuing my dream. But my grandfather has been the biggest contributor to my success. He believed so much in me and my ability to achieve greatness that it was scary. I was always afraid to disappoint him, and as a result, I’ve always striven to give my best at everything. Although he passed away, I still keep my unwavering determination and resilience in the face of challenges, as well as my commitment to continuous learning and personal growth, hoping he’ll still be proud of me wherever he is.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“If you can shape it in your mind, you will find it in your life.” This quote has been my motto in life. When I was younger, I used to paint mental pictures of me achieving certain milestones like getting a doctorate before 30 or starting my own company. I held on to these images in my mind so I could carve my path towards achieving them, which I did. Now, I use this motto with my company and I am happy to see the progress we have made in the past 2 years. We are now a Techstars portfolio company, we have won over 6 startup pitch competitions and secured venture capital funding. Today, we have over 12,000 active users on our platform across 120+ countries, and we are growing at 180% MoM.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
My success boils down to three key traits: self-confidence, resilience, and perseverance.
Self-confidence has been crucial. Despite doubts from others, I stuck to my dreams. People often said certain goals were unreachable, but my self-confidence kept me on track. This was evident when I faced skepticism about my life choices and pursuits. Despite external doubts, I remained confident in my ability to achieve what I set out to do, hence today Feedcoyote exists.
Resilience became a defining trait after surviving the 2010 earthquake of magnitude 7.0 in Haiti. In those tragic 35 seconds, over 300,000 lives were lost, including friends. Instead of letting that day define me, I chose resilience. I overcame the trauma, refusing to let adversity dictate my life’s course. This fueled my determination to pursue my life goals.
Perseverance is critical in the startup world. The journey as a founder involves countless rejections that can be demotivating. As a CEO, I’ve learned that perseverance is the key to success. Enduring setbacks is the driving force that propels the company forward, especially in the face of relentless challenges.
Ok super. Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion about the tech tools that you are helping to create that can make a positive social impact on our society. To begin, what problems are you aiming to solve?
There are 1.5 billion freelancers around the globe and many of them work in silos which leads to economic isolation and loneliness. They miss out on opportunities to collaborate with each other and expand their professional network. So, as a seasoned freelancer myself, I wanted to create a platform that addresses this very issue. On Feedcoyote, freelancers can connect, collaborate on projects and make more money together. Since we are a global company, we offer the opportunity for freelancers to learn from other professionals across the world and work on projects together, while managing everything in one place with built-in productivity tools.
How do you think your technology can address this?
Feedcoyote’s technology serves as a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by independent workers. Our platform facilitates seamless connection and collaboration among freelancers, offering a centralized hub for managing all their projects. Key features include a sophisticated network tool that matches freelancers based on complementary skills, fostering collaboration with like-minded professionals. The dynamic Feed feature empowers freelancers to post gigs, share thoughts, and ask questions, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. Integrated payment processing ensures secure and efficient compensation, while robust project management tools and an integrated calendar enhance overall workflow efficiency. In essence, Feedcoyote provides freelancers with a multifaceted platform that not only connects them but also streamlines their workflow for increased productivity and success.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
My passion for addressing the challenges faced by freelancers stems from my personal experiences during college. At that time, financial constraints were a daily reality, and I often found myself with nothing more than a humble bowl of Ramen noodles for sustenance. Balancing the demands of school with the need to make ends meet, I turned to side gigs like tutoring and translations to pay my bills.
These firsthand experiences acquainted me intimately with the struggles that freelancers endure. The realization that many individuals faced similar challenges ignited a deep-seated desire to find a solution. I embarked on a mission to create a platform that not only addressed my personal struggles but also served as a support system for fellow freelancers, offering them opportunities for collaboration, growth, and financial stability. The empathy born from my own journey continues to fuel my commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of freelancers globally through Feedcoyote.
How do you think this might change the world?
Feedcoyote has the potential to change the world by transforming the freelance landscape into a more connected, collaborative, and empowered global community. In addressing the isolation and economic challenges faced by freelancers worldwide, the platform fosters economic empowerment, global collaboration, and efficiency. By providing a space where freelancers can connect based on skills, collaborate seamlessly, and share opportunities, Feedcoyote contributes to breaking down barriers, reducing isolation, and promoting equal access to opportunities. The platform’s vision is not just about changing individual lives; it’s about reshaping the freelance industry for the better, creating a more inclusive, connected, and empowered global workforce.
Keeping “Black Mirror” and the “Law of Unintended Consequences” in mind, can you see any potential drawbacks about this technology that people should think more deeply about?
As the CEO and founder of a tech company, I recognize the importance of acknowledging potential drawbacks and unintended consequences associated with our innovations. Privacy and ethical considerations are at the forefront, requiring robust measures to safeguard user data and ensure ethical use. We’re committed to addressing security risks, working to prevent job displacement by embracing responsible automation, and striving for inclusivity to bridge the digital divide. Moreover, we’re mindful of potential impacts on societal dynamics and are dedicated to proactively shaping regulations. As we advance, our mission is to integrate technology responsibly, fostering positive outcomes for our users and society at large.
Here is the main question for our discussion. Based on your experience and success, can you please share “Five things you need to know to successfully create technology that can make a positive social impact”? (Please share a story or an example, for each.)
Certainly! Drawing from my experience as a CEO and founder in the tech industry, here are five key insights to successfully create technology with a positive social impact:
1. Understand the Needs: Begin by deeply understanding the needs of the community or individuals you aim to serve. Effective technology solutions stem from a comprehensive grasp of the challenges and requirements within a given social context.
2. Inclusive Design: Foster inclusivity in the design process. Ensure that diverse perspectives and voices are considered when developing technology. This approach not only helps in identifying potential biases but also ensures that the technology addresses the needs of a broad user base.
3. Ethical Considerations: Prioritize ethical considerations throughout the development lifecycle. Implement robust privacy measures, be transparent about data usage, and actively work to minimize unintended consequences. Upholding ethical standards builds trust and safeguards against negative social impacts.
4. Collaborate and Seek Feedback: Collaboration is key to creating impactful technology. Engage with stakeholders, communities, and experts. Seek continuous feedback throughout the development process to refine and improve your solution. This collaborative approach ensures that the technology remains relevant and beneficial.
5. Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: Consider the long-term sustainability and impact of your technology. Aim for solutions that can adapt to evolving needs and have a lasting positive effect on society. This might involve scalable models, ongoing support, and a commitment to addressing emerging challenges.
By incorporating these principles into the development process, you can contribute to creating technology that not only addresses social issues but also positively transforms communities and individuals for the long haul.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
I would encourage young people to recognize the incredible potential they hold to shape a better future. Making a positive impact on the environment or society isn’t just a responsibility; it’s an opportunity to contribute to lasting change. By channeling your passions and skills toward positive initiatives, you not only improve the world for others but also find fulfillment and purpose in your own journey. Your actions today have the power to create a more sustainable, equitable, and compassionate world for generations to come. Embrace this opportunity to be a force for positive change — it’s a journey worth taking.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
As the CEO of a vibrant freelance platform, sharing dinner with Lionel Messi would be a dream come true. Messi’s unmatched skill, dedication, and global impact resonate with our platform’s mission to empower freelancers worldwide. I envision a dinner conversation filled with insights on teamwork, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Drawing parallels between the precision of Messi’s plays and the expertise of our freelancers, we could explore how passion and commitment drive success in both the world of football and freelancing. It’s a meeting of two worlds, each striving for greatness in their own field.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can stay informed about our platform, Feedcoyote, by visiting our blog for in-depth articles and insights. Additionally, we actively share updates and engage with our professional community on our Feedcoyote social media pages LinkedIn, Facebook, IG, and X. These platforms serve as valuable resources to stay connected with our work, industry trends, and the vibrant community of freelancers we support. I encourage everyone interested in our platform to follow us on those platforms and explore the rich content on our blog for a deeper understanding of Feedcoyote’s mission and impact. Furthermore, I invite freelancers/solopreneurs/creators worldwide to join our community at https://feedcoyote.com and start increasing their earnings through networking and collaboration.
Thank you so much for joining us. This was very inspirational, and we wish you continued success in your important work.
Pleasure was mine. Thank you!
Social Impact Tech: Dr Stevens Bonhomme of Feedcoyote On How Their Technology Will Make An… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.