Anousone Souvannasoth of Superb Shifts
An exclusive Tech Tribune Q&A with Anousone Souvannasoth (co-founder and CSO) of Superb Shifts, which was honored in our:
- 2024 Best Tech Startups in Nebraska
Tell us the origin story of Superb Shifts – what problem were you trying to solve and why?
While working at a community, Molly faced constant challenges: finding reliable staff, dealing with high turnover, managing the high cost of agency workers, and combating burnout. These issues were compounded by healthcare workers’ growing demand for flexible schedules and technology to improve efficiency, reduce burnout, and maintain high-quality care for residents. To address these growing needs, Superb Shifts was created. Our innovative platform connects communities with dependable staff to efficiently fill shifts, lower costs, and offer healthcare workers opportunities that align with their lifestyles
What was the biggest hurdle you encountered in your journey?
Introducing a new concept to a traditional industry that had been resistant to change and lacked technological innovation was a tough challenge. While everyone appreciated the idea, the real hurdle came when it was time to implement, as many were too busy to take action. This was a recurring obstacle we faced, so we realized that simply telling our story and sharing our ideas wasn’t enough – we needed to build something tangible to demonstrate our vision. Before raising funds, we developed a no-code product and handled everything manually on the backend, allowing us to present a working solution, gain buy-in, and attract champions who believed in what we were doing to help justify our mission
What does the future hold for Superb Shifts?
Superb Shifts is focused on expanding its impact by growing and innovating to better serve the needs of healthcare communities and workers. We plan to extend our reach beyond the midwest, offering our solutions to communities across the country. As we grow, we are also dedicated to developing new tools and services that cater specifically to the challenges faced by our users. From leveraging AI to optimize staffing matches to providing actionable data insights for facilities, we aim to continuously improve the user experience and address key pain points in the senior care industry. Our mission is clear: to create impactful solutions that solve real-world challenges, empower healthcare workers with flexible and rewarding opportunities, and help communities reduce costs, improve efficiency, and ensure proper staffing. We’re excited about the future and our role in transforming the healthcare workforce.
What are your thoughts on the local tech startup scene in Nebraska?
Nebraska’s tech startup scene is experiencing exciting momentum, fueled by a strong appetite for growth and innovation. While its focus is primarily local, the ecosystem operates with a Silicon Valley mindset, fostering creativity and forward-thinking. Entrepreneurs benefit from a highly supportive community, where individuals willingly share their networks and resources to help drive success. Several organizations in the state, such as Invest Nebraska, Proven Ventures, Nelnet, and Nebraska Angels, play a critical role in nurturing startups. These groups not only provide financial backing but also offer coaching, guidance, and access to a diverse network of experienced entrepreneurs. This vibrant ecosystem was instrumental in transforming the concept of Superb Shifts into a reality
What’s your best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Don’t hesitate to ask questions, it’s how you learn and grow. Build something you truly believe in and have confidence in your vision. There will always be people who doubt you or say it won’t work, but you need to brush it off and keep moving forward. If it were easy, everyone would do it. Surround yourself with a team of resourceful, dedicated individuals who can and are ready to tackle anything that comes your way. Avoid bringing on friends just because of personal connections; instead, choose people who are genuinely passionate about your mission and want to be part of what you’re building