We recently spoke to our founder and CEO, Katherine Baker, about why Intrinsic Energy was started and how it’s been creating a new company during a global pandemic.
What is Intrinsic Energy?
An innovative approach to training that empowers employee-centric corporate training which motivates, rewards and enables high performing teams.
What gave you the idea for Intrinsic Energy?
After 8 years of corporate training for global companies, I realised there needed to be an alternative to the traditional in person approach which is regularly customised for the company but not to the individuals needs and is not continuous. Too many times I would be training for example a 2 day presentation skills course but knew out of the 20 participants, some were already great presenters and would have been better off learning about influencing or leadership skills. Also, these in person workshops are very expensive meaning they are limited to high performing teams within companies with big L&D budgets. I want to make corporate training available to everyone who wants to learn and reach their next career goals.
How did you get involved with Innovate UK?
My husband William works in the start up word at EV.Energy. He received an email from Innovate UK altering him to potential grants. We worked on the application together (with very late nights) and I was fortunate to win the COVID-19 Fast Response Grant.
What has been like, starting a company in the pandemic?
Honestly it has given me focus and enabled me to find new ways to connect to people. I have found people really willing to get involved and help and made some great virtual connections. The corporate world was slowing adapting to the new demands of working remotely and using technology to run meetings. As the world has learned how to work remotely and become better acquainted with technology, it’s enabled a high need for live, corporate training.
Where do you see Intrinsic Energy in 5 years?
We are currently focused on upskilling the UK workforce but plan to expand the platform globally to the US, Europe and Australia. The aim is to create a community where people can connect with each other through live training and then stay in contact. Intrinsic Energy will enable cross sector collaboration and learning through a very diverse platform.
What’s your advice for other founders starting out?
Network. Join networking groups and ask for help/advise. ALso make sure to surround yourself with a diverse group of supporters. This way you will get different view points and advice. But stick to your gut and ideas. Don’t let other people’s opinions change your course unless you really agree with them. You have to stick to your own path even when others try to tell you otherwise.
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