Bobbie Racette, a queer Indigenous woman, transforms her challenges in the conservative job market into a successful business, launching Virtual Gurus to uplift marginalised communities.
In 2016, Bobbie Racette embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that defied the odds. As a queer, Indigenous woman living in Calgary, Canada, Racette faced significant challenges in her career, transitioning from job to job without finding a permanent position in the conservative area she called home. Her struggle for employment came to a head when, in 2015, she was laid off from her role as a safety technician in the oil and gas industry. Despite her relentless pursuit of job opportunities, Racette faced repeated rejections which she attributes partially to her identity and appearance.
Amidst growing frustrations, Racette stumbled upon the burgeoning gig economy. Inspired, she ventured into freelancing by offering virtual assistant services on platforms like Upwork, although initial success was hard to come by. Competing against international freelancers often meant lowering her bid to as little as $2 to secure jobs. Realising the unsustainable nature of this strategy, Racette determined to create her own business, where she could exercise more control over her work and support others in similar predicaments.
Thus, in 2016, Racette launched Virtual Gurus with the vision of connecting skilled virtual assistants with businesses requiring diverse support tasks such as bookkeeping and customer service. She started this endeavour with only $300 and little knowledge of business management but was fuelled by a clear market need. The company achieved $300,000 in revenue during its first year, demonstrating significant demand for their services.
Driven by her commitment to providing opportunities for marginalised communities, Racette set her sights on employing individuals who were often overlooked by traditional employment models. Her first hire was a stay-at-home mother, exemplifying her mission to support underrepresented groups. Within four years, the company had expanded to employ more than 40 team members and provide work for over 2,000 people across Canada and the United States.
Acknowledging her roots, Racette has consistently aimed to uplift Indigenous communities, which she dubs her “north star”. Virtual Gurus actively seeks partnerships with employment centres within Indigenous communities to facilitate local job creation and skill development. The company not only offers employment but also provides necessary equipment and training, reinforcing its aim to recruit and empower 5,000 Indigenous workers by 2026.
Racette’s entrepreneurial journey was not without its setbacks. It took 170 investor rejections before securing an $8.4 million CAD Series A funding round, which propelled the company beyond a $50 million valuation. Alongside the financial hurdles, Racette also undertook the challenge of transforming herself into an effective leader. Without formal business training, she turned to leadership courses at Harvard University to hone her skills and strive towards becoming the leader her company needed.
Reflecting on her journey, Racette notes significant personal growth and transformation as a leader over the last few years. Yet, she emphasises the continuous nature of leadership development, aspiring to inspire the next generation of leaders through her example. She encourages sharing stories of entrepreneurship to uplift and motivate others, particularly young women in tech who might otherwise feel discouraged.
Bobbie Racette’s trajectory from struggling job seeker to a successful entrepreneur and leader highlights the potential of determination, vision, and inclusivity in business. Her story not only marks a personal success but also paves the way for broader social impacts through her company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Source: Noah Wire Services