Leah Mano, a Sydney-based marketing executive, was inspired to create Turn Your Frown UpsideDown (TYFU) after witnessing friends and colleagues struggle with job loss in today’s competitive market.
TYFU isn’t just another job search platform—it’s an empowering community built to support job seekers emotionally and professionally. In this interview, Leah shares how TYFU helps people navigate unemployment, break through job search barriers, and connect with employers in a more personal and effective way.
Leah, what inspired you to create Turn Your Frown UpsideDown, and how did your own experiences or those of people close to you influence the platform’s mission?
It’s such a tough and patchy job market right now and lay-offs and redundancies are happening across industries, and a lot of my personal contacts have been impacted. There are currently over 600k unemployed and 1.5m underemployed people in Australia.
I was inspired to start TYFU to normalise job loss, remove the stigma of being out of work, and provide job seekers with a safe place to network and feel supported. I was also keen to create a platform that speeds up screening and recruitment for immediate staffing.
Job loss can be an incredibly isolating experience. How do you believe TYFU’s focus on community can help job seekers feel more supported and less alone during their search?
We want job seekers to be able to tap into a network of others going through what they are and have access to a safe and free network where they can ask questions, vent, seek advice or referrals, and share resources and wins! We want TYFU job seekers to walk away with new connections, promising leads or even a future business buddy! Job seekers shouldn’t have to go through a challenging job search journey alone.
With the rise of underemployment, many people are struggling to find work that matches their skills and aspirations. How does TYFU aim to address this issue, and what advice would you give to those feeling stuck in underemployment?
TYFU is committed to helping individuals find work that truly aligns with their skills and career aspirations. We offer a platform that not only provides affordable job listings but also connects job seekers with a supportive community and valuable resources. Through our networking events, live sessions with industry experts, and access to career professionals, we empower job seekers to explore new opportunities and make meaningful career pivots.
For those feeling stuck in underemployment, my advice is to continuously leverage every resource available to upskill and network. Don’t be shy and reach out to people – the answer will always be a no if you don’t ask! Also explore new industries or roles that might be a better fit for your talents – don’t be afraid to take a step down if it’s in the right direction. Hard work and dedication can see you work your way up quickly. TYFU is here to support you in navigating this journey.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing job seekers today, and how can platforms like TYFU help them overcome these hurdles?
I think the biggest challenges facing job seekers today include standing out in a highly competitive job market and dealing with the emotional toll of unemployment and waiting to hear back from recruiters and employers about a role. Job seekers can feel like just another resume in a sea of applicants.
Platforms like TYFU can help by offering a personalised and supportive touch. By incorporating features like candidate video profiles and live sessions with recruiters, TYFU helps job seekers stand out and present their whole selves to potential employers, ultimately increasing their chances of finding a role that fits them both professionally and personally.
TYFU’s job seeker networking is also a great way for job seekers to enhance their job search Eg ask other job seekers which recruiters have been most helpful for certain industries, if there are any courses that someone would recommend , if someone has interviewed at a certain company and what to expect etc.
You’ve highlighted the importance of addressing the emotional impact of job loss. What are some practical steps individuals and families can take to cope with the stress and uncertainty during this time?
Keep Communication Open: Share your thoughts and worries with family members to build a strong support network.
Maintain a Routine: Establish a consistent daily schedule to bring structure and stability to your day.
Enhance Skills: Take advantage of the time to acquire new skills or refine current ones, which can increase both confidence and employment opportunities.
Plan Finances: Review your budget and adjust spending to better manage the change in income.
Reach Out for Support: Consider connecting with professional counsellors, support groups, or local resources for additional guidance.
The use of video profiles and knock-out questions on TYFU is a unique approach. How do you think these tools will change the way employers and job seekers connect, and what benefits do you foresee?
Traditional resume screening can be time-consuming and often fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of a candidate’s potential. Video profiles offer an efficient and insightful screening process, allowing employers to quickly identify the most suitable candidates based on their skills, communication abilities, and personality. They allow the employer to instantly see how a candidate presents – see their personality, passion and potential! This allows them to make faster, more informed decisions about who to interview and speeds up screening.
The job search process can be stressful and frustrating for job seekers. TYFU’s video profiles offer a more engaging and interactive experience, allowing candidates to showcase their unique personalities and strengths in a dynamic format. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and a better overall candidate experience.
Looking at the current job market, what trends or shifts do you think job seekers should be aware of, and how can they best prepare for these changes?
The gig economy is on the rise, offering more opportunities for freelance and contract work. Job seekers should stay open to these flexible work options and think about how their skills can be used in short-term or freelance roles as they can pay really well.
More companies are shifting their focus towards specific skill sets rather than relying solely on traditional qualifications. Candidates who enhance their abilities in areas like data analysis, digital marketing, or coding will find themselves better positioned in the job market.
