It can be difficult to address sensitive topics or unpleasant situations in the company personally, especially when it comes to bullying or discrimination. That’s what Lytt is for: a digital assistant that employees can use to give their company feedback securely and anonymously. In this way, companies can address cultural problems and sustainably support their employees in the long term.

We interviewed managing director Lara von Petersdorff-Campen.

Viking: How would you describe your career in three sentences?

After work experience at various consultancies, I founded a company with Marvin Lytt right out of my studies. I like to work independently and I really enjoy creating something that creates sustainable added value. Lytt presents me with challenges every day, but I love working in a small team in a startup.

Viking: How did the idea of ​​founding Lytt come about?

I have personally found that as a young woman in professional life it can be difficult to openly address unpleasant situations. Then we took a closer look at the subject of discrimination and examined how we can support companies in setting up structures that improve the situation for those affected. Employees should be able to get help in all situations without fear of being disadvantaged.

Viking: What obstacles did you have to overcome?

One of our biggest challenges was staying focused and patient. My co-founder, Marvin, and I are always overflowing with ideas, and we love to throw concepts on top of the pile. For example, at the beginning we developed an NLP-based assistant that was technically very sophisticated. In fact, we got caught in the classic “over-engineering” trap – there was simply no market for such a solution. So we had to take a few steps back, talk to customers and find out how Lytt could really add value.

Viking: What has been the greatest success of your career so far?

With Lytt we were able to get a scholarship from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the European Social Fund. In addition, we were able to win many well-known partners for our project. These include Christine Lüders, former head of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, as well as other company representatives from the Boston Consulting Group and the international law firm Bird & Bird.

In addition, we have only been on the market for a few months and have already won well-known customers such as the Bertelsmann Foundation. But I am just as happy about the positive feedback from those affected and employees, who often tell us: This is exactly the solution that would help me in a difficult situation.

Viking: What is your favorite office item that you couldn’t do without?

Definitely my noise-canceling headphones: With them I can dive anytime and anywhere and work undisturbed. Whether in the open-plan office with four other teams or on the train on the way to a customer appointment, you can always rely on these things.

Viking: Who is your business role model and why?

Tina Müller, the CEO of the Douglas Group, impressed me with her unerring instinct for digitization, marketing and trends as well as with her clear stance on the issue of promoting women. Douglas is a fine example of how companies can be more innovative and successful when they value diversity.

Viking: How do you switch off after a working day?

I prefer to relax with a round of yoga. After sitting too much at my desk all day, yoga relieves my tension and gives me the necessary concentration for new challenges.

Viking: What advice would you give someone who wants to start their own business with an idea?

Nothing is certain until you have spoken to at least 100 customers.

Viking: What future plans are there for Lytt?

With Lytt we want to give employees worldwide a voice. To do this, we have to convince companies of how much they benefit from a culture of trust and at the same time must never lose sight of the needs of those affected. In order to solve conflicts sustainably, we also need more than a digital assistant: Lytt would like to support companies in the future with coaching and mediation offers as well as workshops on diversity issues.