Elizabeth Gore, co-founder and president of Hello Alice, has spent years immersed in the world of entrepreneurship. Her journey from rural Texas to the helm of a company supporting over a million small business owners is filled with unexpected turns, a deep commitment to service, and a knack for identifying talent that can drive real change. One particular interview question stands out in her hiring process-a question that not only tests a candidate’s preparedness but also their approach to constructive criticism and innovation.
From Cattle Farms to Global Impact
Elizabeth Gore’s story begins far from boardrooms and tech startups. Raised in Texas, she once imagined her future would involve working on her family’s cattle farm. However, a college internship on Capitol Hill introduced her to the world of policy and advocacy, setting her on a new trajectory. Gore’s academic background in animal sciences at Texas A&M University might seem an unlikely launching pad for a tech entrepreneur, but her early exposure to business-selling crafts at local markets as a child-planted the seeds for her future endeavors.
After college, Gore’s career took her to the United Nations Foundation, where she spent nearly a decade working on initiatives that empowered women and small business owners globally. Programs like Girl Up and Nothing But Nets, which she helped establish, focused on providing resources and opportunities to those often overlooked by traditional financial systems. Her time at the UN made her acutely aware of the transformative power of entrepreneurship, especially for women in developing economies. “If they were able to make their own income, they could pay for family health care and their kids could go to school,” she observed.
Read more: Telling Chat GPT ‘Please’ And ‘Thank You’ Is Costing OpenAI ‘Tens Of Millions’ Of Dollars, CEO Says
The Birth of Hello Alice
Gore’s passion for supporting entrepreneurs found a new outlet after her stint as entrepreneur-in-residence at Dell Technologies, where she advocated for small businesses across dozens of countries. In 2017, she co-founded Hello Alice with Carolyn Rodz, inspired by a conversation atop a mountain during a tech conference. The two shared a vision: to level the playing field for entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, mentorship, and a supportive community.
Hello Alice’s mission is to connect small business owners with funding-through grants, loans, and credit-as well as offer resources for planning and growth. Since its inception, the platform has assisted 1.5 million entrepreneurs and facilitated the distribution of $52 million in grants, making a tangible difference in the small business landscape.
The Interview Question That Matters
Having interviewed and hired hundreds of people over the years, Gore has developed a keen sense for what makes a candidate stand out. Her favorite interview question is deceptively simple: “What do you think we’re doing wrong at our company?” This inquiry serves several purposes, all rooted in her desire to find individuals who are not just qualified, but genuinely invested in Hello Alice’s mission and future.
Why This Question?
- Big-Picture Thinking: Gore wants to know if candidates have thought deeply about Hello Alice’s goals and challenges. She’s looking for people who can see beyond their immediate role and consider how they might contribute to the organization’s long-term success.
- Problem-Solving Mindset: By asking about perceived shortcomings, Gore encourages candidates to approach the conversation as problem-solvers rather than passive observers. It’s a prompt to demonstrate initiative and creativity.
- Preparation and Work Ethic: The question quickly reveals whether a candidate has taken the time to research the company. “It’ll show they’ve done their homework,” Gore notes.
- Adaptability: Startups often need to pivot quickly. Candidates who can identify areas for improvement-and articulate them thoughtfully-are more likely to thrive in a dynamic environment.
Read more: A Brand Color Called ‘Olo’ Has Been Discovered—But Only 5 People Have Ever Seen It
Delivery Matters as Much as Content
Gore emphasizes that how a candidate answers is just as important as what they say. She’s not interested in hearing a laundry list of complaints delivered in a harsh tone. Instead, she values candidates who frame their feedback constructively, suggesting “here’s a growth area that I would recommend” rather than simply pointing out flaws. This approach reflects emotional intelligence and a collaborative spirit-qualities essential for building a positive workplace culture.
Lessons from a Career of Empowerment
Gore’s approach to hiring is shaped by her broader philosophy: empowering others to reach their potential benefits not just individuals, but entire communities. Her career has been defined by a commitment to service, from her time as a Peace Corps volunteer to her leadership roles at the UN and Dell. At each stage, she has sought to create systems that open doors for those who might otherwise be left out.
Early Ventures and Lifelong Learning
Gore’s entrepreneurial journey began at age 12, selling handmade items at local markets. This early experience taught her the basics of marketing, sales, and financial management-skills she would later refine through formal education and professional roles. Her time at the University of Texas, where she studied business administration, further fueled her interest in entrepreneurship policy and advocacy.
Internships and early jobs exposed her to the realities faced by small business owners, particularly those lacking access to funding and mentorship. As the first entrepreneur-in-residence at the Small Business Administration, Gore worked closely with policymakers and business owners to bridge these gaps.
Building Hello Alice: A Platform for Change
The idea for Hello Alice was born out of a shared frustration with the barriers facing small business owners, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Gore and Rodz, both with roots in Houston and ties to Bolivia, recognized the need for a platform that could democratize access to resources.
Hello Alice’s whimsical name, inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, reflects the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship. The platform offers more than just funding-it provides a network of support, educational tools, and a sense of community for business owners navigating their own “rabbit holes” of challenges and opportunities.
Impact by the Numbers
- 1.5 million entrepreneurs served across all 50 states
- $52 million in grants distributed
- Resources for business planning, mentorship, and networking
These numbers underscore Hello Alice’s role as a catalyst for growth and innovation in the small business ecosystem.
The Power of Constructive Critique
Gore’s signature interview question reflects a broader truth: organizations thrive when they welcome honest feedback delivered with respect. She believes that candidates who can identify areas for improvement-and communicate them thoughtfully-are more likely to contribute to a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.
This approach is especially valuable in the fast-paced world of startups, where the ability to pivot and respond to new challenges can mean the difference between success and stagnation. Gore’s focus on respectful, solution-oriented feedback sets the tone for a workplace where everyone is encouraged to speak up and contribute.
Read more: Strange New Quantum ‘Species’ Discovered in Lab—And It’s Unlike Anything Seen Before
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Leaders
Gore’s journey offers several key takeaways for those looking to build impactful careers or organizations:
- Embrace Uncertainty: The path to success is rarely linear. Be open to unexpected opportunities and willing to pivot when necessary.
- Do Your Homework: Whether you’re applying for a job or launching a venture, thorough preparation sets you apart.
- Value Emotional Intelligence: How you communicate is as important as what you say. Approach feedback with empathy and a collaborative mindset.
- Champion Others: Success is sweeter when shared. Look for ways to lift up those around you, whether through mentorship, advocacy, or creating new opportunities.
- Stay Curious: The entrepreneurial journey is full of surprises. Maintain a sense of wonder and a willingness to learn from every experience.
Looking Ahead
Elizabeth Gore’s career is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Through Hello Alice, she continues to champion small business owners, providing the tools and support they need to turn their dreams into reality. Her approach to hiring-centered on thoughtful critique and big-picture thinking-offers a blueprint for building teams that are not only skilled, but also deeply invested in the mission at hand.
For anyone navigating their own professional journey, Gore’s story is a reminder that preparation, empathy, and a willingness to challenge the status quo can open doors to unexpected and rewarding destinations.
