We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maggie Rose Macar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Maggie Rose, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

One of the biggest trends in the startup industry is the perceived necessity of integrating AI components into products and services. Many founders believe that AI is crucial for attracting investors and staying competitive. However, this trend has raised concerns about its potential to stifle founder creativity. Founders may feel pressured to invest time and money into building AI models unnecessarily, diverting resources from developing a quality product or service.

In the mental health industry, there’s a notable emphasis on AI applications such as using AI to analyze emotions, replace human providers, or facilitate therapeutic conversations. While these innovations have potential, some founders are overly focused on AI, possibly at the expense of the original creativity behind their product ideas.

The key perspective emerging from these trends is that AI should be seen as a supportive component rather than the sole focus or product itself. It’s essential for founders to prioritize the core foundation of their offerings and how AI can enhance those aspects. Balancing innovation with maintaining the integrity of their original vision is crucial for sustainable growth and differentiation in the market.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

When I was 19 years old, I found myself waiting tables in New York City while attending a New Jersey community college with aspirations to become an attorney. Despite being financially independent, I lacked health insurance and had to cover everything from food to college tuition. It was during this challenging period that tragedy struck— I lost a friend to suicide, shattering my world. Coping with the grief was overwhelming, and I struggled to find support in a fragmented system that was particularly tough for college students with limited resources like myself. Fortunately, I eventually connected with a therapist who offered sessions for just $10, an invaluable investment in me.

This experience ignited a profound shift in my life. I returned to college with a renewed focus on psychology, determined to help young people facing similar struggles—whether they were grappling with thoughts like my friend had or simply trying to cope like I was. Throughout my studies, I met numerous individuals in need of affordable mental health services, yet they encountered significant barriers. This urgency and determination to make a difference eventually led me to found zant, a platform dedicated to supporting young people nationwide.

Today, zant addresses a critical need in the mental health industry. Currently, counselors and coaches spend excessive time on administrative tasks, marketing, and professional development, leaving little time for client sessions. zant changes this dynamic, allowing providers to reclaim 60%-80% of their time. It serves as the most comprehensive platform for therapists and coaches nationwide, streamlining administrative burdens such as scheduling, payments, note-taking, and more while offering essential marketing and PR services.

What sets zant apart is its integration of private practice management solutions with a robust marketplace for client acquisition and impact. Our all-in-one suite of tools eliminates the need for multiple subscriptions, replacing popular services like Calendly, Zelle, QuickBooks invoicing, CRM tools, teletherapy video hosting, and maintaining HIPAA compliance.

As the founder, I take pride in two accomplishments: assembling a dedicated team that defies expectations and achieving significant milestones despite limited resources. We’ve surpassed goals that many believed required additional capital or personnel, proving that dedication and innovation can drive success even in challenging circumstances.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I began as a ‘career server,’ diligently working at various high-end establishments while simultaneously planning to launch my venture. These roles not only provided me with valuable experience but also helped me accumulate the necessary funds to cover my startup’s initial expenses.

When it came time to raise capital for my venture, I leveraged LinkedIn as a powerful tool to connect with angel investors. I took the initiative to send cold messages, pitching my business idea and outlining the potential for growth and impact. Through this proactive approach, I secured over $500k in funding, which was instrumental in getting my startup operational.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

During the mental health movement, as awareness grew around identifying toxic work environments, there was a significant emphasis on encouraging business leaders and owners to cultivate vulnerability with their teams. However, as a CEO, I’ve had to navigate a nuanced understanding of vulnerability in leadership.

Part of my role is to lead with strength, demonstrating to my team that I prioritize self-care and can provide support where needed. I’ve realized that while staying connected and empathetic as a leader is essential, I must also discern when and how to share personal emotions. Simply because something may affect me emotionally doesn’t always mean it’s appropriate to discuss it with my team while also understanding that it’s okay if hard things hurt my feelings.

Through experience, I’ve learned that maintaining a balance between humanity and professionalism is crucial. Vulnerability in a professional setting can manifest as leading with compassion and understanding rather than displaying emotional distress or vulnerability that could undermine my team’s confidence in my leadership.

This journey has taught me the importance of authenticity, tempered with discernment. While I remain accessible and empathetic, I also uphold a sense of stability and strength that fosters trust and confidence among my team members.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zant.app
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zant.app
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zant-app

Image Credits

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