What happens when personal frustration meets professional insight? For Sandra Grauss, it led to a mission-driven startup: Tribute to Work. After struggling to find a workplace that truly aligned with her values, Sandra realized there had to be a better way — and decided to create it herself. With a clear mission to help more people find jobs they genuinely love, she’s turning recruitment on its head.
A Personal Journey Turned into a Great Business Idea
“It started with a personal search for a new employer. I knew exactly what I valued in a company and how I wanted to use my strengths. But finding an organization that matched my values, culture (behavior), and ambitions was not easy. It sometimes felt like a maze because of the overwhelming number of job vacancies and not being able to filter on the things that matter to me. Over the past few years, I’ve deeply explored topics like company culture, collaboration, and leadership. Combined with my journey, it all clicked into place — and that’s how Tribute to Work was born.
Her mission? To get more people into jobs they truly love.
“Too many people feel disconnected from their work. Many have a latent desire for something new. The fact that 46% of resignations are due to company culture was a shocking discovery for me. But when you find the right position in the right organization, your heart opens. You are filled with joy and motivation — in other words, passion. How beautiful would it be if more people could experience that? That I could help make that happen by offering a new perspective on hiring and job seeking?”
Turning Vulnerability Into Momentum
“I brought the idea to life by simply starting to talk about it — which, honestly, felt a bit vulnerable at first. But opening up sparked meaningful conversations, fresh insights, and clarity on what needed refining. That momentum kept me moving forward.”
“In these early stages, staying in motion is everything. It’s tough — many deep dives, reading, researching. But even a quick chat with someone outside the bubble always gave me a new perspective and the energy to keep going.”
I found progress through connection — in all kinds of ways:
- Showing up at networking events
- Reaching into my own network
- Connecting with entrepreneurs who inspire me
“And joining FEM-START? A total game-changer. Being surrounded by like-minded women, exchanging real stories and lessons — it’s empowering. There’s something so valuable about learning alongside people who truly get the journey.”
Gaining Traction with Purpose
“I’m still in the early days of my entrepreneurial journey — six months in, with my first launching customer on board. But I know more will follow. Why? Because I’m laser-focused on my sweet spot: the real challenges organizations face when it comes to talent and connection. By naming those pain points and offering clear, people-centered solutions, I’ve already received powerful validation — from both employers and candidates.
It’s a shared experience, a real societal issue. And I don’t shy away from saying it: I’m building this with a social mission at heart. “More people in jobs they love” isn’t just a slogan — it’s rooted in my own story and fuels everything I do. That authenticity resonates. When you truly believe in your mission, and the process is not only impactful but also energizing — people want to be part of it.”
Learning to Open Up
“Initially, I thought I shouldn’t talk to others about the idea. I was afraid someone would run off with it. I actually shared this fear with someone at an event. They told me the opposite — the power lies in the conversation, in bringing your idea to life, even talking about it as if it’s already finished. If I hadn’t spoken up, I wouldn’t have taken nearly as many steps as I have. I wouldn’t have got the validation, and I wouldn’t have been able to improve the weak points. Another lesson? Every time you tweak your plan, go back to market research. If you skip that, you might miss something crucial — and that’s a waste.”
From Idea to Action
“Turning an idea into reality is no small feat. It’s incredibly difficult to develop an idea into an actual plan and then translate it into action and sales. It’s tempting to think too big, which can make things overwhelming. What I’ve learned is to peel it back, make it small, and keep going. I’ve also discovered my own perseverance, my passion, and my drive to make this happen. There have been so many moments where I could’ve thrown in the towel — but I didn’t. I kept going. And that takes discipline, every single day.”
Sandra’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
“Talk about it. Don’t be afraid of rejection or what people might think. Surround yourself with people you can learn from — those you admire, who’ve already walked the path you’re on. I guarantee you’ll be amazed by how willing others are to help.”
What’s Next for Tribute to Work?
“I want to look for investors, accelerate impact, and scale up quickly. I’m also onboarding early adopters to build customer interactions. It’s an exciting phase!”
Sandra Grauss is redefining the job market with style and substance. Forget the flashy tools and one-size-fits-all job boards—she leads with heart, sharp insight, and a deep commitment to human connection and cultural fit. This is just the beginning of her journey.
