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April 1, 2024 / 2024 Top 25 Women In Business

Runa Knapp, 2024 Women in Business Honoree

Chief Business Development Officer FoundHer Check out the rest of the 2024 Women in Business Honorees
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Runa Knapp is the chief business development officer and co-founder of FoundHer, a full-service certified benefit corporation (B Corp) recruiting company focused on helping mothers return to the workforce after a career break.

Knapp’s success in the recruiting business resulted from qualities she picked up during her professional career at KPMG: the ability to quickly but diligently establish relationships, create meaningful connections, and provide unmatched client service.

Along with her day-to-day recruiting responsibilities, she is responsible for all financial aspects of the business. Knapp spearheaded FoundHer’s certification as a B Corp and has been featured as a thought leader in several media outlets.

What have been your biggest professional accomplishments?

I’ve contributed significantly to FoundHer’s post-COVID revenue growth of 130% by successfully sourcing clients and securing placements. I also spearheaded FoundHer’s efforts to achieve B Corp certification.

FoundHer is the only women-led and focused B Corp-certified recruiting agency in the country, achieving and maintaining the status since spring 2022.

What’s the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally?

I’d like to see FoundHer hire its first, and possibly second, employee within the next five years; especially as we continue adding reputable clients to our growing roster, which primarily consists of financial services and law firms.

What’s one of the biggest professional challenges you’ve overcome?

FoundHer focuses on finding flexible working arrangements for women: a commonly challenging conversation with prospective clients back in 2019.

Through the Great Resignation movement and the introduction of alternative work arrangements, we were able to be a part of the job shift movement that resulted in more opportunities for women.

How are you involved in the community?

I currently volunteer my time through various organizations. I serve on the board of directors of B Local Connecticut. I’m a committee member and active volunteer of the National Charity League – Westport chapter. and I’m a fundraising lead of the PTA at my son’s school.

What are your keys to maintaining business success?

My key to maintaining business success is to find time to decompress. I schedule vacations with my family, take girls’ trips twice a year, work and meditate daily, and enjoy downtime with my kids after school.

This is critical to avoid burnout, especially as a busy and successful entrepreneur.

Check out the rest of the 2024 Women in Business Honorees

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