Lila Goyette

Why this persona fits the audience

Runs a solo recruiting practice placing product and data hires for startups. Tracks candidates, hiring managers, referrals, and last-contact dates in Gmail labels, LinkedIn notes, and a Google Sheet she updates after calls and coffee chats.

• Age: 34
• Location: Chicago, IL, USA
• Occupation: Independent recruiter
• Income: $92k/year
• Education: Bachelor's degree in communications
• Company size: 1 (self-employed)
• Years in role: 7

“I find that the real magic happens when you connect the right talent with the right opportunity at the right time; my job is to orchestrate that, meticulously.”

Lila Goyette, 34, carved out her niche in the competitive world of startup recruitment after a few years working for a larger agency. Frustrated by the bureaucracy and impersonal nature of larger firms, she launched her solo practice seven years ago, focusing exclusively on placing product managers, data scientists, and engineers for early-stage tech companies. Her Chicago apartment, though modest, is a testament to her disciplined approach to life and finances. She views her income of $92k/year as a reward for her hard work and a means to maintain her desired lifestyle, which includes ample time for personal pursuits. Her Bachelor's in Communications provided a solid foundation for client and candidate interaction. She recently decided against expanding too quickly, turning down a lucrative offer to partner with a venture capital firm on a retainer basis, preferring to maintain her autonomy and focus on her existing client base. This decision was driven by a desire to protect her work-life balance and ensure she could continue providing the personalized, responsive service that has become her trademark. Her reliance on Gmail labels, LinkedIn notes, and a Google Sheet reflects her commitment to thoroughness but also highlights a persistent friction point in her daily workflow. She’s keenly aware of the need for a more integrated system but has yet to find one that feels intuitive and doesn’t require a steep learning curve or significant financial outlay. Her reputation for reliability and responsiveness is her most valuable asset, built through countless hours of diligent follow-up and a genuine understanding of the startup hiring landscape.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Lila's typical weekday starts around 6:00 AM with a run, followed by a quick shower and a strong pour-over coffee while reviewing her schedule. Her mornings are dedicated to candidate outreach and initial screenings, leveraging LinkedIn messages and email. After a working lunch, often a quick salad at her desk, she transitions to client calls, discovery meetings, and candidate debriefs. Late afternoons are for updating her Google Sheet, meticulously logging notes from every interaction, and planning for the next day. She aims to wrap up by 6:30 PM, though urgent client needs can sometimes extend her day, before preparing a simple dinner and perhaps listening to a podcast.

Lifestyle

Lila lives a focused, disciplined life in a well-maintained but modest one-bedroom apartment in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. Her income allows for comfort but encourages mindful spending. She prioritizes her health, dedicating early mornings to running along the lakefront, often listening to podcasts on startup trends or interview techniques. Weekends might involve trying a new coffee shop, exploring a different Chicago neighborhood, or catching up with a small circle of close friends. She's conscious of her finances, aiming to build savings for future stability while enjoying the present.

Work life

As a solo recruiter, Lila is solely responsible for her business's success. Her days are a dynamic mix of sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, managing client relationships, and administrative tasks. She thrives on the autonomy but feels the constant pressure to find the right fit for demanding startup roles. Coworkers are primarily her clients (hiring managers) and the candidates she places. She relies heavily on her digital tools—Gmail, LinkedIn, and her meticulously updated Google Sheet—to stay organized, often feeling the friction of manual data entry and the fear of missing a crucial follow-up.

Relationships

Lila maintains strong professional relationships with a core group of startup founders and VCs who have become repeat clients. Her personal network is smaller but deep, consisting of a few college friends and a running club acquaintance she sees weekly. Her parents, who live in a suburb outside Chicago, are supportive but don't fully grasp the intricacies of her independent business, offering well-meaning but sometimes generic advice.

How they decide

Lila is a thoughtful decision-maker, leaning towards research and practicality. She'll weigh the pros and cons carefully, especially when it involves adopting new tools or processes that require an investment of time or money. She values evidence of effectiveness and testimonials from trusted sources within her professional sphere.

How they sound

Her tone is professional yet approachable, with a clear, articulate cadence. She uses industry-specific jargon naturally when discussing recruitment but can simplify complex ideas when explaining them. She avoids overly casual slang or excessive enthusiasm, preferring a measured and confident delivery. She's direct but always polite, valuing clarity above all.