Smarter Hiring with AI: How an Entrepreneur is Redefining Recruitment
- Fearless Founders
- Feb 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 18
Recruitment in tech has never been more demanding.
In Europe and the U.S., 42% of recruiters struggle to screen candidates quickly enough, according to the HR Industry Trend Report 2023 (HR Trend Institute, 2023). Additionally, more than 70% of recruiters cite time-consuming tasks like screening calls, writing job descriptions, and updating candidate profiles as significant obstacles in the hiring process (LinkedIn Talent Solutions, 2023). A PwC study (2023) further revealed that 49% of job seekers abandon the hiring process due to delays or poor communication, adding another layer of complexity to an already strained system.
Enter Phonewise Caller, the brainchild of Stockholm-based entrepreneur Henry O. Fisher. Leveraging AI-driven screening call technology, Phonewise automates tedious recruitment tasks, helping recruiters make smarter, faster, and more accurate hiring decisions.
From Automated Screening to Intelligent Candidate Ranking
Phonewise Caller streamlines recruitment through automated screening calls, intelligent candidate ranking, and data-rich reporting—saving HR professionals and tech recruiters time while improving accuracy and hiring quality.
The Entrepreneurial Journey Behind Phonewise
Henry O. Fisher’s passion for entrepreneurship began early, launching his first business during his student years.
“I’ve always been driven by a passion for entrepreneurship,” Henry shares. “I thrive on finding innovative solutions through new technologies, leveraging my multidisciplinary background to tackle diverse challenges.”
This curiosity for problem-solving has defined Henry’s career. Initially earning a bachelor’s degree in organic chemistry, he transitioned into tech, starting as a software developer at a web design company. His career evolved into nearly five years in the fintech and banking sectors, where he worked on complex systems that shaped his approach to automation and efficiency.
“I eventually moved into full-time entrepreneurship,” he explains. “I started with website development, pivoted to mobile applications, and later built SaaS platforms. Each venture taught me something new about solving problems and creating impactful solutions.”
This multidisciplinary approach laid the foundation for Phonewise Caller, reinforcing Henry’s belief that inefficiencies are not roadblocks but opportunities for innovation.
Reinventing Recruitment with AI
Henry founded Phonewise after recognizing how outdated and inefficient recruitment processes hinder hiring success. “The inspiration came from speaking with recruiters and hiring managers,” he explains. “We realized that their routines—especially screening calls, job descriptions, and data management—were painfully repetitive and prone to errors. That’s where AI could make a real difference.”
Phonewise Caller simplifies the hiring process in two key ways:
Automated screening calls: The AI captures critical details from candidate conversations, updates CVs and profiles, and calculates rankings based on hiring criteria.
Smart job description creation: It transforms phone conversations with hiring managers into precise, data-driven job descriptions, eliminating the need for manual drafting.
“We wanted to replace manual, time-consuming processes with something smarter and more reliable,” Henry says. “Recruiters shouldn’t be stuck managing spreadsheets or trying to write job descriptions from scratch. With Phonewise Caller, they can focus on building connections instead.”
The Cost of Recruitment Inefficiencies
The financial toll of inefficient hiring is staggering. According to CIPD Europe (2023), a bad hire can cost companies up to €20,000 per role. In the U.S., the Department of Labor (2023) estimates this cost at 30% of an employee’s annual salary. When factoring in lost time spent on tasks like screening calls and writing job descriptions, the impact becomes even clearer.
Phonewise addresses these inefficiencies by automating key processes, enabling recruiters to save time and improve hiring quality. AI-driven screening ensures no crucial candidate detail is missed, while intelligent ranking systems reduce bias and highlight the most qualified talent based on data—not guesswork.
“By automating repetitive tasks, recruiters not only save time but also gain the accuracy and insights needed to make better hiring decisions,” Henry says.
Beyond Business: Advocacy and Innovation
Henry’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond business. He has been deeply involved in the LGBTQ+ movement, creating online platforms and organizing events to support and empower the community.
“Merging entrepreneurship with advocacy has been incredibly meaningful for me,” Henry says. “It’s about fostering connections, driving social change, and creating platforms where people feel valued and empowered.”
Henry’s commitment to balance and self-care also shapes his work ethic. “I practice a weekly digital detox to recharge and start every day with morning workouts,” he shares.
“These habits keep me grounded and give me the clarity I need to tackle challenges.”
His love of post-apocalyptic literature and films further inspires him. “They fuel my creativity and remind me of the importance of adaptability and hope in challenging times,” Henry says.
What Sets Phonewise Apart?
Unlike other recruitment tools, Phonewise isn’t just about saving time—it’s about improving decision-making through intelligent insights.
“Our AI doesn’t just automate tasks; it enhances the entire hiring process,” Henry explains. “From updating candidate profiles to creating precise, actionable job descriptions, Phonewise ensures that recruiters are always one step ahead.”
This focus on data-driven insights is critical for tackling some of recruitment’s biggest challenges, such as aligning hiring managers’ expectations with the candidates provided and improving communication throughout the process.
The Nordic Advantage
As a Stockholm-based entrepreneur, Henry credits much of Phonewise’s success to the Nordic approach to innovation. “Nordic culture values simplicity, sustainability, and human-centered solutions,” he says. “It’s not about global dominance or relentless growth—it’s about building tools that truly work for people.”
This ethos is evident in every aspect of Phonewise. By reducing administrative burdens and enabling better communication between recruiters and hiring managers, the focus remains on creating an easier, more effective hiring process.
What’s Next for Phonewise?
As AI continues to transform the hiring landscape, Henry believes Phonewise is poised to lead the way. The next step? Launching a user pilot program, allowing recruiters and hiring managers to experience Phonewise Caller in action and provide feedback for future improvements.
“Our vision is simple: to make hiring faster, easier, and more accurate,” Henry says. “We want to empower recruiters to focus on what really matters—building relationships with candidates and hiring managers—while leaving the rest to AI.”
By combining advanced AI technology with a commitment to human connection, Phonewise is redefining recruitment in the tech industry and beyond.
Do You Want to Support Phonewise? Here’s How You Can Help:
Are you part of a Swedish mid-sized IT consultancy with a substantial pool of candidates? We seek visionary partners to join our pilot program and help refine our innovative solution.
By becoming a pilot user, you will:
Shape the future of recruitment by providing valuable feedback that directly influences our development.
Gain early access to cutting-edge tools designed to optimize candidate management.
Collaborate with us to create tailored solutions for your unique challenges.
We value your expertise and are eager to hear how we can best serve companies like yours. If this opportunity excites you, please reach out to us!
For more information, visit Phonewise.AI or connect with Henry O. Fisher on LinkedIn.
Sources
HR Industry Trend Report, 2023
LinkedIn Talent Solutions Report
PwC Future of Recruiting Study
CIPD Europe Report
U.S. Department of Labor
McKinsey & Company: The State of AI in HR
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