About.
how
did it all
start?
Hurdle was born out of redundancy. What started as a few unemployed young professionals meeting over coffee to find connection in the chaos, has since grown into something far bigger.
From different industries, backgrounds, and experiences, the group came together around one shared truth: job searching can be isolating, exhausting, and disorienting.
But it doesn’t have to be done alone.
What began as casual meetups turned into lasting friendships. The group grew. And so did the
mission.
Today, Hurdle is a growing community built on peer support, where individuals cheer each other on through applications, rejections, interviews, and the quiet in between. We celebrate the wins, learn from the losses, and keep each other moving forward.
Whether you’re a graduate, a career changer, or in a tough spot professionally, you’re not just welcome here — you’re the reason we exist.
we’re here for the breakdown, not just the comeback.
our
Founder
Nathaniel McAllister
Nathaniel graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2023 and quickly found himself working in finance. After working in this industry for nearly 2 years, he ran into something that would change the course of his life.
Assuming that it would be easy to get a job with his experience, he entered the job market and was quickly proven wrong. He was ill-prepared and was not ready for the challenge ahead.
team.
After resorting to Tik Tok to post day in the life content, he was able to find his audience and turn his redundancy journey into something meaningful. He is now devoted to ensuring that no other graduate or young professional goes through the same experience and can overcome the hurdle of the job search.
Redundancy.
Meet Devanshee — one of Hurdle’s earliest members and a committed advocate for support, inclusion and diversity. From the very first meetup with Nele and Nathaniel, she felt the strength of genuine community support - an experience that has shaped the way she now shows up for others.
Meet Nele (pronounced as Nell-a), one of Hurdle’s earliest members and a passionate advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion.
From the very first meetup with Nathaniel and Devanshee, Nele has been a committed part of the community, bringing warmth, insight and lived experience to every interaction. With a background in HR across diverse industries: including automotive financial services, banking, consulting and aviation; she brings a wealth of professional knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges experienced by job seekers.
Ambassador
Nele Maphefo Mokae
Ambassador
Devanshee Mehta
Having navigated her own journey through unemployment, Nele now shows up for fellow Hurlders as a mentor, sounding board and ambassador. Her mission is to empower others to stay motivated, build confidence and advocate
for their strengths, especially during the most uncertain times. Whether offering advice, sharing experiences or simply being someone to lean on, Nele embodies the spirit of Hurdle, resilient, inclusive and community driven.
As part of a community built on shared insights, lived experiences and meaningful connection, Devanshee contributes a blend of expertise. With a background in Data Science and Science Communication across healthcare and pharmaceuticals, she brings clarity, deep knowledge and an understanding of working within large corporate organisations. Her work centres on empowering others with information, breaking down barriers to understanding, and helping people feel seen through the language of science and shared experience.
Having benefited from the encouragement and solidarity within Hurdle from day one, Devanshee is committed to paying it forward. She shows up as a mentor for fellow Hurdlers - offering guidance, sharing insights or simply holding space with compassion and intention. Devanshee reflects the values of Hurdle: supportive, thoughtful and community-minded, always looking to help others.
Made on
Tilda