The First Customer - Pioneering Solutions for an Inclusive Future with Founder Jordan Saunders

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Jordan Saunders, founder and CEO of NextLink Labs. Jordan reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his early days in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, building computers at age 12. He shares how his passion for technology led him to pursue consulting right out of college after studying computer science at Penn State. Over the past decade, Jordan has grown NextLink Labs into a technology consultancy, focusing on custom software development, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity. He discusses the importance of balancing personal time and professional goals, emphasizing the challenges of transitioning from a hands-on entrepreneur to a leader who empowers his team to scale operations effectively. Jordan delves into the evolution of his leadership style, explaining the shift from working in the business to working on the business. He highlights the difficulties of delegating, overcoming guilt, and trusting his team to handle day-to-day operations. Partnerships have played a crucial role in NextLink"s growth, offering collaborative opportunities and enhanced client outcomes. Additionally, Jordan reflects on the value of personal branding as a CEO, aiming to align his public persona with the transparency and honesty that define NextLink Labs. Join Jordan Saunders as he redefines inclusive leadership and builds bridges in this episode of The First Customer! Guest Info: NextLink Labs https://nextlinklabs.com/ Jordan Saunders" LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-saunders-b7073712/ Connect with Jay on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/ The First Customer Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast The First Customer podcast website https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/