Talent Trails with Jordan Lanning

Introducing, Talent Trails: an Endeavor series featuring professionals in various industries throughout the Heartland region sharing their journey into entrepreneurship. We interview c-suite execs and founding teams to learn what experiences inspired them to pursue the unconventional and bold venture of changing the world through entrepreneurship. This month, we sat down with Jordan Lanning to hear her career journey, leading her to work for Mycelium Networks and launch her own company.

What were your career aspirations growing up?

As a child, I always thought I would complete some type of advanced degree - like an MD or JD, but as I got older, my interests evolved. I became more passionate about social issues plaguing our society, and I knew I couldn’t make the impact I wanted in those fields. When I started nonprofit development, I was ambitious from the start. I loved the thrill of the high-pressure environment and developing donors' confidence in the missions of the companies I worked for.

Throughout your career, what would you say was the catalyst to where you are now?

Purpose is the driving force behind every choice I make - professionally and personally. I realized early on that I would only be fulfilled and happy if I deeply believed in my work. Throughout my career, this has served me well. Despite what industry I was working in, I could always communicate my passion for what I was working on clearly and authentically, and in turn, inspire others to adopt that same excitement. Purpose has allowed me to build genuine connections with others, and those relationships have been instrumental in my growth.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pivot in their career?

Although a bit cliche, the best advice that I have ever received about pivoting in my life and career is a quote from Oprah Winfrey. The quote is: “You are responsible for your life. If you’re sitting around waiting on somebody to save you, to fix you, to even help you, you are wasting your time. Only you have the power to move your life forward.” When I adopted this in my career, I lost the fear of failure and I said yes to everything I believed would move me in a direction where I felt fulfilled and empowered by my work. It also allowed me to