‘I want The Launchpad to be synonymous with groundbreaking innovation’:  Tonya Turrell, Founder and CEO of The Launchpad

In the bustling world of entrepreneurship, leaders emerge who not only navigate the challenges but also inspire others with their vision and tenacity. Tonya Turrell, Founder and CEO of The Launchpad, stands out as one such inspiring figure. With a keen focus on innovation and a passion for empowering individuals, Tonya’s leadership has propelled The Launchpad to new heights of success.

Tonya’s dedication to The Launchpad’s success is unwavering. She is committed to fostering an environment where individuals can thrive and grow professionally. By embracing innovation and adapting to changing market dynamics, Tonya is steering the company towards its strategic objectives with confidence and determination.

Under Tonya’s leadership, The Launchpad is poised for continued growth and success in the ever-evolving business landscape. With her visionary approach and hands-on leadership style, Tonya is paving the way for a bright future for the company and its stakeholders alike.

At CIO Bulletin, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to interview Tonya Turrell, the recipient of the ‘10 Best Inspiring Leaders of the Year 2024’ award. During the interview, she shared her insights into her early career, her professional journey, the obstacles she faced, and the strategies she employed to triumph over challenges and excel in her current role. Below are the highlights of our conversation.

The Genesis of The Launchpad

In recounting the inception of The Launchpad, Tonya Turrell, a seasoned veteran in the B2B tech lead generation arena, reflects on the gradual evolution that led to the inception of her innovative venture.

“As someone deeply immersed in the B2B tech lead generation space for over two decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand the reluctance of tech companies to adapt their lead generation strategies to meet the evolving needs of the market,” Tonya Turrell begins.

Tonya’s journey was not sparked by a single moment of inspiration, but rather a slow realization of the disconnect between traditional lead generation methods and the changing preferences of tech buyers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials. “More than 65% of technology buyers today are Gen Z and Millennials. They demand digital channels, self-serve options, and brand agnostic sources for their buying journey.”

Fueled by a desire to bridge this gap, Tonya envisioned The Launchpad as a two-sided marketplace, drawing inspiration from the functionality of dating sites. Her research into these platforms served as a catalyst for the development of a model that would empower tech buyers to take control of their connections.

“If there were a moment of inspiration, I would say it was after starting The Launchpad. Early on, I stumbled upon an article about Bumble, a dating app designed to empower women to make the first move and protect them from unwanted outreach. That resonated with my vision for technologymatch.com – empowering tech buyers to initiate connections and shield them from unwanted sales outreach,” emphasizes the CEO.

With this realization, Tonya’s vision for The Launchpad crystallized, driven by a deep-seated commitment to revolutionize tech lead generation and empower tech buyers to drive their own connections.

Fast forward to today, through Tonya’s unwavering dedication and innovative spirit, The Launchpad has emerged as a beacon of transformation in the tech industry, reshaping the dynamics of lead generation and paving the way for a more equitable and efficient marketplace.

The Launchpad: Revolutionizing B2B Tech Matchmaking

In Tonya Turrell’s perspective, The Launchpad stands unrivaled in the realm of B2B tech matchmaking platforms. “The truth is, there are no other tech matchmaking platforms. We’re the first,” states Ms. Turrell. While other platforms may exist, they predominantly function as software directories or review sites. What truly sets The Launchpad apart is its pioneering matchmaking engine, a feature unparalleled in the market.

“Our matchmaking engine is our unique strength.” Unlike traditional software directories, The Launchpad’s platform goes beyond mere listings. It employs advanced algorithms to match tech buyers with compatible sellers, facilitating meaningful connections that align with their specific needs and objectives. This innovative approach not only streamlines the procurement process but also enhances the likelihood of successful partnerships.

Moreover, The Launchpad boasts a comprehensive services component, further distinguishing it from its counterparts. Tonya explains, “If a tech buyer can’t find what they need, we have Technology Matchmaking Specialists they can connect with.” These specialists leverage their expertise to assist clients in identifying suitable partners for their technology initiatives, offering personalized guidance and support throughout the matchmaking journey. By leveraging these unique strengths—the pioneering matchmaking engine and dedicated services—The Launchpad maintains a competitive edge in the market.

Crafting Success through Lessons Learned: Tonya Turrell’s Leadership Insights

As an influential figure in the tech industry, Tonya Turrell shares profound insights gleaned from her journey navigating the dynamic landscape of technology.

1. Resilience in the Face of Setbacks: Tonya’s leadership journey has been shaped by the resilience cultivated amidst the challenges of the tech industry. Faced with cash flow struggles and economic downturns early in her career, Tonya learned to view setbacks not as roadblocks but as opportunities for growth. At The Launchpad, this resilient mindset permeates the culture, fostering an environment where adversity fuels innovation.
   
   
2. Energy and Intention Matter: Tonya recognizes the pivotal role of energy and intention in driving success. Through personal experiences of navigating bankruptcy and business upheaval, Tonya discovered the transformative power of positive energy and intentional focus. At The Launchpad, she prioritizes energy management, ensuring that positivity and purpose underpin every endeavor.
   
   
3. The Power of Visionary Thinking: Success in the tech industry hinges on visionary thinking—envisioning possibilities beyond the present reality. Tonya’s journey is marked by strategic pivots driven by forward-thinking perspectives. At The Launchpad, this emphasis on visionary thinking fuels innovation and guides strategic direction, inspiring the team to reach for ambitious goals.
   
   
4. Learning from Feedback and Failure: Tonya embraces the value of feedback and failure as catalysts for growth. In the fast-paced world of tech, where user feedback shapes product success, Tonya emphasizes the importance of listening and adapting swiftly. At The Launchpad, every setback is viewed as an opportunity to learn and evolve, driving continuous improvement and innovation.

Guided by these invaluable lessons, Tonya empowers her team to navigate the complexities of the tech landscape with agility, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

Cultivating Alignment and Purpose at The Launchpad

In the dynamic world of tech entrepreneurship, Tonya Turrell stands as a beacon of inspiration, driving The Launchpad’s transformation with a blend of personal conviction and strategic vision. As the Founder and CEO, Tonya’s journey is intertwined with the company’s evolution, marked by a relentless pursuit of alignment between personal values and organizational goals.

“For me and my team, ensuring alignment between my personal values and The Launchpad’s mission is paramount. It’s about creating a culture where every team member feels a deep sense of purpose and meaning in their work.”

At the heart of this alignment lies the clear articulation of values and vision, a cornerstone of The Launchpad’s ethos. Tonya ensures that these guiding principles are not just abstract concepts but are deeply embedded in every aspect of the company’s operations.

“As a leader, I believe in leading by example. I strive to embody the values and vision of The Launchpad in my daily actions and decisions, setting the tone for a culture rooted in commitment, integrity, and innovation. We’re always evolving. Feedback is crucial for growth, and I’m committed to being responsive to the needs and concerns of our team members.”

Recognition and reward play a pivotal role in Tonya’s approach to fostering alignment. By celebrating contributions that exemplify the company’s values and advance its mission, she not only motivates individuals but also reinforces the shared vision of success within the organization.

Steering Through Challenges with Vision and Resilience

In the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship, Tonya narrates a poignant moment of adversity that tested her leadership resolve and resilience.

“Recently, we’ve navigated through some incredibly tough times that required making difficult decisions. As someone deeply invested in my team, these challenges were particularly hard to face.”

Amidst these challenging times, Tonya grappled with the harsh reality of financial pressures and the looming threat to The Launchpad’s vision. However, in the face of uncertainty, Tonya found solace in reconnecting with the company’s overarching vision.

“For me, the importance of our vision becomes crystal clear during tough times. It’s more than just a guiding star—it’s the vital energy that keeps us moving forward, even when the path gets steep and rocky.”

Visualizing the impact of achieving their goals on the team, clients, and investors became Tonya’s guiding light. This vivid visualization of future success helped mitigate the challenges of the present, empowering her to navigate through them.

“Entrepreneurship is never easy. It’s a path fraught with uncertainty and tough decisions. Yet, having a clear, compelling vision of what we’re building—and why—provides a beacon of hope and resilience.”

Through this practice, Tonya anchored herself to the future she envisioned for The Launchpad, allowing the vision to pull her and the team forward, despite the obstacles.

“It’s not easy. The entrepreneurial journey is riddled with uncertainty and pain. But staying dialed into our vision, allowing it to propel us forward, has been our saving grace.”

Cultivating Collaboration and Creativity at The Launchpad

At the heart of The Launchpad’s success lies a culture of collaboration, creativity, and growth, carefully nurtured by Tonya Turrell, the company’s visionary leader.

“We run on EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), where every person aligns their priorities with the company’s vision.” Under this system, accountability is paramount, with each team member working towards common outcomes, accountable for their goals known as ‘rocks’. Weekly meetings provide a platform to review progress, discuss challenges, and collaboratively find solutions, fostering transparency and accountability.

“We celebrate both trials and successes. By destigmatizing failure and viewing it as an opportunity for growth, The Launchpad creates a safe space for creativity to thrive.”

By cultivating an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered, Tonya propels The Launchpad towards continued success.

Tonya Turrell’s Entrepreneurial Wisdom: A Guide for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Tonya Turrell’s journey in entrepreneurship is a tale of grit, growth, and the relentless pursuit of innovation. With over two decades of experience, Tonya has weathered the storms of success and failure, emerging wiser and more resilient with each twist and turn. Here’s her distilled wisdom for those embarking on their own entrepreneurial adventure:

1. Dream Big, Start Small: Tonya’s advice? Dream big but start small. It’s the small, deliberate steps that pave the way for grand achievements.
   
   
2. Embrace Failure as Fuel: Failure isn’t fatal—it’s fertilizer for growth. Tonya encourages entrepreneurs to embrace failure as a teacher, turning setbacks into stepping stones toward success.
   
   
3. Listen, Adapt, Thrive: Success in entrepreneurship hinges on listening—to customers, to the market, and to one’s inner voice. Adaptability is the name of the game, and those who heed the call of change are the ones who thrive.
   
   
4. Dare to Be Different: Innovation isn’t about following the crowd—it’s about daring to be different. Tonya urges entrepreneurs to embrace their uniqueness and let their individuality shine through in their ventures.
   
   
5. Build Bridges, Not Walls: Collaboration is key in the world of entrepreneurship. Tonya champions a culture of collaboration, where diverse perspectives converge to fuel creativity and drive progress.
   
   
6. Stay True to Your Vision: In the face of uncertainty, Tonya advises entrepreneurs to stay anchored to their vision. It’s the guiding light that illuminates the path forward, even in the darkest of times.
   
   
7. Embrace Imperfection: Perfection is overrated. Tonya advocates for embracing imperfection and taking imperfect action, knowing that it’s better to move forward imperfectly than to stand still waiting for perfection.
   
   
8. Celebrate Every Victory: In the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship, every victory—big or small—is cause for celebration. Tonya reminds entrepreneurs to savor the wins along the way, no matter how fleeting they may seem.
   
   
9. Pay It Forward: As you climb the ladder of success, don’t forget to extend a helping hand to those following in your footsteps. Tonya believes in paying it forward, lifting others up as you rise.
   
   
10. Find Joy in the Journey: Above all, Tonya encourages entrepreneurs to find joy in the journey. It’s not just about reaching the destination—it’s about relishing the ups and downs, the twists and turns, that make the entrepreneurial adventure worthwhile.

Road Ahead

For Tonya Turrell, the journey with The Launchpad isn’t just about building a successful company—it’s about fundamentally reshaping the tech industry’s landscape. “Our passion is really about serving the technology buyer and disrupting the way technology is discovered and acquired.” With an unwavering commitment to innovation, Tonya envisions The Launchpad as a catalyst for change, revolutionizing the very essence of tech marketing and procurement.

By challenging traditional paradigms, Tonya and her team are redefining the way technology is marketed, bought, and sold. “We’re disrupting the status quo. Through technologymatch.com, The Launchpad aims to become the go-to platform for tech buyers worldwide, offering unparalleled tools for vendor discovery and connection.”

“I want The Launchpad to be synonymous with groundbreaking innovation, not just in terms of the products we develop or the technologies we enhance but in how we revolutionize the approach to business in tech,” concludes Tonya Turrell.

The Stalwart Leader behind The Launchpad’s Unwavering Success

Tonya Turrell, a pioneering entrepreneur and visionary CEO of The Launchpad, redefines tech markets with innovative solutions. With 20+ years of experience, she transforms setbacks into triumphs, evident in Leads OnDemand’s multimillion-dollar exit and The Launchpad’s exponential growth. Tonya’s TechnologyMatch.com revolutionizes B2B tech, fostering authentic connections and high-quality leads. Investors value her insight, while her empowering leadership fosters exceptional performance and purpose-driven cultures.

“We’re disrupting the status quo. Through technologymatch.com, The Launchpad aims to become the go-to platform for tech buyers worldwide, offering unparalleled tools for vendor discovery and connection.”