From College Dropout to Billion-Dollar CEO - Sean Henry - Stord

Dropping Out to Go All-In: Sean left college to pursue Stord full time, driven by a conviction that there was a better way to manage logistics in a fragmented industry. That early decision required grit and belief before traction or investor backing.

Turning Cold Outreach Into Capital: Sean shares how his early fundraising relied on writing 150 cold emails a day. Persistence and storytelling helped him break through, eventually leading to key early checks that helped kickstart Stord’s growth.

The Importance of Mission and Mindset: Through tough moments and early challenges, Sean and his Co-Founder stayed grounded in their mission. He talks about the psychological weight of leadership and the discipline required to keep moving forward.

From Scrappy Marketplace to Full Stack Platform: Stord started as a logistics marketplace but pivoted into a fully integrated supply chain solution. Sean explains how that shift allowed them to deliver better customer experience, tighter control, and long-term defensibility.

Customer Experience Is the Product: Even as a logistics company, Sean believes customer experience is the most important differentiator. He shares how Stord built systems and culture that put CX at the center of every part of the business.

Navigating the Growth Curve Without Losing Focus: Sean discusses what it’s like to scale quickly while holding on to high standards. He shares lessons around team building, leadership habits, and making time for clarity amid the noise.

Believe, But Be Realistic: Sean reflects on the importance of conviction, but also warns Founders to avoid believing their own hype. He recommends surrounding yourself with people who keep you honest and grounded as you grow.

From College Dropout to Billion-Dollar CEO - Sean Henry - Stord - Episode #54