In the latest feature of our series, we dive into the inspiring journey of Ben Jones, the co-founder and head of sales at Moddule, a pioneering company transforming the supply chain industry. Our conversation unfolds in the warm and engaging setting of The Bright Founders Talk at Temy, an international software development firm committed to sustainable business solutions and supporting burgeoning startups. Hosted by Matthew, the interview offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a visionary who has navigated the complex terrains of global supply chains to create a unified platform that simplifies management for teams worldwide.
Ben's story is not just about innovation; it's a narrative rich with experiences across continents, from his pivotal years in Hong Kong to leading a globally dispersed team from his base in London. With a career spanning over 15 years, Ben's extensive journey through Asia and Europe has endowed him with unparalleled insights and a diverse skill set that have been instrumental in sculpting the trajectory of Moddule.
He shares with us the challenges and triumphs of fostering customer relationships, spearheading sales, and the continuous process of learning from feedback.
Navigating Global Waters: Ben Jones on Shaping a Supply Chain Revolution
Ben Jones isn't your average executive. As the co-founder and head of sales at Moddule, he's on a mission to revolutionize the supply chain industry, and it's clear he's not just talking the talk. Moddule's platform is a testament to Ben's journey, designed to simplify the Herculean task of managing global and complex supply chains through a single, user-friendly interface. "I handle the customer-facing side of the business," Ben shares, hinting at his hands-on approach to sales, business development, and customer relations. It's this ground-level engagement, combined with his strategic oversight, that has propelled Moddule onto the international stage.
I handle the customer-facing side of the business
Ben JonesCo-Founder and Head of Sales at Moddule
But Ben's story is more than just business strategies and professional milestones. It's a narrative deeply rooted in diverse cultural experiences and a career that's taken him from the bustling streets of Hong Kong to the historical richness of London. "The industry has taken me across Asia and Europe," he reflects, underscoring the breadth of his professional journey. This exposure to different cultures and business practices has not only enriched Ben personally but has been instrumental in shaping his approach to business and leadership. It's this unique blend of experiences that has equipped him with the skills to navigate the complex dynamics of the global supply chain industry.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Ben's story is his recount of the pivotal years spent in Hong Kong. Starting as a trainee and climbing his way up in the highly competitive logistics sector, Ben credits his time in the city as a crucial period of professional growth. "Being based out there and being exposed to different ways of working in different cultures really set me up quite well for the rest of my career," he muses. This period wasn't just about career progression; it was where the seeds of entrepreneurship were sown, influenced by the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of Hong Kong. "That just by osmosis, I think that has an impact," Ben admits, revealing how this environment inspired him to eventually co-found Moddule. It's clear that for Ben, his journey isn't just about building a business; it's about the lessons learned and the people met along the way.
Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges: Ben Jones' Journey from Novice to Supply Chain Innovator
When Ben Jones first stepped foot in Hong Kong, fresh out of university and eager to immerse himself in something beyond the familiar landscapes of the UK, he didn't just step out of his comfort zone; he leaped. "I didn't speak the language at first...but I was willing to just put myself outside of my comfort zone," Ben recalls, a smile audible in his voice. This bold move, driven by a desire for growth and exposure, became the cornerstone of his professional ethos. Ben's adventure in Hong Kong wasn't just about adapting to a new culture or overcoming the language barrier; it was about embracing the discomfort that fuels growth. This willingness to challenge himself laid the groundwork for what would become a remarkable career in transforming the supply chain industry.
I didn't speak the language at first…but I was willing to just put myself outside of my comfort zone
Ben JonesCo-Founder and Head of Sales at Moddule
Navigating the fragmented landscape of supply chain management, Ben faced the Herculean task of bringing cohesion to a sector mired in outdated practices and systems. "The supply chain industry is built upon fragmented systems...yet to be fully transformed by tech," he explains, shedding light on the complexities that companies face in achieving end-to-end visibility. Ben's vision for Moddule was clear: to create a platform that not only addressed these challenges but also anticipated them. By harnessing technology to unify disparate data and systems, Ben and his team have pioneered a solution that offers a single source of truth for supply chain management. This endeavor, as daunting as it was, reflects Ben's commitment to innovation and his belief in the power of tech to streamline and simplify the convoluted processes that have long plagued the industry.
But for Ben, the journey doesn't stop at building a revolutionary product. The true challenge lies in convincing others to embark on this journey with him. "It's always focused around...the pain points and issues that the customers have," Ben points out, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in customer relations. His approach goes beyond mere sales tactics; it's about engaging in meaningful conversations, identifying shared challenges, and crafting tailored solutions that resonate with the needs of each stakeholder. Ben's role transcends that of a traditional executive; he is a mediator, a strategist, and, most importantly, a listener. His story is a testament to the transformative power of stepping outside one's comfort zone, the potential of technology to reinvent industries, and the art of building relationships on a foundation of mutual understanding and respect.
Unraveling Complexity: Ben Jones on Weaving the Digital Fabric of Global Supply Chains
In the intricate world of supply chains, Ben Jones and his team at Moddule are akin to modern-day alchemists, transforming the convoluted into the coherent. Ben's description of orchestrating a product's journey from one end of the globe to the other is nothing short of orchestral. "We have to incorporate all those different pieces along the way," he explains, revealing the complexity of integrating disparate elements into a harmonious symphony. This task, as daunting as it may sound, is simplified by Moddule's commitment to understanding and addressing the nuanced needs of each stakeholder involved. It's a dance of diplomacy and technology, ensuring every partner, from freight forwarders to courier services, plays their part in the supply chain concerto.
But the challenge doesn't end with aligning external partners. Ben highlights the dynamic nature of the supply chain ecosystem, influenced by factors as varied as geopolitical shifts and environmental changes. "It's quite intense," he admits, underscoring the constant vigilance required to navigate this ever-shifting landscape. Yet, this is where Moddule shines, staying ahead of the curve by integrating diverse data sources and fostering open lines of communication with all stakeholders. This proactive approach is what sets Moddule apart, ensuring that despite the complexity of global supply chains, their platform remains a beacon of clarity and efficiency. It's a testament to the power of technology to bring order to chaos, making it "relatively straightforward" to manage what once seemed insurmountable.
At the heart of Moddule's innovative spirit is a deep-seated belief in the power of collaboration and customer-centricity. "It's driven by customers, and the wider supply chain," Ben shares, encapsulating the essence of Moddule's approach to innovation. This isn't innovation for the sake of novelty; it's a deliberate, informed process that responds to the real-world challenges and needs of those navigating the complexities of global commerce. By maintaining a dual focus on the macro trends affecting the industry and the micro experiences of their clients, Moddule not only stays relevant but also leads the way in redefining how supply chains operate. In Ben's words, the journey towards innovation is less about isolated brainstorming and more about a continuous dialogue with the world it seeks to serve.
It's driven by customers, and the wider supply chain
Ben Jones Co-Founder and Head of Sales at Moddule
The Evolution of an Entrepreneur: Ben Jones on Growth, Challenges, and the Power of Community
When Ben Jones first embarked on the entrepreneurial journey with Moddule, he carried a mix of self-belief and naivety into the unknown world of startup culture. Reflecting on the outset of his journey, Ben admits, "I really didn't have any experience in founding a company... We are very different today from where we were when we first started." This candid acknowledgment reveals the humility and openness to learning that has characterized Ben's approach to business and personal growth. It's a stark reminder that the foundation of any successful venture isn't just the knowledge you start with, but the willingness to grow, adapt, and evolve along the way. Ben's journey underscores the transformative power of surrounding oneself with a diverse team of experts, emphasizing that the real strength of a leader lies in recognizing the value of collective wisdom over individual prowess.
I really didn't have any experience in founding a company
Ben JonesCo-Founder and Head of Sales at Moddule
The heart of Ben's narrative is not just about facing challenges, but embracing them as opportunities for growth. "It's been quite a journey... challenging at times. But that's where the growth is," he shares, offering a glimpse into the rollercoaster ride of startup life. This perspective is especially refreshing in a world that often glamorizes the end success without acknowledging the gritty, less glamorous work that leads there. Ben's story is a testament to the idea that enduring the steep learning curve of entrepreneurship is not just necessary but fundamentally rewarding. His evolution from a novice to a seasoned leader is a beacon for anyone standing at the precipice of their entrepreneurial leap, contemplating the jump.
Perhaps the most valuable insight Ben offers is the importance of seeking out and learning from those who have walked the path before. "Reaching out and learning from people who've been in the position that I wanted to be in," he states, highlighting the invaluable role of mentorship and community in the entrepreneurial journey. This ethos of collaborative growth and the humble pursuit of knowledge resonate deeply, especially in the isolating climb of building a startup. Ben's advice to seek constant feedback, support, and inspiration from more experienced individuals is a golden nugget for aspiring entrepreneurs. It emphasizes the collective nature of success and the notion that, in the world of startups, being open to learning from others' experiences is not just helpful—it's essential for survival and growth.
