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| Courtney Jordan in his Durham NC Office |
A new year brings with it among other things time for
reflection. 2016 was an interesting year for me both professionally and
personally out of the millions of unselected shots, 15 articles and copious
amounts of personal wins and defeats. One of the things that left an indelible impression on my professional life, was my chance encounter with investor and
entrepreneur Courtney Jordan. And the subsequently led interview for the
October Issue of BossedUP Magazine. Since I have been contacted a few times for
comment on the piece. Something to be expected when promotions are involved.
This, however, was the first time, I have seen an article of my pen be the
focus of something unintended. One of the people to contact me was of course,
Courtney Jordan himself; upset about the piece being more about him, than what
he himself, was intending to promote; Scenester.
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| Courtney Jordan for BossedUP Magazine |
In a 52-minute phone call, he became filled with anger and seemed overtly hostile over the mentioning of his health and the focus that he “thought” the piece was to be about. This led me to want to gather my thoughts, So I took to my notes from the interview to understand better the time spent with Jordan and his team. What I discovered about Courtney Jordan is he is truly a brilliant man, a true innovator, and a deeply very guarded and protected individual. I understood he did not want me to mention the day of his announcement to his team. Which I included in the article I did, however, believe it was noteworthy. Though the conversation was something a bit aggressive. I remembered what his partner Mary Bassey said “it’s something to be on the receiving side of Courtney’s advice and constructive criticism because it does nothing but truly build you. Even when it seems harsh, however, to be on the receive side of his hurt is a whole different beast.” It came to my realization after I delved deeper into the notes and remembering meeting Courtney Jordan.
That Courtney Jordan is an enigma that can become addictive to a puzzler.
There is something so pure yet so damaged about the innovator.
The depth of him is something you won’t catch Courtney Jordan sharing with
anyone. He holds it close and well-guarded to avoid pain and disappointment.
“People can become disappointed in my actions, my words, but never in me,” he
told me, adding, “how can someone truly be disappointed in someone or something
they have no true knowledge of”. Basking in the shallow is something in my
opinion that allows for hurt and pain. Agreeing Jordan says” that you still
have hopes and dreams for yourself and those around you.” “They can interpret
things entirely opposite to your intentions.” "It doesn’t minimize
the hurt because they are unaware of what is beneath the mask”. Jordan’s
favorite and often quoted poem “ Its more just a conscious effort to comfort my
person.” “I know things will come full circle, it is often times hard for people
to see your vision before it is complete.” “I don’t give people
permission to be a part of an incomplete vision”
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| Courtney Jordan by Oliver Thaik |
I remembered that statement as I have never met someone so
self-aware yet so ready to feel pain. I tried to reach back out to Courtney to offer an apology for
including something so personal. However, I have received no response. But will
update if and when I do. Personally, I think of Jordan as a truly remarkable
person, who if and when he decides to let his guard down could be a gift to the
world.
