We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jourdan Saunders, MS, CCC-SLP. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jourdan below.
Jourdan, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic, deeply ingrained from childhood thanks to my parents’ teachings, evolved significantly when I started my own family, shifting my view on time and boosting my commitment to work. I adopted an early-rising routine to improve productivity and manage my responsibilities across family, work, and health.
My varied career across hospitality, administration, coaching, consulting, and collaborating with different tech startups, with one securing over $20 million in funding—has further solidified this ethic. Before my entrepreneurial journey, I also worked as a speech-language pathologist, adding to my diverse professional background.
This journey is underpinned by a disciplined approach to time management, from journaling to using sand timers, all of which stems from my foundational work ethic and has been essential for maintaining a harmonious balance between my personal and professional life.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m Jourdan Saunders, a Speech Language Pathologist with over ten years of experience, currently dedicating my career as the founder and CEO of The Resource Key. My work revolves around fostering inclusivity and accessibility in various sectors, including digital media, education, and brand marketing. I was recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in 2020 highlighting my efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible world, especially for those with disabilities.
I launched one of the first resource websites for students interested in Speech Language Pathology (SLP), which has been acknowledged globally. Moreover, I manage one of the largest SLP resources groups on LinkedIn, emphasizing my commitment to the community. My initiatives, like developing inclusive gymnastics and reading literacy programs, mirror my passion for enhancing understanding and accessibility across different areas.
As a mother of two, balancing a demanding career with family life has given me a deeper insight into the importance of building supportive and accessible environments for all children and families. My role as a mom enriches my perspective on inclusivity and drives me to advocate for a world where everyone belongs.
Additionally, I have Aphantasia which prevents me from visualizing images mentally. For instance, if I try to picture an apple, my mind sees only darkness. This unique perspective has shaped my creative process, relying heavily on word clouds and alternative strategies to envision concepts and ideas. My experience with Aphantasia has enriched my approach to crafting inclusive content and services, highlighting the diverse ways individuals perceive and interact with their surroundings. I strive to be a vivid example of how empathy, dedication, and innovation can lead to significant progress in our communities. My work is a testament to my belief in the power of inclusivity and diversity, not just as concepts, but as actions embedded into our daily habits and professional practices.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my path, I identify three key factors that significantly influenced my progress: being a relationship builder, perseverance, and self care.
Firstly, not just networking, but fostering relationships with a diverse range of individuals across different ages, backgrounds, and industries has been invaluable. It’s crucial to start this process early, as these connections can open doors and provide support in unexpected ways.
Secondly, perseverance has played a central role. Despite encountering numerous setbacks, my commitment to consistently show up has been pivotal. It’s this resilience in the face of disappointment that can set you apart and keep you moving forward.
Lastly, ensuring I take care of myself before I can give to others.
For those just beginning their journey, my advice is to cultivate these qualities. Invest in building meaningful relationships, don’t be discouraged by setbacks, and nurture yourself. These attributes can guide you through challenges and lead you to success.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful contribution my parents made to my upbringing was fostering an environment that nurtured my curiosity and creativity. They adopted a hands-on approach that allowed me to explore a wide range of interests, understanding the importance of experiencing both success and failure.
-Encouragement to Explore: My parents actively encouraged me to try different things, understanding that each new experience contributed to my personal growth. This open-minded environment was crucial for developing my interests and passions.
-Support in Success and Failure: They understood the value of learning from both achievements and setbacks. By allowing me to experience failure in a supportive context, they helped me recognize that every outcome has its lessons. This balanced perspective on success and failure has been invaluable in both my personal and professional life.
-Balance of Guidance and Independence: Their support was always accompanied by a respect for my independence. They were there to hold my hand when I needed guidance, yet they also knew when to let go, allowing me the freedom to fly on my own. This delicate balance between guidance and independence helped me develop confidence and self-reliance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theresourcekey.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jourdan.saunders
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jourdansaunders/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JourdanSaunders
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/futureslps
- Other:
Image Credits
All Image Descriptions of Photos Submitted to ensure Accessibility:
Image 1: Panelists from left to right: Bill Curtis-Davidson, Monica Shah Desai, Jacqueline Madison and Jourdan Saunders. In the background is a blue banner with text “M-Enabling Summit: Digital Inclusion Strategies for Equal Opportunities.” Company logos are listed underneath.
Image 2: Jourdan is wearing red lipstick sitting in a black and white chair at her desk smiling, wearing a black shirt and hat with white text “Chemodiversity™ It’s In Our DNA.” On the shirt there is a QR code under the text. She is wearing a gold key necklace and holding a white mug with text “Inclusion [action] our daily habits.”
Image 3: Jourdan sitting in a chair in a conference room holding a conference folder with a back drop screen with text “2022 state-of-the-Science on Disability Statistics.”
Image 4: Jourdan standing smiling looking at a camera filming her with a green backdrop. Lights are beaming down on her.
Image 5: Jourdan standing in hotel lobby in front of a blue banner with text “Voice and AI” with robot holding a microphone.
Image 6: Group photo at Voice and AI event of Jourdan, Laiylaly Mandujano, Robin Shum, Layshi Curbelo, and Minh Nguyen. They are all smiling wearing Voice and AI lanyards. In the background is a blue Voice and AI backdrop.
