Meet Jordan Metzner

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jordan Metzner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jordan below.

Hi Jordan, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re very focused on here – improving our ability to make decisions. Everyday, we’re faced with decisions that can impact the future of our careers, businesses, relationships and more and so one of the most impactful areas for personal development, in our view, is decision-making. Can you talk to us about how you developed or improved your decision-making skills?

My decision-making skills are the product of years of entrepreneurial adventure and a hefty dose of trial and error. From selling lemonade at the local car wash as a kid to launching over six start-ups with my long-time business partner, Sam Nadler, every step has been a learning experience. Early on, I learned the importance of evaluating risk versus reward, which has been crucial in making sound decisions in complex situations. The ups and downs of founding enterprises like California Burrito Co. and Washio exposed me to the nuances of business strategy, teaching me to be decisive yet adaptable.

Equally instrumental in shaping my decision-making process has been the supportive network around me. Having smart, insightful people like Sam and my wife provide alternative perspectives has enriched my approach, allowing me to weigh options more comprehensively. It’s this blend of firsthand entrepreneurial experiences and collaborative thinking that helps me cut through uncertainty and make decisions with confidence.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

At Ryz Labs, I lead a team that’s at the forefront of startup innovation, propelling ideas from concept to reality. As CEO and founder, I focus on creating a dynamic launchpad for startups, with a unique approach that not only supports existing companies in scaling and innovating but also incubates new ventures. What excites me most about our work is the ability to turn visionary ideas into market-ready products, especially in the rapidly evolving AI sector.

We’ve recently launched two AI-focused startups, revolutionizing sales strategies and enhancing social communication platforms, and we’re continuously integrating cutting-edge technologies as they emerge. These ventures have allowed us to push the boundaries of what’s possible, offering real-world solutions that bring tangible value to our clients and partners.

Moreover, we’re on the cusp of launching several new projects that we’re incredibly excited about. These initiatives are designed to harness the potential of emerging technologies even further, and we’re eager to see the impact they will have. Our ability to connect startups with top-tier talent from Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia positions us uniquely to offer a blend of strategic insight and operational excellence.

Whether it’s through strategic guidance or through building cost-effective, high-performing teams, our mission is to foster growth and innovation. Our collaborative approach not only accelerates startup growth but also builds communities around the businesses we support. As we look to the future, we’re committed to driving success stories and becoming a part of the next wave of transformative startups.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my entrepreneurial path, three key elements stand out: the diversity of experiences, foundational education in business, and exposure to innovative corporate environments. Each element has left an indelible mark on my understanding of business dynamics. Diverse experiences across different ventures exposed me to a wide array of market behaviors and customer interactions, which has been invaluable. It taught me adaptability and the ability to pivot when necessary.

My formal education, particularly in business fundamentals, provided the groundwork for sound strategic decision-making. I can’t overstate the importance of understanding the basics, such as finance, marketing, and operations—these are the building blocks of any business initiative.

Finally, my time at Amazon offered a front-row seat to how leading tech companies innovate and implement new technologies. It was a masterclass in logistics, customer service, and scalability. For those just starting out, I recommend seeking out diverse experiences, pursuing strong educational foundations, and embracing every opportunity to learn from established businesses. Resilience and adaptability go hand-in-hand with continuous learning, so maintaining a growth mindset is crucial.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

The past year has been one of substantial growth, largely driven by our commitment to navigating and capitalizing on the swift changes within the AI landscape. AI is transforming industries faster than anyone could have anticipated, and at Ryz Labs, we’ve been fervently adapting our strategies in response. This has entailed not just understanding the technological implications but also recognizing how to integrate these advancements into everything we do.

We’ve expanded our capabilities by launching new startups that directly harness AI’s potential, ensuring we’re not only keeping pace with developments but are actively leveraging them to deliver innovative solutions. Alongside this, we’ve improved our talent acquisition processes, recognizing the importance of building a resilient, skilled team that can ride the wave of uncertainty and keep us on the cutting edge.

This period has underscored the importance of agility, learning, and strategic evolution—traits that I believe will continue to be pillars of our success as we move forward. Growth, after all, comes from stepping up to challenges and embracing the change they bring.

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