A Chat with Sean Nolan, CEO & Co-Founder of Enterprise App for Frontline Workers: Blink

Sean Nolan is Co-Founder and CEO of Blink, the world’s first enterprise app designed exclusively for frontline workers. Prior to Blink, he co-founded Tomorrow Communications, the UK’s leading provider of network and security services, before a successful exit in 2012.

He’s currently leading Blink’s mission to revolutionise the frontline experience by empowering every worker.

 

Blink

 

Tell Us About The Business, How Did It Start?

Blink was founded with a mission to radically improve the daily lives of millions of frontline workers by providing digital access (from communications, applications, people and processes) through one app on their personal phones.

Frontline workers make up 80% of the global workforce, doing some of the most demanding jobs in the world, but while the modernisation of work over the past 30 years has benefitted desk workers, it left frontline workers behind. As a result, most frontline workers are digitally disconnected (no email address, work phone or laptop) and must rely on ineffective tools like paper and noticeboards. This means they lack access to accurate information, real-time communication and tools they need to thrive at work. That’s where Blink comes in.

 

How Has Blink Evolved?

In 2019, we launched to 21,000 Stagecoach bus drivers and since then, we’ve expanded into over a dozen new industries (anywhere employees don’t sit behind a desk). We’ve grown 3x year on year and now have offices in London, New York, Boston and Sydney.

I am proud to say that Blink is one of the fastest-growing B2B SaaS startups, having grown our staff count from 14 to 80 with a plan of adding a further 70 employees by the end of the year.

 

What Challenges Have You Faced?

There have been a few along the way! It took a few years to build the technology and find product-market fit, so our angel investors and Partech led a few seed-extension rounds to keep us going! I will always be incredibly grateful for the support of our investors during the tough times as well as the good.

 

Growing a Team So Quickly Could Have an Impact on Retention Rate, What Are You Doing to Lower Your Staff Turnover?

The Blink team is growing fast, you’re right! Which is why we have put together a great People Team. We have a strong HR strategy and run focussed recruiting efforts. Diversity and inclusion remain our #1 priority as the team continues to grow.

We’ve added new recruitment initiatives over the past six months to attract a wide range of applicants that generates a diverse shortlist for every new role. We’ve also reviewed our employer branding and advertising to ensure content and language are inclusive throughout. Overall, we train our employees, give them support on their development journeys and, of course, have some fun along the way!

 

What Can We Hope To See From Blink In The Future?

We want to connect every frontline worker, whilst helping our customers modernise and digitise their frontline operations.

 

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