One of the most pivotal risks in Brandon Powell’s career was leaving a secure and prominent leadership position at AT&T to start HatchWorks Technologies. “I was in a comfortable and stable role with a clear path that could have led me to retirement without significant worries,” said Powell. “However, despite the safety and predictability of my position, I harbored a deep-seated desire to create something of my own.”
The decision was not one that Powell made lightly. It was a leap into the unknown, fraught with uncertainty and challenges. “Yet, I believed that founding HatchWorks was essential for personal and professional fulfillment,” he said. “I wanted to build a legacy, to create something that was distinctly mine and to make a tangible impact in the business world.”
HatchWorks Technologies is a U.S.-based nearshore software development partner combining local solutions practices with the affordability and scale of nearshore outsourcing. Built from the ground up, the company’s Latin American teams have a 98.5% retention rate and is headquartered in Atlanta with a network of eight offices across six countries. The firm now has more than 200 employees.
Under Powell’s leadership, HatchWorks has not only become a beacon in the technology industry, but also a pillar in the community, said his staff. “His approach combines rigorous professional standards with a genuine commitment to social good and his leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in transparency and inclusivity,” they said.
This is evident in initiatives like the HatchHuddle, a monthly all-hands meeting that promotes transparency, alignment and connection across the company and initiatives to foster a high-performance culture while maintaining a team-oriented atmosphere. Powell also founded the HatchFutures foundation to address the growing disparities in income and education particularly in the United States and Latin America.
Powell’s entrepreneurial acumen has positioned HatchWorks as a rapidly growing entity in the tech sector, earning recognition from prestigious platforms including Inc. Magazine. Powell was also recognized as the Nearshore Entrepreneur of the Year.
Empathy is at the core of who Powell is as a leader. “In a world rife with complexities and challenges, recognizing and valuing our employees as people first is crucial,” he said. “This human-centric approach not only fosters a supportive and understanding work environment but also drives meaningful connections and a sense of belonging with the team.”
As a leader, Powell said he must always remain agile. “The rapid pace of innovation in our time demands a commitment to continuous learning,” he said. “This not only involves embracing new technologies and methodologies, but also understanding evolving market trends and customer needs.”
