What if the biggest risk to your business isn’t technology itself—but your relationship with it? In this episode of Founders’ Forum, Marc Bernstein sits down with Darek Hahn to explore why strong human connection is the missing link in modern IT and leadership.

Darek Hahn is the founder and CEO of AffinIT, a relationship-first managed IT services company, and the soon-to-be-published author of Team We. Drawing from decades of experience across startups, acquisitions, and exits, Darek shares how seasons of life, business, and leadership shaped his philosophy around technology, trust, and teamwork. From selling an IT company for $8 million to launching a new venture grounded in empathy and communication, his journey offers valuable lessons for founders navigating growth and change.

In this candid conversation, Darek and Marc discuss why many businesses struggle with IT, how “tech debt” quietly erodes opportunity, and why excluding technology leaders from business decisions can cost companies millions. Darek also opens up about vulnerability, recovery, and how personal transformation influenced his leadership style and upcoming book.

Key Takeaways:

• Why underinvesting in technology creates hidden business risk
• How poor IT relationships weaken foundations and stall growth
• What “tech debt” really means—and how it impacts revenue
• Why technology must be part of strategic business decisions
• How vulnerability and trust strengthen leadership and teams
• Why the future of IT depends on human connection, not just tools

About Darek Hahn:

A relationship driven technology leader focused on building a team of amazingly talented, customer focused people who understand the importance of the personal connection in all we do. Darek's goal for his new company is to help clients change their relationship to IT, bringing it into the business as a value add rather than a value drag. Tech Debt is real and he can help you see it in your own company.

Connect:

Website affinitmsp.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/darek-hahn/ ; linkedin.com/company/affinitmsp/

This episode is brought to you by AffinIT, helping businesses build better relationships with their technology. Go to affinitmsp.com to learn more.

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