Freeballing With Will McLendon IV

After a very long break, the podcast returns with an episode that sets the tone for what's coming next: less polish, more honesty, and a lot more focus on the people behind the tech. In this episode, Mark and Malin are joined by special guest Will "Quad" McLendon for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation that goes well beyond platforms, features, or roadmaps. Quad shares his story from growing up in Daytona Beach, discovering technology at a young age, and navigating a career that took detours through firefighting, system administration, and eventually into the Microsoft and Dynamics ecosystem. Along the way, the conversation explores what it really means to find your place in tech, how moving out of your comfort zone can change your perspective, and why community plays such a critical role in personal and professional growth. There are plenty of laughs, cultural misunderstandings, football and basketball debates, and stories from conferences, speaking events, and international travel, including Quad's first experiences in Scotland and the slightly brutal reality of northern weather. Beneath the humour, though, is a genuine discussion about mentorship, being told "no," learning to back yourself, and the importance of being authentic rather than trying to fit a mould. This episode is about the journey into tech, not the destination. It's about how people end up here, why they stay, and how community support can make all the difference when you're finding your voice