**Jack Zhang: From Blue-Collar Jobs to Leading an $8 Billion Startup**
Jack Zhang, the co-founder and CEO of Airwallex, a payments platform valued at $8 billion, has a unique perspective on the concept of burnout. In a recent interview, he expressed that he has never truly understood the term, stating, “I never understand that terminology (burnout) to be honest. I’ve worked 100 hours a week from [the] age of 16 for 20 plus years.” Zhang, who still puts in around 80 hours a week in his late 40s, believes that when faced with challenging situations, the focus shifts to survival rather than the notion of burnout.
Zhang’s journey began when he moved from Qingdao, China, to Melbourne, Australia, at the age of 15. With limited English skills and financial difficulties at home, he took on various blue-collar jobs to fund his computer science degree at the University of Melbourne. He worked tirelessly, washing dishes during the day, bartending at night, and even taking overnight shifts at a petrol station. “I had two choices: either I just return to China and try to go back to the education system there, or I continue to stay in Australia and figure out how to pay tuition and living on my own,” he recalled.
After graduating in 2007, Zhang began his career as a software engineer at Aviva before moving into the banking sector. Despite earning a substantial income, he felt unfulfilled and sought to discover his true passion. The birth of his daughter at age 30 was a pivotal moment for him. “I remember I just looked at her, I felt like I hadn’t done anything to make her feel proud. That’s when I decided to retire from my full-time job and pursue something significant,” he shared. He realized that while financial success was important, it did not equate to true happiness.
The idea for Airwallex emerged from one of Zhang’s side projects with his university friend and co-founder, Max Li, where they imported coffee beans from Brazil. This venture laid the groundwork for what would become a leading global payments platform.
In conclusion, Jack Zhang’s relentless work ethic and commitment to finding his passion have propelled him to remarkable heights in the startup world. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of perseverance and the pursuit of meaningful work.
**FAQ**
**What inspired Jack Zhang to start Airwallex?**
Jack Zhang was inspired to start Airwallex after realizing that financial success alone did not bring him happiness. The birth of his daughter motivated him to pursue a venture that would make a significant impact and fulfill his passion.
