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Desmond Lim, co-founder and CEO of Workstream, embodies determination and resilience. His journey began at a young age when his passion for basketball led him to find ways to purchase his own ball, overcoming financial barriers that his family faced.
Raised in a working-class family in Singapore, Lim’s parents held hourly jobs, instilling in him a strong work ethic from an early age. “Money was always tight,” Lim shared. “My dad’s a driver, and my mom’s a cleaner.” Lim saved for two months by skipping lunch to afford the orange rubber ball he cherished and played with daily for five years.
Foundations of Hard Work
Growing up, Lim was the first in his family to pursue higher education, navigating the challenges of limited financial resources. With both parents completing only fourth grade, he witnessed their relentless dedication to work. His father’s long hours, often starting at dawn, reinforced Lim’s commitment to success.
Lim’s high school achievements included both academic excellence and leadership as the captain of his basketball team, which won national recognition. This experience reinforced his belief in teamwork and perseverance—qualities that continue to influence his outlook on both sports and business.
Despite the pressure to enter the workforce directly after high school, Lim was determined to attend college. Funded by the success of a tutoring business he started as a teenager, he managed to cover his educational expenses. Lim’s entrepreneurial spirit evolved during his time at Singapore Management University, where he opened a Thai food restaurant to save for a master’s degree in the United States.
‘A Thirst for Knowledge’
Lim’s academic journey led him to Harvard University, where he fully immersed himself in the world of startups. His commitment to gaining experience drove him to juggle a hefty workload, often exceeding the typical course load. To gain insights into the tech industry, he proactively reached out to nearly 50 startups in the San Francisco Bay Area, seizing opportunities for unpaid internships to develop his skills.
During his time at Stanford, a pivotal moment occurred when a project uncovered significant inefficiencies faced by hourly workers in managing their operations. Lim witnessed firsthand the struggles of business owners using outdated methods and recognized a robust demand for innovative solutions in this area.
These insights laid the groundwork for Lim’s vision for Workstream, which he co-founded in 2017 alongside Lei Xu and Max Wang. Within months, they secured their first paying client.
The Evolution of Workstream
The early days of Workstream were characterized by relentless effort and creativity. Lim and his co-founders undertook a grassroots approach, connecting directly with potential customers to understand their needs better. Their dedication attracted initial investment from Eric Yuan, CEO of Zoom, who believed in their mission without hesitation.
Today, Workstream serves as a comprehensive HR platform designed specifically for the hourly workforce. Lim emphasizes the importance of creating accessible, mobile-first solutions that cater to the unique challenges faced by hourly employees and their employers.
Some of the notable clients of Workstream include major brands like Burger King and Dunkin’ Donuts, reflecting the platform’s growing influence in the sector.
Beyond Hard Work
While Lim’s work ethic is commendable, he argues that understanding one’s true passions is equally crucial. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to seek out mentorship and learn from others’ experiences, asserting that making informed choices can be as significant as hard work.
Lim attributes much of his growth to the conversations he engaged in with various professionals, viewing them as valuable learning experiences that shaped his worldview. His journey highlights the power of perseverance, innovation, and the importance of aligning one’s opportunities with their passion.
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