BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING is a dynamic entrepreneur and thought leader whose professional journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As the Chairman of Walden International and the founding Managing Partner at Walden Catalyst Ventures, BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING has made significant strides in the world of venture capital and startup ecosystems. His unique approach to business and leadership has resonated across industries, especially in the startup world, where he has carved a distinct niche as a visionary who understands both the struggles and the immense rewards of building and growing a company from the ground up.
In a recent post on LinkedIn, BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING shared his candid reflections on the life of a founder and the sometimes grueling yet fulfilling journey of being an early employee in a startup. His insights are not just valuable to aspiring entrepreneurs, but also to employees who find themselves navigating the complexities of working in a rapidly evolving business environment. For BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING, the startup world is one of constant challenges, but also one that provides unparalleled opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact.
The Tough Reality of Startup Life
According to BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING, the life of a founder is undeniably tough, and the life of an employee in a startup is no less challenging. The unpredictability, the demands, and the sheer volume of tasks that come with building something from scratch can often feel overwhelming. But rather than being deterred by these challenges, BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING embraces them, having experienced both sides of the equation.
“Life as a founder is tough. Life as an employee is also tough. So I became an early employee at Zora Health to enjoy the worst of both worlds,” BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING humorously acknowledges in his post, illustrating the multifaceted nature of startup life. For him, the lack of defined hours and the constant pressure to deliver results are part of the price one pays for being a part of a startup team that’s striving to make an impact.
One of the key aspects of startup life that BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING highlights is the necessity of perseverance. “No defined hours. Keep at it till the task is done and outcomes are achieved.” This statement encapsulates the gritty reality of startup culture, where the path to success often involves long hours, intense focus, and a relentless drive to push through obstacles.
Another harsh reality of startup life, according to BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING, is the frequency of rejection. “Lots of rejections. Loads. ‘Now’s not the right time’; ‘we’ll reach out when our organizational goals align’; ‘this is too new for our company.’ The list goes on.” These rejections are not personal; rather, they are part of the startup ecosystem, where early ideas often face resistance. Yet, for BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING, this is not a reason to give up. Instead, it is an opportunity to iterate, rethink, and adapt—something he has mastered over his career.
The Rewards of Embracing the Startup World
Despite the tough realities of startup life, BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING also acknowledges the immense rewards that come with being part of an early-stage company. His experience at Zora Health, in particular, has afforded him the chance to be intimately involved in shaping the company’s direction and impact. “Being up close and personal with the impact we make. Nothing beats rolling up our sleeves and immersing ourselves in launches with clients and partners,” he shares, highlighting the unparalleled satisfaction that comes with seeing firsthand the difference one’s work can make.
For BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING, the beauty of working in startups lies in the high degree of ownership and responsibility. In larger organizations, employees can often feel like small cogs in a vast machine, but in a startup, the dynamic is different. “High ownership. Nobody has the time to micromanage anyone, meaning any feedback on work is as authentic and meaningful as they come,” he explains. This autonomy allows individuals to take ownership of their work, make decisions that drive the company forward, and receive direct, actionable feedback from those around them.
Furthermore, BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING speaks to the invaluable opportunity to drive change within the company. In a startup, the proximity to the founder and leadership team provides employees with the chance to contribute meaningfully to critical decisions. “Any sensible person in a startup hates being a small cog in a big machine (if you don’t, you shouldn’t be in an early-stage startup),” he notes, emphasizing that in a startup, every team member has the potential to make a significant impact.
The Essence of Leadership and Impact
What makes BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING’s approach to leadership so compelling is his ability to strike a balance between the struggles and rewards of startup life. He recognizes the difficulties, yet he chooses to embrace them, understanding that overcoming these challenges leads to personal and professional growth. His leadership style is centered around empowerment, ownership, and impact—values that he instills not just in his ventures, but also in the people around him.
As the Chairman of Walden International and the founding Managing Partner at Walden Catalyst Ventures, BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING has had a profound impact on the startup ecosystem, guiding numerous entrepreneurs through the early stages of their journeys. His insights on rejection, perseverance, and ownership are valuable lessons for anyone navigating the complexities of the modern business world.
In conclusion, BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING’s reflections on the startup world serve as a reminder of the resilience required to succeed in such an environment. While the path may be filled with obstacles, the rewards of making an impact, taking ownership, and driving change are immeasurable. For those who are ready to roll up their sleeves and dive into the world of startups, BENJAMIN LUM JUN YING’s journey stands as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and vision in the pursuit of success.
