From working in his family's Michigan restaurant to running his own tech company, Dexter Zhuang's story shows that hard work and smart planning can take you where you want to go. Dexter is the founder of Money Abroad, an online education platform that helps high-performers design their independent money paths. He started his career in San Francisco but has lived and worked across Southeast Asia and Latin America for the past six years.

With over 10 years of experience building products and teams at public companies like Dropbox and scaling startups like Xendit, Dexter turned a side project into his main gig. In this episode, he shares that many startups, including his, come from scratching a personal itch.  His work has been featured in global outlets like Business Insider, CBS, US News & World Report, and Tech in Asia.

Now, Dexter runs his own company, helps other startups, and offers advice based on his extensive experience. His journey, which includes guiding companies to go public and graduating from Dartmouth College, shows that with dedication and a willingness to take risks, you can build a successful career in tech and become your own boss.

Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

Skills in product management and professional networks boost confidence when starting a business.
Financial stability allows focus on the venture without immediate money worries.
Early business exposure, through family or personal experiences, shapes future entrepreneurial paths.
Balancing consulting work with main business projects maintains financial stability while growing the primary venture.
An experimental approach helps identify effective content and strategies. Testing ideas and adapting based on feedback refine the business model.
Establishing a strong online presence is crucial but challenging. Being active on professional networks increases visibility.
A supportive community is vital for entrepreneurial success. Engaging with a network provides insights and opportunities.
Understanding and responding to target audience needs is essential. This guides product development and keeps the business customer-focused.

Listen to the full conversation here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@risingtidestartups
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-tide-startups/id1330525474
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eq7unl70TRPsBhjLEsNZR

Connect with Dexter Zhuang:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dexter-zhuang
Dexter Zhuang: https://www.dexterzhuang.com/
Money Abroad: https://www.moneyabroad.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dexteryz/

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