Time, human connections and mindset can all be key to success. Across Asian cultures, wealth is often equated with these intangible assets. Is there a single “asset” that reigns supreme on every successful wealth journey? The answer could well lie in how you choose to invest in yourself.
Leo Jiang, a former chief digital officer who now heads his own advisory for artificial intelligence (AI) startups, believes time is the foundation of wealth. “There’s a saying in Chinese that means ‘time is as valuable as gold’, but people with plenty of time often don’t realise its value,” he says.
From watching his father build a restaurant business in Harbin, China, to driving digital transformations for multinational companies, Leo is fuelled by an unwavering tenacity.
Having built one of Asia’s largest startup accelerator programmes from the ground up, Leo is always looking towards achieving bigger things. He also believes in making your own luck. “Instead of waiting for the right moment, I took risks and learnt from mistakes early on,” he says. “The older you get, the more valuable time is. The sooner you act, the faster you’ll grow your wealth and success.”
Nirbhay Handa is the CEO and co-founder of global relocation and mobility solutions platform Multipolitan. He now spends most of his time in Singapore and Dubai, and time alone isn’t enough. “It’s not about how much time you have, but how you use it,” he says. “Time only becomes an asset when it’s spent with intent.”
Growing up in Rajasthan, India, Nirbhay wasn’t an academic standout, but the freedom his parents gave him to explore sports and music made him a natural risk-taker and imbued in him an entrepreneurial streak. “I was already at the top of my corporate game in my early 30s, but I started thinking beyond pay cheques and titles,” he says. “Can I create something more than just a business? A movement that pulls people in and builds wealth not only for myself but also for those who follow my lead.”
Both men made bold decisions, leaving behind corporate security to bet on their own vision. For Leo, wealth is built through sheer tenacity and steadfast self-belief. For Nirbhay, it begins with adopting the right mindset and surrounding yourself with people who can play a part in your success.
From both journeys, one thing stands out – the spirit of acting now. Growing wealth begins with experts who understand your story, your goals and how to help you move forward with confidence.
With no time to waste, how will you chart your wealth journey?
