Growing up in Adelaide, Australia, I spent my days playing football, surfing, and exploring ways to build something of my own. Sports taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of teamwork, but life had bigger lessons waiting for me. Losing my mother at a young age meant I had to grow up quickly and help my father. I left school at 15 and stepped into a world where I had to learn everything for myself. Looking back, those early challenges shaped not only who I am as a person but also how I approach innovation and entrepreneurship.
Learning Outside the Classroom
I have always been a self-taught person. From the moment I left formal schooling, I relied on observation, curiosity, and listening to the people around me. My grandfather and father were successful businessmen, and I learned from their stories, advice, and example. But I also learned by doing. I created small businesses, explored ideas, and tested new technologies. Nothing could replace hands-on experience, and making mistakes became part of my education.
Being self-taught has its challenges. There were times when I doubted myself or felt behind my peers. But the freedom to explore ideas without restriction also allowed me to think differently. I didn’t have to follow a set curriculum or conform to traditional ways of doing things. That mindset has been crucial in building innovative solutions, including the technology I later patented.
From Sports to Technology
Sports, particularly football, taught me lessons that translate directly to business and innovation. In football, you learn about strategy, quick decision-making, and collaboration. You learn to read the field, anticipate your opponent’s moves, and adapt in real time. These skills are just as important when developing technology. When my team and I began exploring AI and online shopping innovations, I approached the process like a game. Each challenge was a play to be studied, each setback a lesson in strategy.
Sports also taught me resilience. Losing games, facing injuries, or dealing with setbacks builds mental toughness. In business, setbacks are inevitable. Not every idea succeeds, not every experiment works, and not every patent is immediately valuable. But resilience allows you to keep moving forward, to keep innovating, and to keep learning.
The Journey to Patents
Technology has fascinated me since I first encountered the internet in California in 2000. I began experimenting with software that pushed the limits of what was possible at the time. Over the years, my work evolved into AI-powered solutions, including what is now known as “I Am There” technology, a live video shopping and payment platform. Today, my team holds multiple patents in the United States, Singapore, Australia, and China.
The journey to patents was not straightforward. Being self-taught meant I had to learn about intellectual property, international law, and the technical requirements of patent filings. There were moments of frustration, but I learned to be persistent and to seek guidance when needed. Every step reinforced the value of curiosity, experimentation, and determination.
Lessons in Self-Taught Innovation
Looking back, there are several lessons I have learned that I believe are valuable for anyone pursuing innovation:
1. Curiosity is your most important tool. Never stop asking questions or exploring ideas. The willingness to experiment leads to breakthroughs.
2. Resilience beats talent. Skills can be learned, but the ability to persevere through challenges makes the difference between giving up and achieving success.
3. Observation is as important as instruction. You can learn a lot from watching how others succeed or fail. Mentors, family, and peers provide guidance, but true understanding comes from applying lessons yourself.
4. Adaptation is essential. The world of technology changes rapidly. Being open to new ideas and willing to pivot keeps you ahead of the curve.
5. Action beats perfection. Waiting until you have all the answers will keep you from starting. Progress comes from doing, testing, and iterating.
Mentorship and Giving Back
While I have learned a great deal on my own, I have also benefited from mentoring others and being mentored. Today, I mentor students in Singapore and around the world, sharing lessons from my journey. I believe that innovation grows when knowledge is shared, when ideas are tested collaboratively, and when the next generation is empowered to take risks.
Giving back has also been a key part of my journey. Whether working with charities like Make-A-Wish or helping young entrepreneurs, I have seen firsthand how supporting others can inspire creativity and build stronger communities. Innovation is not just about patents and technology; it is about impact, connection, and growth.
Conclusion
From the football fields of Adelaide to founding patents and developing AI-driven technology, my journey has been unconventional but deeply rewarding. Being self-taught has shaped my approach to life and business. It has taught me to embrace curiosity, persevere through challenges, and act decisively.
Innovation does not require a formal education. It requires passion, resilience, and a willingness to learn by doing. Every setback is an opportunity, every idea a potential breakthrough. For anyone pursuing their own path in business, technology, or life, I would say this: trust your curiosity, embrace the lessons along the way, and never underestimate the power of self-taught innovation. The journey may be challenging, but it is also the most exciting adventure you will ever have.