Michelle Kwok: How I Co-Founded (and Sold) my First Startup by 23 | EO5

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Leaders of Today with Ziyaan Virji

Ziyaan Virji

12 episodes

1 day ago

At 15, I went through a life-changing experience that led me to find purpose in creating social impact. I started "For The Menstruator" empowering over 20,000 people in 10 countries globally. This opened opportunities for me to serve with the biggest organisations in the world impacting over 500,000 people. I went on to share my story on some of the biggest platforms including TEDx, BBC and winning prestigious accolades like the Diana Award, Global Teen Leader and Future25U25. 6 years later, I want to extend my legacy by empowering young people to start their leadership journey today!

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Michelle Kwok: How I Co-Founded (and Sold) my First Startup by 23 | EO5 | Leaders of Today with Ziyaan Virji

Leaders of Today with Ziyaan Virji

1 hour 8 minutes 53 seconds

2 years ago

Michelle Kwok: How I Co-Founded (and Sold) my First Startup by 23 | EO5 | Leaders of Today with Ziyaan Virji

On Michelle’s 8th birthday, when she was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she said “she wanted to change the world and do something positive”. Naturally, she was given three options “a doctor, a lawyer, or an accountant”.

After trying everything, Michelle spent her teenage years pursuing being a doctor. In high school, Michelle would spend her summer at research labs which led her to pursue a pre-med degree at Western University.

Going to university across the country have Michelle a chance to have her “first sense of real freedom and exploration”. This led her to explore her other passions as a digital marketer, content creator, and other business projects and opportunities. She continued saying “YES” to every opportunity in university which led her to work with major brands like Headspace, Bumble, Disney, Nike, Raptors, and more.

After receiving a message from her brother and receiving an acceptance email from NEXT 36, Michelle decided to switch paths. She switched her degree, graduated early, and moved to Toronto for this accelerator program. This is where she met her roommate Ravina (who eventually became her co-founder) and started FLIK - a platform to connect female founders with female students looking for work experience.

Fast forward 2 years after, FLIK has gone on to help over 15,000 people in over 70 countries around the world. Given the demand for the platform (especially during COVID), FLIK eventually got acquired by Rumor Avenue. For her work, Michelle has won numerous awards including BC Business 30 Under 30, YWCA Women of Distinction and Conversationa - LIST GenZ Honoree.

Michelle is currently building a new start-up Bonfire a space to share meaningful moments globally every day.

0:00 - Intro

1:20 - growing up and being pushed at a young age

3:00 - what do you want to be when older?

7:00 - exploring entrepreneurship

9:05 - path to present Michelle

11:45 - relationship with parents

15:05 - all-girls high school and her experience

18:15 - exploring other interests

25:40 - switching away from medicine

32:00 - reflecting on her decision

34:00 - Next36 experience + FLIK