What if the success you’ve been chasing isn’t actually the life you want?

Brian Wong became one of the youngest founders ever to raise venture capital, raising $32 million before turning 25. But the flashy headlines hid a deeper story—a journey through burnout, the pressure of societal expectations, and the personal cost of following someone else’s script.

In this candid episode of Escape 9 to 5, Brian shares openly about breaking free from external definitions of success, reveals common pitfalls first-time founders often overlook, and explains why creating your own path is the truest form of security.

Topics We Explore:

• How Brian navigated founding a startup at just 19

• The myth of traditional job security

• Practical fundraising tips that founders rarely hear

• Recovering from burnout and building sustainable habits

• Why redefining success is essential after achieving “dream goals”

📖 Guest Spotlight:

Brian Wong, Entrepreneur and Author of The Cheat Code

🔗 LinkedIn | The Next Stage