Gagan Sandhu: From Grit to Xillion — A Playbook for Reinventing Careers and Financial Freedom — Part One

From mechanical engineering in India to leading tech roles at Square and Atlassian in Silicon Valley, Gagan Sandhu’s career is a masterclass in adaptability and growth.

Now the CEO and Co-Founder of Xillion, a platform empowering financial independence, Gagan shares how embracing knowledge-driven pivots—like switching to tech in his late 20s—has fuelled his success. He unpacks the myths of financial freedom, tackles ageism in the workplace, and explains why modern careers require constant reinvention.

This is part one of a two-part series, offering a roadmap for navigating change, mastering skills, and living intentionally, no matter your stage in life.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

From Machines to Tech: Chasing the Future

“The pace of innovation in mechanical engineering had slowed, but I was hungry for more. Transitioning into tech wasn’t straightforward—it took continents, years, and relentless effort, but it was fueled by a clear driver: knowledge.”

The Xillion Leap

“When my learning plateaued in corporate roles, starting Zillion became my next knowledge adventure. Building something from scratch offered an accelerated learning curve and the chance to apply everything I’d gathered.”

Business School: Filling the Gaps

“For me, business school wasn’t about a career leap; it was about plugging knowledge gaps. Understanding accounting, marketing, and finance became crucial to having meaningful conversations at work, even as a tech leader.”

Redefining Financial Independence

“It’s not about flashy buzzwords or retiring early—it’s about having the freedom to choose your path. For me, it meant leaving the corporate grind to build something meaningful, armed with a clear, numbers-driven plan.”

Crunching the Numbers

“My financial independence formula wasn’t guesswork. I calculated five years of living expenses, education costs, and retirement needs. It’s basic math, but staying on top of expenses and cash flow gave me the clarity to leap.” 

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Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Gagan Sandhu

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Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously.

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