Desmond Lim is co-founder and CEO of Workstream, an automated hiring platform for companies hiring hourly workers. He is a graduate of Harvard and MIT Media Lab, former product manager at WeChat, and investor at Dorm Room Fund. He is based in San Francisco and lived in Boston, London, and Singapore.

Can you tell our readers about your background? 

I was born and raised in Singapore and both of my parents were hourly workers who only attended school through the fourth grade. I’m a first-generation immigrant who paved my way in the United States after I graduated from Singapore Management University. I’m now the CEO and co-founder of Workstream.

What inspired you to start your business? 

My parents were actually the main source of inspiration to start my business because they were working-class citizens. My father, Simon Lim, has been a delivery driver for close to 40 years and my mother helps him with his work. I also founded a restaurant while I was in college and had to hire hundreds of hourly workers. I realized then, through firsthand experience, that there wasn’t any good software to simplify the hiring process and manage hourly workers more efficiently. This is where the idea for Workstream was born.

 Where is your business based? 

Workstream is based in San Francisco.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

The initial steps that we took before Workstream was officially set into motion involved doing research regarding the need for better hiring software. Once we were clear on what was needed to improve the hiring and onboarding process, we got to work on the software, and then eventually pitched our business to clients.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

Workstream makes it a point to raise awareness about the results that we provide our clients because we’re passionate about saving companies valuable time. We find that our transparency and our focus on delivering a great service has been extremely effective. We’re a company that you can count on, and we make that evident through our outreach, customer service, and results.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them? 

One big challenge that we faced initially was resistance to change. Many businesses are resistant to changing and upgrading their technology, even when their lack of updated technology costs them more time and money in the long run. Once we had a few clients share their results having worked with Workstream, however, it became easier to reach more businesses.

How do you stay focused?

I stay focused by implementing a structured daily routine in my life. I truly believe that consistency is key when it comes to achieving any of your goals. For example, every morning I wake up early and run at the same time. The same goes for all of my other commitments. If I’m trying to learn a new skill, I’ll make a point to schedule it into my calendar at the same time every day. 

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

We’re very grateful for our client relationships at Workstream, and we make sure that the people we work for are happy with the results we provide them. One thing that differentiates us from the competition is how much we consider client feedback, and take their experiences into consideration. 

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business? 

It sounds rather simple, but kindness and determination. We market Workstream by showcasing our authentic results, and by being a reliable company that people can trust. 

What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

My best piece of advice for new and aspiring entrepreneurs is to tap into the online space. Especially right now, with the COVID-19 pandemic taking place, it's becoming increasingly evident just how important it is to be able to work online. 

What’s your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

One app that has been very helpful to me is an app called “Loom.” It’s a pretty cool software because it allows me to work with my team better, send them video messages, share my screen, and show them what I’m doing, which in turn helps me to save time.

My favorite book that I’ve read recently is called the score takes care of itself by Bill welsh. Bill Welsh used to be the coach for the 49ers and was able to bring the team from last in the NFL to first. In the book, he talks about how he was able to really train the 49ers, put together very strict guidelines on what it is like to coach a team and how to do well.

What’s your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

My favorite business tool is most definitely Workstream for recruiting, but otherwise, I’d say Gusto for payroll. 

Who is your business role model? Why? 

My friend Eric Yuan, who is also the founder of Zoom, is one of my biggest business inspirations and role models. His approach to business is very respectable and he has offered me invaluable advice over the years.

How do you balance work and life?

Regimen! I create a structure in my day-to-day life that incorporates important life activities such as family time and exercise, as well as all of my work commitments. I think a big key to staying consistent is scheduling the same things at the same time every day.

What’s your favorite way to decompress? 

My favorite way to decompress is probably by going for a run, exercising, or play basketball. I actually used to play Basketball for the Singapore national team!

How can our readers connect with you?

I’m very active on LinkedIn and the Workstream.us blog, and recently more so on Twitter. I really enjoy writing and I try to provide valuable insight and information to my readers.