The Journey from Finance to Founding a Longevity Startup: Dugal Bain-Kim’s Story

Dugal Bain-Kim, a former executive at BlackRock, embarked on a transformative journey from a bustling finance career to founding a startup focused on longevity. His path is one that resonates with many professionals seeking deeper fulfillment in their careers.

A New Beginning in Finance

At just 22, Dugal landed his first role at BlackRock, one of the world’s largest investment firms, in the European equities team. Hailing from Australia, he was brimming with excitement as he relocated to London, which felt like the epicenter of the global finance world.

“I was young, energetic, and thrilled to be earning my first real paychecks. The vibrancy of London kept me motivated,” he recalls. Fast forward to his fourth year when he achieved the title of Vice President (VP) with a six-figure salary. While success felt invigorating, Dugal soon found himself in a noticeable shift in enthusiasm.

The Reality of Motivation in the Workplace

As he settled into his role, Dugal began observing contrasting dynamics among his colleagues. “Some people genuinely loved finance. They lived and breathed it,” he noted, detailing how these individuals voraciously consumed financial news and discussed market trends with fervor. However, he also saw others, himself included, who operated from a place of extrinsic motivation—a drive fueled by money, status, and promotions rather than true passion.

The Shift in Perspective

Dugal reflected on this divide and recognized that finance wasn’t his passion. The discussions around financial reports didn’t captivate him outside office hours. Instead, he admired those actively engaged in building companies and making impactful decisions. This realization led him to question his own motivations and desires.

Making a Bold Career Move

By his late 20s, Dugal decided to leave the finance sector. It was a pivotal time; he had earned well without letting lifestyle inflation restrict his freedom. He wanted a career that allowed him to be proud of his contributions, regardless of financial success.

“A sector that was net beneficial for society mattered to me,” he emphasized, fueled by personal experiences as several family members faced serious health issues. These experiences ignited a deep curiosity about navigating the healthcare system.

Embracing Longevity

In 2021, Dugal took the leap, founding Lifeforce, a longevity medical program that aims to improve healthcare accessibility using technology. Though the decision was intimidating—”like standing at the top of a mountain ready to ski”—the fear of not trying outweighed any doubts.

Lessons from Finance

Looking back, Dugal values his time at BlackRock as it provided him with critical insights into market dynamics, company evaluations, and office culture. He notes, “It was invaluable training in professionalism and high performance.”

Encouraging Future Generations

When considering his daughters’ career paths, Dugal is open to them exploring finance or consulting. He believes these fields offer a robust foundation that can benefit them in myriad ways.

“However, I encourage them to assess their long-term goals and what truly motivates them,” he adds, recognizing that not everyone shares the same passion for mission-driven organizations.

Conclusion: Understanding Your Career Motivations

Dugal Bain-Kim’s journey exemplifies the importance of aligning professional aspirations with personal values. He urges individuals to explore their intrinsic motivations and seek careers that resonate with their passions rather than simply pursuing external rewards.

Understanding your unique “career athlete” style is crucial for long-lasting success and personal fulfillment. Whether in finance, healthcare, or any sector, knowing what drives you can lead to a more satisfying and impactful career.

This article aims to inspire professionals contemplating a career shift by emphasizing the significance of aligning one’s work with personal values and motivations.