Growth Journeys at Airwallex: Real Stories. Real Growth. Real Impact
Tell us a bit about yourself Marco.
I’m a senior software engineer in our Spend Management team. I joined Airwallex three years ago as a graduate software engineer after completing my master’s of computer science.
Outside of work, I’m a proud Melbournian, I’ve lived in the city my whole life. I love spending my weekends exploring new pockets of it, whether that’s in the metropolitan area, or journeying just out to the Yarra Valley to discover a new winery. I’ve recently taken up drone flying too – it has given me a whole new perspective.
You joined Airwallex as a fresh grad from the University of Melbourne – did you ever imagine you’d be where you are over three years later?
It’s funny, at the time, three years felt like a lifetime away. I only started coding three years before that, and I recall that feeling like a lifetime away. But looking back, the time has absolutely flown by, and I think that’s a huge commendation to the business and our early careers program. It’s pretty common to see people jump from job to job when their growth or learning opportunities start to slow down, but that just hasn’t been my experience here.
I’m grateful to say that my personal and professional development remains just as rapid as it was on day one. I’ve been given continuous opportunities to learn and grow, and I feel like I’m still just getting started. The fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of the company means there’s always a new challenge to tackle, which keeps things exciting. When I meet new colleagues, they’re often surprised to hear I’m just a few years into my career, and for me, that’s a great reminder of how much I’ve grown and how much trust I’ve been given from the start.
What were some of the biggest turning points or opportunities that accelerated your development?
Leading a major data centre migration early in my career truly accelerated my growth, teaching me how to manage a variety of teams, work streams, and stakeholders all in different countries. That project pushed me both technically and operationally. It was there that I learned a powerful lesson: that the best way to be impactful is to enable others to be impactful. I now understand that by giving my team the tools and support to succeed, I can create a multiplier effect that benefits everyone.
You’ve contributed to major product launches and now mentor a few junior engineers – how have those experiences shaped the way you work and lead?
Reflecting on each launch and mentoring experience, I now start every project by reviewing what worked and what didn’t last time and use those lessons to build an environment for the team to thrive. Mentoring junior engineers keeps me grounded and reminds me of my own early days, so I strive to offer the guidance I once needed. Being able to give back and help others to succeed is something I really enjoy.
What helped you level up so quickly – any habits, mindset, or support from others that made a difference?
A lot of it comes down to a mindset of “taking ownership,” which is one of our Operating Principles here. I’ve always resonated with that, owning the space I operate in and being the go-to person for any questions. Staying goal-oriented has also been key. It’s easy to get distracted by different tangents, but keeping my eye on the prize and making sure my work consistently adds value has always kept me on track.
Most importantly, I wouldn’t be where I am without my manager, Matt Duran. He has been my biggest supporter, and I’ve learned a tremendous amount from him. Having a fun team to work with is also extremely special, and I know I’ll look back on these days fondly later in my career.
As you’ve stepped into a more senior role, how has your perspective on impact and success changed compared to when you first started?
Early in my career, I measured my success with the code I produced and features I shipped. As I’ve progressed in my career, my measure of success is less about what I build and more about empowering others to build. I’m much more focused on enabling my teammates to do their best work.
At the same time, I’ve become much more curious about the bigger picture. I constantly ask why we’re building something: How does this serve our users? What problem are we solving? What’s the long-term impact on the business? That shift in perspective has helped me align my work more closely with product and company goals, and make better decisions as a result.
For other grads or early-career engineers, what advice would you give about making the most of your time here?
First, get involved! Don’t be afraid to say yes to new projects and to speak your mind. The more you put yourself out there, the faster you’ll learn.
My second piece of advice is to build relationships with everyone in the business. Learning about other teams and what they do has been invaluable for my professional development.
Lastly, focus on your craft. In this industry, you have to be proactive about your own learning to stay ahead. The more you invest in your skills, the more doors will open for you.
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