BIV is proud to recognize Jack Chang, physician at Pollock Clinics, and 39 exceptional business leaders with 2022 Forty under 40 Awards.
Each recipient is featured in BIV's annual Forty under 40 Magazine, and will be celebrated at an awards gala Feb. 22. Profiles of each award recipient – originally published in the magazine – will be available at biv.com in the days ahead.
Who or what is responsible for your work ethic?
I still remember seeing my mom flip burgers on the streets of LA as an undocumented immigrant, just to make ends meet for us, while simultaneously running a pick-up/drop-off service for children before and after school, delivering newspapers and operating a daycare – all as a single mom.
What drives you?
I’ve always been a problem solver. I love figuring out how to fix things or make things better.
A favourite book you would recommend?
Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer was the first “fat” fiction book I read in college. It’s about two people born on the same day, on opposite sides of the world near the turn of the century, who end up crossing paths. A lot of life lessons from this book.
Now that you are (or are close to) entering your 40s, what goals have you set for yourself?
Each year I would like to ask, “What would future Jack thank present Jack for doing,” then commit to making it happen – whether it’s habits, relationships or business.
What was your childhood career dream?
I used to run around the house with a fake badge arresting family members, so policing was apparently an instinctual inclination. When I was a bit older, I became obsessed with airplanes and belugas – I suppose I would have made a good pilot or marine biologist.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Love yourself more and forgive yourself for mistakes in the past. Accept yourself the way you are. Don´t waste your energy being with anybody who is not seeing your worth.
What is your best habit?
I love learning. In the last decade I have taught myself how to play new instruments, how to take and edit interior and exterior architectural photos professionally, how to do home renovations, how to paint abstract art, how to make the best omurice, and more.
Tell us one improbable fact about yourself.
When I was a student at Yale, I was a member of a competitive intercollegiate bhangra dance team. I became really good at turban tying as we travelled the East Coast performing and competing.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Whenever there are critical decisions to be made, instead of asking, “What am I leaving behind?” it’s important to reframe to, “What bigger impact can I have now?”
What career highlight are you most proud of?
I’m buoyed by the evolution and the ongoing clinical impact we have had, and continue to have, on patients who benefit from our surgical skills, techniques and protocols around the world, increasing access to care and reducing wait times and operative risks.
What’s left to accomplish?
I’m looking forward to more life adventures and to trying new things, to growing professionally and spiritually and engaging in causes my wife and I care about.
Read the profiles of all 40 award recipients in BIV's annual Forty under 40 Magazine. Register to recognize this year's winner at the Forty under 40 Awards gala on Feb. 22.
