How Eddie Zhang's Failures Led to His Most Successful Business Yet

Send a question or message to Kate & SamIt’s refreshing to hear the raw and honest truth about what it really takes to build a successful business. In this episode of The Thriving Business Podcast, host Kate De Jong sits down with serial entrepreneur and systems wizard Eddie Zhang, founder of Zhamatix, to unpack his rollercoaster journey from a disillusioned corporate worker to a five-times business founder.From selling viral charcoal masks to launching a lean consultancy that “supercharges productivity” for small businesses and SMEs, Eddie shares real stories, raw lessons, and honest truths that every business owner can benefit from. What we loved was his honesty around the business failures he’s made, and how he’s learned from those to create a thriving consulting enterprise here in Subiaco, WA — Zhamatix.Eddie observed that scaling businesses is tough, especially when technology, people, and processes don’t play nicely together. Many SMEs don’t have in-house expertise to navigate a digital transformation, “leaving them stuck in a cycle of manual tasks, wasted time, and dissatisfied employees and annoyed customers as a result”. And this is where Zhamatix steps in to help businesses implement systems that are “smart, seamless and slick”. They’re practical, innovative and future-proof – “the kind that make a real impact.” If you’ve ever hit a wall in your entrepreneurial journey, or wondered how to bounce back from failure with more fire and wisdom, this episode can give you some key insights from someone who’s built a successful business from the ground up. We hope you benefit from Eddie’s wisdom and the key lessons he’s learned along the way. HighlightsEddie shares his stories of:A bold first leap into creative services straight out of school in Singapore.Building custom fishing rods for niche Aussie markets.Riding the e-commerce wave with viral beauty products.The rise (and fall) of Fidgety Australia.The birth of Zhamatix, a consultancy that’s breaking the rules in the best way.Hard Lessons That Hit HomeFrom failed partnerships and knockoff competitors to ego clashes and emotional decision-making, Eddie doesn’t hold back on the mistakes he made—and the growth that came from them.What Makes Matics DifferentEddie explains how his consultancy strips out the red tape to deliver fast, functional, and fun process improvements for organisations craving real change.What’s NextEddie teases not one—but three—new projects in the pipeline, including a product-based business, a subscription model, and a secret fashion venture. Did we mention he’s a “serial entrepreneur”?!To learn more about Zhamatix, go to https://www.zhamatix.com/ Listen now. Learn more. Grow faster!Connect with the Hosts:Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired BusinessWebsite: https://katedejong.com/Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusinessEmail: [email protected] Morris | The Business ImplementorWebsite: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/Instagram: sammorris.businesscoachEmail: [email protected] with Your Hosts:Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business 🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/ 📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness ✉️ Email: [email protected] Morris | The O8 🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/ 📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew ✉️ Email: [email protected] Business Podcast 🌐Website:   https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/ JOIN OUR WORKSHOPS🌐 https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/workshopsCOME ON THE 2026 BALI RETREAT🌐 https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/baliretreat2026