Building Success After Hours: Lessons from Gaia Technologies
Insights on leveraging moonlighting, rapid development, and ROI-driven strategies to grow a business.
"Work on your side hustle! Spend time chasing your dreams!" It’s advice we’ve all seen—whether on TikTok or from motivational speakers addressing packed halls of eager entrepreneurs. But for some, this isn’t just a catchy mantra; it’s a blueprint for building something remarkable.
Today’s story dives into how moonlighting—working on a passion project outside regular hours—helped Marshal Yung turn his vision into Gaia, a thriving software development company. But that’s not all—Gaia has also become a hub for other moonlighters, giving them the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects while pursuing their own dreams.
We had the chance to chat with Marshal and learn how he’s built a company that not only solves a critical pain point for businesses but does so with an approach that resonates deeply with entrepreneurs. Gaia’s mission? Relieving companies of the headaches, resource challenges, and manpower constraints that come with developing software solutions. By taking these challenges off their plates, Gaia enables businesses to focus on what truly matters: growth and development.
Their promise, Bespoke Rapid Development, ensures businesses get the software they need up and running quickly—so they can start generating revenue as soon as possible. And if there’s one phrase every business owner loves to hear, it’s “generating revenue as soon as possible.”
Marshal’s story is a perfect example of how balancing a full-time job and a side hustle can lead to incredible opportunities—not just for oneself, but for a growing community of like-minded professionals. Stay tuned as we unpack his insights, challenges, and strategies for making it all work.
Let’s dive in.
From Side Hustle to Sustainable Success
Moonlighting—or having a side hustle—has become almost synonymous with working on your dreams while holding down a day job. It’s a common narrative, one you might see on TikTok reels featuring creators who start as freelancers or solopreneurs and eventually transition to full-time entrepreneurship. Just as I was drafting this, I stumbled upon a reel about someone leaving their 9-to-5 to pursue social media marketing full-time—a path not unlike Marshal Yung’s journey with Gaia.
Marshal’s story began much the same way. He started by sharing his work and ideas within his circle of friends and professional network. It was a small step, but it laid the foundation. His first project came through this network, and from there, his reputation grew organically—spreading one client at a time through word of mouth.
What stood out most during our conversation was Gaia’s core value: Bespoke Rapid Development. Marshal firmly believes that development work should not only meet the client’s needs but also be deployable as quickly as possible to help them start generating revenue immediately. This approach deeply resonated with his clients. Businesses valued the ability to see measurable ROI quickly, which set Gaia apart in a competitive space.
Done is Better Than Perfect. - Gaia Technologies
Before long, the income from his freelancing work matched what he earned in his full-time role, and Marshal took the leap to establish Gaia as a formal business. Today, that same experience and philosophy influence how the company operates—including their approach to hiring. It’s a reflection of his belief in empowering others who, like him, might be pursuing their dreams one side project at a time.
Gaia’s journey is a powerful example of how starting small, focusing on value, and leaning into your network can snowball into something much bigger.
Thriving in a Remote-First, Moonlighter-Driven Model
Gaia Technologies embraces a fully remote working model—a strategy that sets it apart in a time when many larger corporations are reversing their work-from-home policies, often facing employee backlash in the process. For Gaia, remote work isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental part of their DNA. This approach aligns seamlessly with their unique workforce: a team comprised entirely of moonlighters.
When we discussed project management, Marshal emphasized a leadership style rooted in trust and results. Instead of focusing on rigid schedules or tracking hours, he prioritizes deliverables and outcomes. “It’s not about when they clock in or out—it’s about the quality of work and meeting deadlines,” he explained. This approach not only supports flexibility for his team but also encourage a sense of ownership and accountability.
The results speak for themselves. With 100% of Gaia’s talent pool made up of moonlighters, the company continues to thrive, consistently attracting new projects and delivering high-quality solutions. Marshal’s leadership philosophy proves that with the right framework and trust in your team, remote and flexible work arrangements can drive productivity and success—even in highly competitive industries.
Marshal’s Takeaway: Prioritize ROI and Speed to Market
Marshal distilled his experience into two key principles that have shaped Gaia Co.’s core values and contributed to its success:
Focus on ROI
Whether you’re a freelancer or a budding entrepreneur, always aim to deliver measurable outcomes tied directly to Return on Investment (ROI) for your clients. Marshal emphasized that businesses want to see tangible results—proof that the money they’ve spent on your solution translates to growth. A report showing increased revenue or efficiency speaks louder than any pitch ever could. “When clients see real value in what you deliver, they’ll keep coming back—and they’ll bring others with them,” he shared.Speed to Market Matters
Marshal also highlighted the importance of moving fast. “Perfection can be the enemy of progress,” he noted—a sentiment many entrepreneurs (including myself!) can relate to. Obsessing over every detail to make a solution flawless before launch can delay progress and risk rendering your offering irrelevant. Instead, Marshal advocates for a “launch and learn” approach: get your solution to market quickly, gather feedback, and refine it iteratively.
These principles—delivering ROI and prioritizing speed—aren’t just strategies for building a business; they’re mindsets that ensure you’re staying ahead of client needs and market trends. For Marshal, they’ve been the foundation of Gaia Technologies’s growth, and they’re lessons every entrepreneur can take to heart.
About Gaia Technologies
Gaia Technologies Sdn Bhd empowers businesses through bespoke software solutions. Specialising in agile development, we transform ideas into robust applications, enabling growth across diverse industries with global reach and unmatched client focus.
Inspired by Marshal’s journey? If you’re ready to refine your pitch, highlight your value, or position your business for growth, there’s no better time to start. Explore more insights and resources—your next step might be closer than you think.