He went from washing lab equipment for $10 an hour to leading a $30 billion healthcare company. His advice to Gen Z: Raise your hand

Jake Leach, the CEO of Dexcom, a $30 billion healthcare company, didn't begin his career with grand ambitions or a prestigious internship. In the 1990s, Leach, a teenager, worked as a lab dishwasher for $10 an hour, cleaning equipment like beakers and flasks. This humble beginning, where he was tasked with washing lab equipment for just $10 an hour, marked the start of a career in diabetes management.

Nearly three decades later, Leach is the CEO of Dexcom, a company that develops non-invasive glucose-monitoring systems. His journey to the top was driven by hard work and a willingness to take on less glamorous tasks, rather than through a shortcut or an Ivy League degree. Leach's career was shaped by his early experiences, including saving up for a $350 bike by working odd jobs and learning from his handy grandfather, whose diabetes diagnosis taught him about the personal impact of the disease.

He eventually earned a degree in electrical and biomedical engineering from UCLA, building on the engineering skills he developed from tinkering with old electronics as a child. Leach's advice to Gen Z is to "raise your hand" and step outside their comfort zone, as this habit of volunteering for less glamorous tasks can make them more valuable leaders in the long run.