Where Curiosity Meets the Code
Hemal Patel’s story is one of relentless curiosity and innovation—a journey that began in a small corner of his childhood home, watching his cousin bring patterns to life on a computer screen. That moment ignited a passion within him for technology’s potential to shape lives and solve real-world problems. His first creation was a simple cheque-printing software to ease his father’s daily tasks, a humble beginning that would foreshadow the transformative work he would go on to achieve in the tech industry.
Born and raised in India, Hemal’s academic journey took him to VIT Vellore, where he pursued a BTech in Computer Science. It was there that he developed a prototype for a personal finance-sharing tool— similar to what we know as SplitWise today.
Though it started as a side project, it hinted at his budding interest in the fintech industry, foreshadowing a career spent shaping the world of digital payments. After graduating, Hemal joined PayPal in Chennai, where he spent four years mastering the intricacies of the Payouts team. His time there was transformative, professionally and personally, as he learned the nuances of distributed systems and their impact on global commerce. Realizing that self-study alone wasn’t enough to deepen his expertise, he made the bold decision to pursue a Master’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a school renowned for its focus on distributed systems.
Today, Hemal leads TikTok Shop Payments at ByteDance, managing operations across North America, EMEA, and LATAM. Under his leadership, the business has grown tenfold, reducing costs, enhancing user engagement, and strengthening platform security. At PayPal, he revamped the Payouts platform, integrating it with Venmo and developing solutions that touched millions of lives.
But Hemal’s contributions don’t stop at his corporate achievements; he has an enduring commitment to the open-source community, exemplified by his work with Webpack —a tool used by millions of websites worldwide and funded by major tech giants.
His belief in collaboration and innovation beyond professional confines makes him a true advocate for technology’s power to bring about positive change.
When asked about his inspiration, Hemal’s eyes light up. “My drive comes from solving complex payment problems and building technology that truly impacts people’s lives,” he explains. For him, it’s not just about business growth but also enhancing user experiences and security. Looking ahead, he envisions a future where payment technology is scalable, secure, and inclusive. He is determined to mentor and nurture the next generation of tech talent, sharing his knowledge and values to create a lasting impact.
Hemal’s leadership style is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a belief in empowering others. He is a firm believer in starting with the “why” to understand situations deeply. “I often dive several layers deeper than necessary,” he admits with a laugh. “It may make me look like a fool at times, but it’s this habit that gives me depth and, over time, breadth.” This approach has allowed him to develop a nuanced understanding of complex problems, earning him the respect of his peers. “Growth multiplies when you empower others,” he says, reflecting on how his efforts to mentor and uplift have created a ripple effect in his teams.
Yet, like any human being, Hemal acknowledges his weaknesses. His insatiable curiosity, while a strength, can sometimes lead him down rabbit holes, causing him to lose sight of immediate priorities. “I’m learning to compartmentalize and manage this better,” he admits, viewing it as an area for growth.
Balancing a demanding career with personal life is a challenge Hemal has embraced with discipline and grace. “I set clear boundaries between work and personal time,” he says. By prioritizing time management, he ensures that he
remains fully present in both spheres. Physical and mental well-being are also important to him. His day begins with meditation to clear his mind, and he hits the gym regularly to stay physically active. “Bay Area life offers endless opportunities for exploration,” he says, sharing stories of weekend adventures with friends, trying out new cuisines, and discovering new places.
In his downtime, Hemal enjoys reading self-help books and spending quality time with close friends. “Good company is the best way to recharge,” he says, emphasizing the importance of nurturing one’s mental health.
His leadership philosophy is built on collaboration, openness, and continuous learning. Hemal strives to create an inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is valued, and knowledge-sharing is encouraged. “Gatekeeping has no place in my teams,” he asserts. By promoting open communication and providing clear goals, he empowers his team members to innovate and take ownership of their work. “Leadership is about inspiring others to reach their full potential,” he says.
To aspiring leaders, Hemal’s message is simple yet profound: “Embrace continuous learning and stay curious. Take risks, face challenges head-on, and always give back to your community.” For him, success is a blend of passion, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference. Hemal Patel’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of curiosity, collaboration, and an unwavering drive to create meaningful change.