“I grew up in Hyderabad, India, where I was always fascinated by technology and the endless possibilities of the internet. This passion eventually led me to Melbourne, Australia—a city known for its blend of simplicity, culture, and innovation. Meanwhile, Linzie Borderias Lee’s journey started in Guangzhou, China. She moved to Adelaide when she was nine, and while I was diving into the world of tech, Linzie Borderias Lee was building a career in finance, helping people manage their wealth. Despite our different paths, we both ended up in Melbourne, working at the same company, though in different departments.
One day, I noticed Linzie’s drive and determination, and I knew she’d be the perfect partner for an idea that had been brewing in my mind during the COVID-19 lockdowns. So, I reached out to her with a bold and exciting plan: Aussie Payscale—a platform to bring salary transparency to Australia.
Talking about salaries has always been a bit of a taboo here, something people rarely discuss openly. But with new laws in places like New York and California making salary transparency a reality, we felt that Australia was ready for this change too. We wanted to break down the barriers, especially for women, who often face pay gaps and don’t always know where they stand.
In 2023, we decided to go for it. Armed with a mic, a camera, and a lot of enthusiasm, we hit the streets of Melbourne to ask people about their salaries. It wasn’t easy—most people were hesitant at first—but we kept going because we knew how important this conversation was. AussiePayscale isn’t just about numbers; it’s about giving people the confidence and knowledge to stand up for themselves at work.
Today, we’re thrilled to see how AussiePayscale has grown. It’s become a place where everyday Australians can share their stories, inspire each other, and push for a fairer job market. We started as two people with a simple idea, and now we’re making a real difference, helping to create a more open and honest workplace for everyone in Australia.” Umair Mohammed & Linzie Borderias Lee
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