Episode #15: Xavier Shay: From Code to CEO – Building Systems for Scaling Companies and Miles

In this insightful and grounded episode of Execs Who Run, we meet Xavier Shay—the software engineer-turned-CEO whose professional life has mirrored his running journey: consistent, self-aware, and focused on long-term impact.

Xavier began his career as a coder in Melbourne, quickly finding himself on a rocketship to San Francisco with Square. There, amid the chaos of hypergrowth, he transitioned into leadership—not because he chased it, but because he naturally filled the gaps. As Square scaled from 150 to thousands, Xavier discovered a passion not for flashy innovation, but for quiet systems thinking: clearing obstacles, reducing dysfunction, and enabling great people to do their best work. That same clarity and systems-focus now powers his dual executive roles as CEO of Up and Chief Digital Officer at Bendigo Bank.

Parallel to his rise in tech, Xavier found his stride in running. What began as sporadic jogs evolved into a decade-long journey marked by consistency over flash. From San Francisco’s Golden Gate Running Club to solo ultramarathons in Australia, he’s found that showing up—not showing off—is the true path to growth. His most memorable run? A 200km+ stage race through Western Australia with his father—an emotional, grueling, and unforgettable experience.

Xavier offers more than just a professional roadmap or race recap. He shares life-tested wisdom on avoiding burnout, prioritising well-being, and designing your life around what truly fits. Whether leading a digital transformation or planning his next long run, Xavier’s approach remains the same: know yourself, build simple systems, and stay consistent over time.