In the very first episode of The Thin Line, I sit down with Michael Gardiner, CEO and Founder of IDCentric—an entrepreneur with an illustrious career spanning over five decades.

Michael shares his deeply personal perspective on failure: what it really means, why we fear it so much, and how success and failure are often two sides of the same journey. Drawing from his own experiences of building businesses, seeing wins, and navigating setbacks, he reflects on the lessons that only time, resilience, and humility can teach.

We talk about the people who influenced him early in his career, the importance of staying positive through uncertainty, and how determination—not talent alone—has shaped his path. Michael also opens up about his practice of Buddhism and how it has helped him reframe setbacks, not as defeats, but as positive outcomes and opportunities for growth.

This conversation is an honest exploration of the thin line we all walk between fear and courage, success and failure—and the mindset required to keep moving forward.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone navigating change, this episode offers timeless insights on resilience, perspective, and purpose.

About Michael Gardiner 

Early Life & Career

Michael Gardiner has been in business for over 50 years. His entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 15, when he started working as an apprentice at a company owned by a friend of his father. Growing up with an entrepreneurial father who taught him about circuits and semiconductors, Michael developed an early fascination with engineering and technology.

His strong interest in semiconductor engineering and motherboard design helped him quickly excel in his role. Recognizing his capabilities, the company entrusted him with training teams and overseeing production operations at a young age.

First Entrepreneurial Venture

After completing his graduation, Michael made the decision to leave the company and start his own business with a partner, the sales manager from the same organization. This marked his first step into entrepreneurship. Although the partnership eventually ended, it became a crucial learning experience that shaped his future ventures.

Building Businesses in Hong Kong

Following the split with his first partner, Michael moved to Hong Kong. Under the guidance of his father, he established his first factory dedicated to manufacturing semiconductor components. This venture laid the foundation for his long-term success in the technology and manufacturing sector.

Over the years, Michael grew his business presence and went on to found several new companies, expanding across industries and markets.

The Dot-Com Boom and Bust

During the dot-com boom, Michael invested heavily in internet-based businesses. When the dot-com bubble burst, he suffered significant financial losses, losing millions of dollars and ultimately having to sell off his business and factory. This period became one of the most challenging chapters of his entrepreneurial journey.

Reinvention & Founding IDCentric

With the resources he had left and a renewed sense of purpose, Michael began developing a bold new idea: a computer embedded within a card. The innovation took 15 years of continuous development before it was finally launched commercially under the company IDCentric. Today, IDCentric focuses on population identity solutions and building protection against online identity theft, reflecting Michael’s long-term vision and persistence.

Life Today & Personal Philosophy

Michael currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is an avid Buddhist practitioner and credits his spiritual practice for helping him remain grounded, confident, and hopeful through the many ups and downs of his entrepreneurial life.

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