Behind The Grind with Asad Hashamali

In this episode, Fawad Abul Kader stops by. With a track record banking and product development, Fawad Abdul Kader is the Country Manager of Paymob, an Egyptian fintech which made its entry in Pakistan close to two years ago. In these two years, Paymob has come to be known as a the next best thing to Stripe, in Pakistan. Fintech has really be the talk of startup town here and I wanted to know about what's next in the space. What more can we see, how can we see more digital adoption and what needs to happen for the demand side to really pick up its digital spends. https://www.linkedin.com/in/fawadkader/Catch me onTwitter: https://twitter.com/iamasadhashInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/ and https://www.instagram.com/behindthegrind.ah/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfG_N864Q4O7Syo7C4hBBhAApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

In this episode, Ahmad Hassan stops by. Ahmad is serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Daraz Pakistan. Interestingly enough, he's not a chartered accountant but has worked in key financial analysts roles at the likes of British American Tobacco and Kimberly-Clark. In this episode we go over Ahmad's day to day, Daraz's turn around to becoming unit economic positive, the economic outlook of the country and also key metrics start ups need to look out for. Follow Ahmad on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmad-hassan-49604015/details/experience/Catch me onTwitter: https://twitter.com/iamasadhashInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/ and https://www.instagram.com/behindthegrind.ah/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfG_N864Q4O7Syo7C4hBBhAApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

In this episode Sana Khalid stops by. Sana has been in and around the start up ecosystem in Pakistan and the region in various capacities. Whether that be through consultancy, co-working spaces or acceleration. We dive into her diverse experiences and her thoughts on the ecosystem, given todays economic climate. Follow Sana on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanakay/Catch me onTwitter: https://twitter.com/iamasadhashInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/ and https://www.instagram.com/behindthegrind.ah/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfG_N864Q4O7Syo7C4hBBhAApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

This episode has to be one of my most favourites. Especially because of the influence Seth Godin has had on both myself and my guest, Salman Parekh. Salman is a creator and early pioneers of the Youtube and Facebook content creation scenes. Today he runs Manto, a homegrown fashion brand with sales all around the world. We dive into how he's taken each lesson learnt forward, applying it to newer challenges in his business and art. From taking multiple small risks, to marketing being about a great user experience we dive into it all. Follow Salman on: https://www.instagram.com/maansals/Manto: https://www.instagram.com/maansals/Catch me onTwitter: https://twitter.com/iamasadhashInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/ and https://www.instagram.com/behindthegrind.ah/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfG_N864Q4O7Syo7C4hBBhAApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

This weeks guest is Shahab Yakoob, the founder of Credo College and a renowned math teacher across the city.In episode 37 of #BehindTheGrind we talk about Sir Shahabs entry into the education industry, differences between teaching styles of the US and Pakistan, how to manage yourself, personal growth and reflection, gratitude and so much more.I'm coming back to #BTG with a new perspective and also a redefined goal (I think). Hope you enjoy.Follow Shahab Yakoob onhttps://www.instagram.com/shahabyakoob/Catch me onTwitter: https://twitter.com/iamasadhashInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/ and https://www.instagram.com/behindthegrind.ah/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfG_N864Q4O7Syo7C4hBBhAApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

In this episode I change things up. The format, the mood, the nature of the conversation. Yes there are elements of leadership and entrepreneurship, but definitely a more human episode. Sohail Zindani joins me where I actually try to understand his perspective on service, time management, career development, finding your passion and your North Star. Over the years, Sohail has made a name for himself as a leadership and organisational development consultant and worked with some of the biggest companies world over. Learn more on https://www.learningmindsgroup.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sohailzindani/Catch me onTwitter: https://twitter.com/iamasadhashInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/ and https://www.instagram.com/behindthegrind.ah/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfG_N864Q4O7Syo7C4hBBhAApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

Raeda Latif has had quite the career in marketing and comms across multiple industries and in multiple capacities. Starting off from the agency side of work, we break down each of her roles and extract the key learnings. Morale of the episode is all about connecting the dots. Now as the GM of Marketing and Business Development at the Pakistan Stock Exchange, Raeda has definitely connected the dots to get to where she is and continues to drive change. Catch me onTwitter: https://twitter.com/iamasadhashInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/ and https://www.instagram.com/behindthegrind.ah/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfG_N864Q4O7Syo7C4hBBhAApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

In the first episode of the year, Imran Saleem stops by. Imran is the GM of Ride Hailing at Careem, Pakistan. We dive into how the he found stability in various roles and sought growth within organisations before exploring for it elsewhere. From building a customer centric business to the recent tech layoffs, we go over Imran's perspective and lessons learned over the years. 

In this episode Zoha Naqvi stops by. The entrepreneurial bug bit Zoha when she realised there was a clear gap in the hair care space and also that her grand mum was already an expert in the space. Check out the entire episode to gain an insight how you too can start a thriving business from home. Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/ and https://www.instagram.com/behindthegrind.ah/Youtube: https://youtu.be/d1arTG2_QBMApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

Thought I'd change things up with this episode and move away from the typical "start up". Rafae Dossal is the Founder of Waggles, one of Pakistans first local and wet pet food brands. I primarily called him on because of how intrigued I was to learning about how vast the pet food market is and how much potential there is for local players to export overseas. When you hear this episode, you'll really get a picture of how Rafae's cumulative experience has but him on the path to scale, growth and success. Check out Waggles on https://waggles.pk and https://www.instagram.com/wagglespetfoodCatch me on Instagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/ and https://www.instagram.com/behindthegrind.ah/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfG_N864Q4O7Syo7C4hBBhAApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

Hashim Ali is the Co-Founder of Muawin, Pakistans first B2B Buy Now Pay Later fintech. The economy globally is taking a turn and with interest rates rising, as is the cost of money and at that too, risk. Businesses of all sizes are shifting plans and strategies but what I was particularly keen on learning about was how lending oriented fintechs are shifting pace. Muawin's goal is to provide productive capital to MSMEs that need it the most. Listen to learn about the idea, the execution, the landscape and about the depth with which Hashim is operating. Check them out on https://www.muawin.com and Hashim on https://www.linkedin.com/in/shashimali/Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/ and https://www.instagram.com/behindthegrind.ah/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfG_N864Q4O7Syo7C4hBBhAApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

Zain Umar stops by in this episode. Product market fit, founder-product fit, VC vs PE, the start up scene in Pakistan - we get into it all. Zain is the Head of Fintech at Creditbook, a local start up working towards enhancing financial outcomes for SMEs across the country. With experience in private equity and staying in tune with the scene in Pakistan, we get into the thick of what one needs to keep in mind during these testing times. Follow Zain on https://www.linkedin.com/in/zain-umar-7126a0100/Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/ and https://www.instagram.com/behindthegrind.ah/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfG_N864Q4O7Syo7C4hBBhAApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Jeeva stops by. Dr. Jeeva is the CEO of the Aga Khan University Examination Board and prominent thought leader in the education space in Pakistan. With experience in education management and policy development, Dr Jeeva dives into where the systemic issues lie in the educating Pakistan. Learn more about Dr Shehzad Jeeva on https://www.linkedin.com/in/shehzad-jeeva/ and how the AKU-EB has developed over the years https://examinationboard.aku.edu/Pages/home.aspxCatch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfG_N864Q4O7Syo7C4hBBhAApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

In this episode, Vladimira Briestenska stops by. Leadership, entrepreneurship, mental wellbeing and talent is what it's all about in this episode.Learn more about Vladimira on https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimira-mesko-briestenska-8ba2986/Check out her podcast: https://www.thefuturefarm.co/Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfG_N864Q4O7Syo7C4hBBhAApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

My guest this time is Wajiha Majid from Abhi. Wajiha is still in school and has really kept herself busy with the start up scene in Pakistan. Abhi is a financial wellness platform, one of the first in Pakistan and has made some serious waves in a very short time frame. Check them out at abhi.com.pkCatch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

In this episode, Farhad Karamally stops by. We talk about culture in the work place, the talent gap in Pakistan and #NLP. Learn more about Farhad on https://www.linkedin.com/in/farhadkaramally/ and http://www.funverks.comCatch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

In this episode Shaun Ansari stops by. Shaun is a certified Unreal Authorised Instructor partner for Epic Games. We talk about web3, game dev and more. I've personally known Shaun for some time now and one things for sure: he's always ahead of the curve.Follow Shaun's start up at: https://www.instagram.com/realityforgeasia/https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunansari/Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

If you know me, I've always wanted to be a chef. That dream quickly turned into a more entrepreneurial one. Aman Virji is a restauranteur and consultant and has been at it for years! In this episode we dive into the struggles faced with his passion project during COVID, the realities of entering the food business and also his passion for what he does. Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

Halima Iqbal and the co-founder and CEO of Oraan, a financial inclusion platform for women in Pakistan. Having started off as a small design research project, Oraan is the first female led fintech company in Pakistan. With their recent announcement of a Seed Round of USD 3M, Halima and her team are all set to make some waves. Learn more about them on https://www.oraan.comCatch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

Isma Khan is the first Board Certified Behaviour Analysts in Pakistan. In this conversation we dive deeper into her field of behaviour and speech therapy, how she got into it and what we as individuals can be doing to create a more inclusive society. Follow Isma on https://www.instagram.com/ismakhanbcba/Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

Kept it candid this week. Took some time to come out with this monologue. Hope some of you can relate and get where I'm coming from. Heres what I was asked:1. What is entrepreneurship for you? Do you think entrepreneurship is how it is made out to be in popular culture, and on the internet? What are some lessons you learned as an entrepreneur?2. What ups and downs have defined your journey so far? Which of these ups and downs made you reflect on the traditional, stereotyped definition of entrepreneurship? 3. What downs in your journey kept you going more than the ups did?4. How do you not get too high on your supply as an entrepreneur? 5. What advice would you give to young adults who want to be entrepreneurs?6. How much should the ‘market' impact your decision making as an entrepreneur?7. Do only service industries need to worry about impacting people positively? Is it important for you to create and announce the impact you're making?8. What is the importance of empathy for you, towards those you work with, those you aim to help and most importantly towards yourself?9. Do you think you are losing out by not being ruthless in business? Do you think you are losing out on that glorified ‘entrepreneur' life because of the empathy you choose you always act with?Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

Rahid Sami is an entrepreneur, a Sales Coach, a motivational speaker, a life coach and an overall solid person who aims to get people around him to reach their true potential. This is one of this episodes where I was reminded yet again, to trust the process. Catch Rahid on www.rahidsami.com andhttps://www.instagram.com/therahidsami/Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

Nabeel is the Co-Founder and CEO of Modulus Tech, a hardware start-up working to build sustainable, flat packed, tiny houses. The idea came up as a result of the Syrian refugee crisis in 2016. Now, Modulus Tech doesn't just build housing for low income families but also for schools, tourism companies and more. Check out Nabeel at https://www.modulus-tech.com/new/and https://www.linkedin.com/in/nabeelsid/Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

After a bit of a break, #BehindTheGrind Episode 19 is coming out shortly. My guest this week is Khulood Bawa the founder of Bawa Design Studio. In this one I learnt about #interiordesign, #interiorarchitecture and also about Khulood's own journey to taking a leap of faith and starting her own #venture. If you'd like to see Khulood's work or get in touch with her: https://www.instagram.com/bawa.designstudio/Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

I've been following Mustafa on Instagram for a while and I have to say, I haven't met anyone with that level of empathy giving free advice around something that makes them money. From fitness as a career, to life choices and everything in between - Mustafa Jamshed. Get in touch with Mustafa for advice, his classes and his coaching on https://www.instagram.com/mjamshed/Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wGx0cancpxbE05xXrOkC9LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

Murtaza Jafferjee is the Founder of the bespoke leather goods brand, MJafferjees. With entrepreneurship in his blood, he's hustled his way around since his high school days. We talk about the "customer" and what start up founders and business owners need to keep in mind when doing business. Have a look at his products on: https://www.instagram.com/m.jafferjees/Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

Kiran Jangda is a professional coach and trainer with a pretty diverse background. After tons of trial and error of her own, she made her way into being a full-time physical trainer. We talk about some pretty relevant facts which the local "consumer" needs to start understanding. The topic of physical and emotional wellbeing is quite close to my heart and was great to have Kiran on the podcast. Get in touch with Kiran on https://www.instagram.com/kayjaystrong/Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

If it wasn't for the mentors I managed to find over the years, I really wouldn't be here. Thats my secret weapon. Finding the right people to learn firm completely juicing out the lessons they potentially have to teach me. Watch till the end for a sneaky blooper which I didn't think should've been there. Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

My guest this week is Suha Hirani, one of the sweetest humans I know and a total badass. She plays football for Karachi United and educates me about the series of unfortunate events the professional #PakistaniFootball scene has been through... Catch me on Instagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/ Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

Sultan is the founder of Tall Man Films, a production house which tells relevant and thought provoking stories. Sultan's latest project is with Digestive Showtime where he created, produced and directed his own passion project: Rabt, an anthology about redemption.  This is one of those episodes which really hits home. Hope you enjoyWatch Rabt on: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA-bQGS54spL0ySISh56RFAFollow Sultan: https://www.instagram.com/tallmanfilms/Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

Ahmed Khanani and I go way back to elementary school. He's one of the most ambitious people I know from school and is really working to make sure he achieves all he sets his mind to. From working towards his dream job and leaving it within a year to building his wellness startup, Ahmed shares the pressures of "expectations" and doing what feels right. Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

In this episode, my old buddy stops by. Zayan is the co-founder of Ticketwala, an online ticketing platform based out of Karachi.

In this monologue I talk about about what I learnt from the first place I worked at.

In this episode, I talk about how I worked part-time while in university and what you can do too. 

In this episode, the Brown Rant Guy stops by. What do we talk about? 1. Creating content you enjoy 2. The spiral of social media 3. Being comfortable in your own skin 4. Keeping your passion alive Catch Hamza on https://www.instagram.com/thebrownrantguy/ Catch me on Instagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/ Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

I've known Shazminay for over 10 years now and since we were kids, shes never failed to impress. She's always been one to go out into the field and work to bring about the change many only talk about. If you'd like to get in touch with Shazminay about working in the public education space or in any impact organisation, drop her an email on shazdurr@gmail.com.  Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

Its been four months since my little band of creative misfits at Backspace (www.backspace.works) has been working remotely and it seems to be settling in for most now. During the lockdown I've spent some time thinking about how we've grown collectively and about what we've learned. In this monologue, I talk about 6 Lessons I've learned as a leader and about doing "business". Lessons I think I won't let go of and will keep in mind each time I feel lost. Here they are:1. Ask for help. No shame in reaching out2. Be brave. It's ok to be uncertain. Accept the ambiguity 3. Be patient and nimble. Plans can always change4. Appreciate the micro wins and cherish the losses5. Empathy above all else. With your team, with your clients, with yourself. 6. Keep gratitude alive Catch me onInstagram: http://instagram.com/asadhash/Youtube: https://youtu.be/1P5bBNGZXw0Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/

Here's a marginally old conversation on how Backspace (www.backspace.works) adjusted to working from home during the lockdown. Felt like an overall mature conversation. But if it isn't, enjoy it regardless. Find Bilal on: https://www.instagram.com/bilalhameed/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pkMOCbnWv0&feature=youtu.beFollow me on: https://www.instagram.com/asadhash/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-grind-with-asad-hashamali/id1478460053Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2JlaGluZHRoZWdyaW5k?ep=14

Ali Anwerzada has played many roles in my life. A teacher, a mentor and now a friend. Tune in to hear his story about all the lessons he's learned along the way to get to where he is. A note which stood out for me was his approach to it all. 

Nagin Ansari is my partner at Backspace. In other words, the real reason why people work with us. In this conversation, Nagin opens up about the realities of the workplace and why building the culture at Backspace was our #1 priority, from the getgo. This has to be one of the most real conversations I've had on the podcast and I hope you think so too.

Anushe has had a far and wide career in the corporate world of Pakistan, all while resisting the urge to pursue her passion for writing. Close to two years ago, her life came full circle after leaving her corporate job and kick-starting "Speak Up". Now Anushe has taken her confidence building platform for students and collaborated with the founders of Jump Chinese to create the Facebook group, "After After School". Listen on to learn about how like many entreprenuers and educationists, Anushe adapted to the challenges brought forth as a result of the global pandemic. Find Speak Up on https://www.facebook.com/speakupkhi/

This Monologue came up as a result of the current state of affairs, coupled with lots of Instagram recommendations. I thought I'd share some ideas which have helped me deal with things slightly better. I'm no expert, but here's what I have to recommend. 5:55 - Tip1: build a routine 8:24 - Tip2: start journaling 10:47 - Tip3: read, learn, explore 12:38 - Tip4: call a friend 13:48 - Tip5: reduce screen time Check out the podcast I did with Humarii Chaii: https://youtu.be/HeQ4np9Hhk0

In this episode, I dive into memories from my past by hearing stories of Ahads past in middle in and highschool. Ahad is an aspiring filmmaker with a solid head on his shoulders. Let me know what you think of this episode below!

Amina's one of my closest friends who I constantly get learn from. What we talk about in this episode I feel is pretty important today. We're going through some tough times, which means we need to be there for one another and also for ourselves. Have a watch and let me know what you think. Follow Amina on https://www.instagram.com/zoomkawali/ https://www.instagram.com/projectslowdown/

2020 has been off to an uneventful start and with more cases of COVID-19 showing up in Pakistan, coupled with fear from the financial markets, I had a thought. How can we pool our resources together, rather our ideas, to bring about a net positive impact to not just Pakistan but to the entire global situation? Leave you thoughts below on innovation and impact. DISCLAIMER: I am not an expert on health care, medicine, financial markets or anything of relevance.

In this episode I talk about two important lessons I re-learned a few years ago.

My third guest on Behind The Grind is a pioneer of the CrossFit scene, here in Pakistan and the FIRST Pakistani Male CrossFit Games Athlete at the 2019 CrossFit Games. He's the owner and founder of MatrixFit and CrossFit BNB - the first box in the Pakistan. The sport and fitness in general are very personal to me, especially since they helped me get out of a dark and lonely place when I needed it the most. My conversation with Bilal is one I won't forget and I hope you don't either. Check on BT on his IG at https://www.instagram.com/bttariq_/

In this episode, I talk about three main areas. Skip ahead for your preference: 1. Refection of myself over the past few weeks 0:582. Reflection of the CAIE results 5:193. My next guest and series on #BehindTheGrind 10:25

Bilal is someone who I met at the age of 19 and since then have been very close to. He's a mentor of mine doing great things in the education space for Pakistan. Listen on to learn about his life and some lessons he's learnt along the way. Check out Bilal at: https://chemistrywithbilal.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgPevMIji1ZyP4IPhmwDsQ https://www.instagram.com/bilalhameed/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW8YDKXS4cnBZQyGMJIs56Q

Create for yourself and be true to yourself. If you expect magic to come from it, it will. Are you following me on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oAawlVv7hko