Sidekicker is made up of people from all walks of life. Their backgrounds, their passions and their stories are part of what makes them so good at what they do. Lanre is a qualified Scientist who abandoned the lab for his love of building relationships and to make his own breakthroughs in start-up.
Where were you working before Sidekicker?
Being your typical millennial, I had multiple roles. My main hustle was as a sleep therapist dealing in obstructive sleep apnea, my side hustle was as a front of house waiter at On It Burgers Abbotsford (check em out, great burgers).
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I studied to be a medical lab scientist specialising in Haematology (blood diagnosis and tests) but abandoned it 2 weeks after graduation because it was too repetitive and boring.
How did you land your job at Sidekicker?
I’d put it down to being unashamedly being myself. During my first interview with Tom (CEO) and Sam (COO), they asked me what I knew about Sidekicker I replied – “It’s like Tinder but for staffing”. It really was a make or break moment but luckily they shared my wacky sense of humour and chuckled.
Coolest thing you’ve done at Sidekicker?
Transition from an Aussie to a full-blown Kiwi. Sidekicker has grown so much in the 16 months since I started here that I’ve had the opportunity to move to Auckland and support the incredible growth the team is experiencing here. The fact that we get to travel back every 3 months to Melbourne to network (and party) is an added bonus
What was your first job?
In-house disability support worker during the uni days.
What did you career pathway look like?
At Sidekicker, you get to set your own path. I started working the phones doing inbounds 18 months ago and now I’m working with our General Manager to launch an entire new category of our business. One day I hope to be able to pass the information and knowledge I’ve been able to learn to others as well.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
A neurosurgeon but it was going to take a 12-year commitment before I’d be qualified. That and I’d worked out latex gloves were really uncomfortable.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who wants to work in a startup?
Don’t be afraid to fail. In a start-up you’re generally doing things that haven’t been done before which means it won’t always work out. Keep hacking away at it till you find a solution that does work.
Why do you love what you do?
How long can my answer be?!
Anyone that has been within a one block radius of me knows that I thrive on conversations. In my role, I literally get paid to have conversations with people all day, every day. Imagine that, getting paid to do something I’d do anyway. I also get to spend every day having a direct impact on a business that is full of people I both respect and really get along with. What’s not to love?!