Our Sidekick community 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. Haseeb is an influencer in Pakistani theatre, he also creating a funding program for grassroots Arts and Cultural organisations in Australia. Read why he loves what he does!
Where were you working before you started Sidekicking?
I moved to Sydney 6 months ago from Pakistan where I was running a theatre company dedicated to Social Justice through art. Before that I’ve worked as a theatre teacher, project manager, financial analyst and technology consultant.
Tell us something unique about yourself
I managed and co-wrote a theatre play which was called ‘On Common Ground.’ It was the first Pakistani production to ever be performed at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival–America’s oldest and most prestigious theatre festival.
Apart from theatre, my other love is mountaineering, I’ve successfully climbed up to 5,000 metres. In 2019 I’m aiming to climb Mount Blanc.
What was your first Sidekicking gig?
This one is probably also the coolest job ever… I was selected to join Uber’s street survey project! Our job was to walk through Sydney and mark the roads where it was safe for Uber drivers to stop and pick up passengers, making Uber safer for drivers and passengers.
In one week, I walked more than 100km throughout Sydney and I really got to see so much of the city! Yes, there were blisters, but by the end but nothing compared to the joy of exploring Sydney all day.
Coolest thing you’ve done at Sidekicker?
Running the speaker sessions at Future Sydney Summit as part of Sydney Build Conference 2018. I got to learn so much from some of the most prominent thinkers in the sustainability, conservation and urban planning space while running one of Sydney’s biggest conferences! Win win win!
What was your first job?
I was part of the UK Census team in 2011. My job was to go around London, talk to people and convince them of the importance of the census exercise to increase participation. It was great PR work and for a really important cause – I really learnt then that data, if used properly, can inform future policy, resource utilisation, and urban planning.
What do you hope to do in the future?
I’m currently working on creating a funding program for grassroots Arts and cultural organisations in Australia. This fits in with my professional goal of helping organisations become more efficient with resources and more effective at achieving their targets. I also hope to continue writing for the theatre and acting because theatre is an itch that just doesn’t seem to go away.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
A fighter pilot! A writer! Sometimes I wanted to be just one, more often I wanted to be both! It might be too late for the pilot but I’m still working on the writing bit.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who wants to be a Sidekick?
Be prepared to work hard, be prepared to give it your all everyday because every Sidekick job is a chance to help a new company, solve a new problem and make new connections. The range of experiences you can get as a Sidekick are unparalleled, make use of them and always learn something from each job!
Why do you love what you do?
I get to work the hours I want, choose the companies and projects that excite me and be part of a new wave of workers who take charge of their own schedule through this amazing technology platform.
Sidekicker has given me the chance to experience such a diverse array of jobs, companies and people in such a short time that I feel like I understand Australian culture much better now. It’s led to meaningful connections and I can’t wait to continue using this app!