East Meets West: Pakistani Professional Journeys
§ The goal of this podcast is to provide stories and experiences of Pakistani professionals in their respective industries and to allow listeners to be more informed of their field of interest.
§ A common connection being Pakistani roots allows for relatable stories for individuals who are looking to grow in their profession or simply want to learn more about a particular field.
§ There will be no industry left untouched from start-ups, traditional careers paths or newer outlets such as podcasts, YouTube or side hustles. Join me as we explore the various careers that Pakistani professionals are working at in the West.
East Meets West: Pakistani Professional Journeys
S2 EP 17 | Principal Architect At Slalom Build | Ft. Wasiq Shaikh
Join us in this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast as we explore the life and career of Wasiq Shaikh. Born and raised in Canada with deep connections to Pakistan, Wasiq shares his experiences from learning Urdu, navigating cultural differences, and his professional journey in computer science, starting at Ryerson and leading up to his role as a Principal Architect at Slalom Build. Gain insights on balancing cultural identity, overcoming workplace challenges, and invaluable advice for aspiring tech professionals. Don't miss this compelling narrative of blending East and West in the tech industry.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:16 Guest Introduction: Wasiq Shaikh
00:37 Connection to Pakistan
01:03 Memories of Visiting Pakistan
03:39 Learning Urdu and Cultural Experiences
04:52 Family's Journey to Canada
06:01 Growing Up in Canada
07:42 Early Interest in Technology + Computer Science
08:50 University Experience in Computer Science
11:33 First Corporate Job - NextJ and Career Progression
15:45 Navigating the Vast Field of Computer Science
15:53 Finding Your Passion Beyond Technology
16:43 Balancing Work and Preventing Burnout
18:08 Setting Boundaries and Time Management
20:26 The Importance of Communication Skills
21:51 Adapting to Different Social Norms
23:02 Building a Strong Professional Network
25:18 Defining Success in Personal and Professional Life
26:46 Maintaining Cultural Ties While Living Abroad