Name: Muddashir Siddique

Title: CEO/CMO

Organisation: RewireHub

My digital marketing journey has led me through the intricate alleys of the blockchain, web3, metaverse, and NFT sectors, bringing 100s of brands to life in both B2B and B2C landscapes. I wear many hats – from content strategy and design to business development and project consultation.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Muddashir's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital innovation has undoubtedly been a challenge, but it's also been an exhilarating journey. One of the primary challenges I've faced as a leader is striking the right balance between empowering my team's creativity and ensuring we adhere to our core values and long-term vision. The rapid pace of technological advancements means that we constantly have to be agile, adapting to new tools and methodologies. But this agility should never come at the expense of our brand's ethos.

Moreover, fostering a culture of open communication and trust is paramount. As a leader, it's essential to be approachable and receptive to feedback, even when it's critical. Creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, while also making tough decisions for the greater good of the company, can often be a delicate balancing act.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey into leadership was a blend of passion, continuous learning, and seizing opportunities as they came. Initially, I began my career immersed in the digital marketing realm, working hands-on with both B2B and B2C sectors. As I delved deeper into areas like crypto, blockchain, and the web3 ecosystem, I realized the vast potential these domains held.

Over the years, I expanded my skill set, diving into content writing, design, strategic planning, sales, and project management. Each role I undertook added a new layer of expertise and broadened my perspective on how interconnected and essential every facet of a business is.

But beyond the technical skills, it was my passion for innovation and my belief in collaborative growth that propelled me towards leadership roles. I made it a point to surround myself with mentors and teams that challenged and inspired me daily. As I took on more significant projects and responsibilities, I found myself naturally transitioning into roles where I could guide, mentor, and lead teams.

Becoming the CEO/CMO of RewireHub was a culmination of all these experiences. Here, I had the opportunity to shape a brand, build a robust team, and drive our mission forward. It wasn't just about climbing the corporate ladder but more about the drive to create meaningful impact and value in the digital space. Every challenge faced, lesson learned, and success celebrated on this journey has molded me into the leader I am today.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I'm not much of an early riser; my day typically begins around 10 AM. The first thing I do is dive into my emails and address any urgent matters that might have come up overnight. It's essential for me to have a pulse on what's happening and anticipate the day's demands.

Around 2 PM, I take a break for lunch. It's a time for me to step away momentarily and refuel, both in terms of food and mental energy. Post-lunch, my afternoons vary— from client meetings to team discussions, and other essential tasks.

I'm not one for a rigid schedule. Instead, I let the day's events guide me. The night before, I usually list down the tasks I need to tackle and estimate how long each will take. Then, as the day unfolds, be it due to personal events or just the need for a break, I adjust my tasks accordingly. I firmly believe in fluidity and adjustability, ensuring I remain productive without feeling overly constrained by a strict timetable.

The end of my workday is determined by my tasks. If I'm able to wrap up everything by 7 PM, great. But there are days when my commitment sees me working until the early hours, sometimes even 2 AM. It's all about ensuring that the day's objectives are met, regardless of the hour on the clock.

In essence, while I have a general flow to my day, I value adaptability and aligning my schedule based on the immediate demands and needs of both my personal and professional life.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

One recent leadership lesson I've been reminded of is the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership. In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, especially with the myriad of challenges posed by the dynamic landscapes like crypto and the metaverse, it's easy to wear the mask of an unflappable leader. However, I've come to realize that it's okay to admit when you don't have all the answers and to lean on your team for insights and solutions.

Being vulnerable doesn't mean showcasing weakness; it's about demonstrating humility and the willingness to learn and grow. By openly discussing challenges, uncertainties, or even failures, I've found that it fosters a culture of trust, encourages open communication, and enables the team to rally together to find innovative solutions.

This approach not only strengthens the bond between team members but also creates an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to share their expertise and perspectives. As a leader, embracing vulnerability and authenticity has allowed me to build stronger, more resilient teams that are equipped to tackle the ever-evolving challenges in our industry.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

'Rich Dad Poor Dad' fundamentally changed my perspective on money, wealth, and entrepreneurship. Kiyosaki's insights about financial literacy, the importance of assets, and the different mindsets of his two "dads" shaped my approach to business. It influenced me to prioritize financial education within my team at RewireHub, ensuring that we all understand the value of assets and the importance of making informed financial decisions. This book instilled in me a strong sense of financial responsibility and a commitment to sustainable business practices.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

If I were to give one piece of advice to a young leader, it would be this: Work diligently and relentlessly now, and make those sacrifices today, to shape a brighter and more fulfilling tomorrow. The early stages of leadership demand commitment, learning, and resilience. Embrace challenges, strive for growth, and remember, the effort you invest now will pave the path for a rewarding future.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

During my time as the CEO/CMO of RewireHub, there was a particular quarter where we faced significant challenges. The market was rapidly changing, and we had a product launch that didn't go as anticipated. Our team morale was at an all-time low, and there was a cloud of uncertainty hanging over everyone.

I remember calling for an impromptu team meeting. Instead of discussing strategies, numbers, or targets, we started with everyone sharing one thing they were grateful for at RewireHub. The stories ranged from personal growth, friendships formed, to even the small joys like our Friday team lunches. It was an emotional meeting, but by the end of it, there was a palpable shift in energy.

We decided to take a two-day off-site retreat, focusing on re-strategizing, team-building, and most importantly, reconnecting with our company's core values. Post the retreat, not only did we recover from our setbacks, but we also had one of the most successful quarters following that.

This experience taught me the profound impact of resilience, the importance of a united team, and the power of taking a step back to move three steps forward. It was a testament to the fact that leadership isn't just about driving numbers or achieving targets, but it's about fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, heard, and motivated to give their best.