Introduction

In this episode of The Treaded Path, host Salman Hasan speaks with Umair Khan, founder of Techamana, about his journey from software development to entrepreneurship. Umair shares his motivations for starting Techamana, the challenges he faced in his career, and how his Islamic faith intersects with his professional life. The conversation also delves into the impact of COVID-19 on hiring practices, the importance of social media for job seekers, and the ethical dilemmas present in the tech industry. Umair offers valuable advice for young Muslim professionals and discusses the benefits of working in startups. (View the full interview on YouTube).

Personal Journey

• Early influences and education: He was the first in his family to pursue computer science and had no direct mentors. His primary learning resources were online, utilizing free courses from top universities like Stanford and MIT via iTunes University and later Coursera. He discovered his natural aptitude for the field during high school (O-Levels), where he excelled in computer science without extensive studying.

• Role of Islamic faith in career choices: His faith became a more active part of his life through workplace influence in Pakistan, where a colleague encouraged daily prayers. This practice deepened his commitment, leading to observing all five daily prayers and Ramadan Taraweeh. His faith influences his professional decisions, leading him to avoid industries or companies involved in activities considered haram (forbidden in Islam).

• Challenges faced as a Muslim professional: He has encountered a need to explain Islamic practices, like fasting during Ramadan, to colleagues in the US. He views this as an opportunity for dialogue, often finding common ground with people of other Abrahamic faiths.

• Key turning points and decisions: A pivotal moment was getting a $30/hour remote software development job while in Pakistan in 2016, which showed him the potential of global talent platforms. His experience both as a freelancer on such platforms and as a client hiring from them gave him the unique insight and motivation to start Techamana.

Industry Deep Dive

• Current role and responsibilities: As CEO of Techamana, he oversees day-to-day operations, including marketing, SEO, business development, and software development. He focuses on bringing in new business, managing teams, and developing new platform features to facilitate hiring.

• Corporate ethics discussion: He highlights the ethical issue of employees using a company’s private client information or contacts for personal benefit or solicitation. He notes that larger companies now implement strict rules and regular training to prevent both intentional and unintentional data leaks.

• Specific cases of corporate misconduct in their field: While not naming specific companies, he references instances where professionals have misused confidential client data from their employers.

• How Muslim professionals can navigate ethical dilemmas: If one suspects unethical behavior, he advises first confirming the suspicion by speaking directly with the person involved, if comfortable. If the activity is confirmed and harmful, it should be reported to a supervisor. He emphasizes the importance of seeking work that aligns with Islamic values to avoid complicity in unethical practices.

Resources and Advice Segment

• Essential resources for aspiring professionals: Online learning platforms like Coursera (including financial aid options) and LinkedIn Learning. Staying current by being active on professional social media, particularly LinkedIn, to build a presence and network.

• Mentorship opportunities: Umair is open to being contacted for advice and mentorship via LinkedIn.

• Practical advice for industry newcomers: Consider starting your career at a startup rather than a large corporation. Startups offer faster learning, more responsibility, quicker career advancement, and exposure to newer technologies. Research a company’s culture and ethical standing thoroughly before joining; if possible, visit their headquarters. For those in tech, consider entrepreneurship or starting your own business if you have a viable idea, as it allows for greater control and impact.

Accountability Focus

• Discussion of specific corporations with problematic records: He states that he does not consider any of the major, well-known tech companies to be “100% ethically correct,” citing their involvement in various global issues.

• Analysis of human rights violations or war crimes connections: He specifically mentions that some large tech companies are “responsible for… war crimes that are happening in different parts of the world” through the technologies they provide.

• Ways to advocate for corporate accountability: He finds inspiration in individuals who speak out, like a recent employee at Microsoft, and states he would strive to do the same. The most powerful form of advocacy is choosing where to work, avoiding companies whose practices conflict with one’s ethical and religious values.

• Alternative ethical options within the industry: He recommends working for smaller, lesser-known companies that focus on a single, clear product or mission, as they are easier to vet ethically. Starting your own business is presented as the ultimate way to ensure your work aligns with your values.

Closing Reflections

• Final advice from guest: He encourages aspiring professionals to be courageous, take risks, and not delay in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures if they have the desire. Reiterates the value of working in startups for rapid growth and learning.

• Contact Information to reach guest speaker:

  • The best way to reach Umair is via his LinkedIn profile.

  • Alternatively, he can be contacted via email at umair@techamana.com

• Call to action for listeners: To support Techamana, listeners can refer talented professionals in software development, UI/UX design, and product management to apply on their platform. They can also refer companies looking to hire top global talent to Techamana.