Hello and welcome two Between Two Dots, hosted by Hafiz Mitha and Gilbert Bong. Today, Gilbert interviews Hafiz to continue kicking off the podcast. Hafiz shares what motivates him in a career full of highs and lows, and how his family life and upbringing have influenced his community-centric approach. Hafiz shares how growing up and feeling like an outsider and being bullied in Calgary built his resilience, and how that has helped him in his adult life personally and professionally. Join us as we learn what makes entrepreneur, philanthropist, and consummate learner Hafiz Mitha tick.

“Between two dots – really, the value is in that line: the journey.”

Episode Highlights:

[0:28] “We were so lucky to have family always around.” Gilbert introduces Hafiz, and we learn about how growing up in a multigenerational home with parents who worked hard to survive shaped his worldview.

[7:10] Hafiz discusses looking up to both his parents for their strong work ethic.

[12:35] We learn how Hafiz learned to adapt in school as a child who could not speak English, and how his parents went the extra mile to help him succeed through ESL.

[14:55] “I just embraced it.” Hafiz recounts how being bullied in middle school motivated him to empower himself to take control of his image, though this led to some of his biggest regrets from his youth.

[20:03] Hafiz details how post-secondary school became an opportunity for him to start walking his own path instead of pursuing what his father wanted him to.

[25:57] “What I learned from Joy is really to be true to yourself.” We hear about how Hafiz’s first forays into entrepreneurship led to him founding his first company, Joy Media.

[30:43] “One of the things I learned is that the more you are happy with yourself and secure in your own skin, you can let things go pretty easily.” Hafiz discusses his departure from Joy media and seeing how it has grown and changed without him.

[33:07] “Take the time to figure out what makes you tick.” Hafiz talks about his current passion, Play City, and what he’s excited about pursuing now, including his recent TED Talk.

Connect:

Hafiz’s IG: @hafiz_mitha

Hafiz’s TED Talk: youtube.com/watch?v=v4DlvJbj7gg

PlayCity: www.playcityapp.com

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and the guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or affiliated companies.