"The only thing that sets aside success and failure is hard work and vision."
Muhammad Haider Tweet
Muhammad Haider is a Pakistani-Australian and the founder and CEO of icause. His educational background includes a bachelor’s in dentistry and a diploma in social work. His achievements include hosting a few TV shows in Pakistan, such as Medline, which aired on vibe TV in 2008 and covered social and medical issues. Muhammad moved to Australia in September 2009. He started his journey as a door knocker selling telecom and energy plans. He formed his first company, Integral Resource Group, in 2012 and his second company, Cheap Bills, in 2014. His latest venture is icause, a crowdfunding platform that helps people to raise money in more ways. His interests include sports, entrepreneurship, and reading. He is self-driven and hopes to change the world in his capacity as a fundraising entrepreneur.
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Table of Contents
Was there somebody in your life that inspired you to take that specific journey with your business?
Muhammad Haider: There are too many good inspirations in the world, like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates. However, self-drive is the biggest motivation. You have to convince yourself of your existence. On a personal attribute, I’m always curious: finding a solution to problems has always been my interest. icause is an idea born to find a solution to a problem. Can I donate without a monetary amount? Through icause, you can now!
What are the most common mistakes you see entrepreneurs make and what would you suggest they do?
Muhammad Haider: Opportunity knocks on everyone’s doorstep. It depends on whether you are ready to take a chance. Overcaution is the biggest failure in my eyes; if you believe in your goal, then follow it. Even if you do not have success, you will gain valuable experience.
Has the pandemic and transitioning into mostly online shopping affected your company positively or negatively?
Muhammad Haider: Resilience is everything in the startup world. Nine out of ten startup CEOs fail due to a lack of resilience and funds. I understand these covid times are not easy. Nonetheless, it is no excuse not to turn your idea into reality. It also depends on what you want to do!. To sum up, resilience is a core trait whether you achieve your goal in six months or five years. Bottom line — don’t give up
What is most important to your organization—mission, vision, or values?
Muhammad Haider: icause is an Australian fundraising platform with a mission to help locally and internationally. Our vision is to expand icause to other countries. This will enable people to use our platform and raise money for the cause they care about—the core value in any organization: empathy, trust, and switched-on management. If people can trust our platform and show their faith, that will make us a proud organization.
What do you consider are your strengths when dealing with staff workers, colleagues, senior management, and customers?
Muhammad Haider: We have created a culture of respect and trust and good value in our office. It is highly crucial to look after your team. From the customer’s standpoint, the core value is transparency. The success of any company depends on a highly efficient team and customer feedback.
How important do you think it is for a leader to be mindful of his brand?
Muhammad Haider: The role of the CEO is vital in decision-making. The correct decision at the right time can have a positive impact on business growth.
How would you define “leadership”?
Muhammad Haider: Leadership is a quality of a person — someone who leads from the front. Making the right decision and ensuring the morale of the organization is kept high. It is quite an inspirational quote from Richard Nixon, “A man is not finished when he is defeated. He is finished when he quits. In my view, true leaders never quit.”
What’s your favorite “life lesson” quote and how has it affected your life?
Muhammad Haider: There is no work that is small or big. The only thing that sets aside success and failure is hard work and vision.
Mike Weiss, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Muhammad Haider for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Muhammad Haider or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
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