Conversations with Shafiq Ul Hasan Siddiqui

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shafiq Ul Hasan Siddiqui

Hi Shafiq Ul Hasan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was in my final semester of MBA and working at Unilever, when I was introduced to freelance content writing in 2008. I always wanted to become a storyteller and someone who can engage people with my ideas, opinions and thoughts – I grabbed the opportunity to become a full time-freelance content writer and resigned from my job.
Over the years, one thing led to another. My passion for creating content pushed me to explore areas like content marketing and curation. At the same time, I was captivated by the idea of establishing a strong presence on social media. As platforms like Orkut took a back seat, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter (now known as X) gained momentum. I honed my skills in social media marketing and eventually found myself in the spotlight, gaining recognition from users across these platforms. Along the way I planned and executed various digital outreach and marketing campaigns and gained experience related to influencer marketing since 2014.
Professionally, I explored various industries, including content and software houses, digital and public relations (PR) agencies, social networking startups, and non-profit healthcare entities. In my last job, I was working as Deputy Manager Communications for a non-for-profit healthcare entity. Prior to that I was working for one of the pioneers in PR agencies as account manager handling different clients and in just one year planned and executed 15 plus social media and digital outreach campaigns. It was a rollercoaster.
Meanwhile, in 2009, I started writing movie reviews, fueled by my love for cinema. Initially, I published my reviews on my personal blog at Blogspot, but later, I began contributing to online publications such as Express Tribune, Mag The Weekly, Mediamagick, and Hum TV’s news portal Spotlight, among others.
Fourteen years and 700 movie reviews later, I still remain deeply passionate about writing while professionally serving businesses as a digital and communication strategist. Over the last five years, I’ve also appeared on various TV shows, including morning and talk shows, where I’ve shared insights and critiques on films and dramas.
In my spare time, which is admittedly limited, I enjoy spending time with my family and creating videos on topics close to my heart, such as movies, content strategies, digital marketing, and food reviews (another one of my passions) uploaded on my Instagram account.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No road leading to an adventurous journey is ever smooth, and my journey was no exception. I faced my share of ups and downs, but I stayed motivated and enthusiastic because I firmly believe in continuous effort and perseverance. Growth requires evolving and learning new skills.

For instance, during my time as an Account Manager at a PR agency, I was managing communications for a client who faced significant backlash. It was a challenging situation, a complete mess but it kept me deeply engaged. That experience led me to develop a narrative-building strategy, a unique blend of content creation and communication strategy. This not only resolved the immediate issue but also added a valuable skill to my repertoire.

Throughout my journey, especially during the more difficult phases, I discovered that every challenge brought with it an opportunity to learn something new. These lessons kept me focused, driven, and constantly improving my craft and processes.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My expertise lies in creating impactful content strategies, managing communication frameworks, and executing digital (social media and influencer marketing) outreach campaigns that drive measurable results.

Professionally, my work revolves around crafting and implementing strategic communication plans that align with business goals. This includes everything from content writing and digital storytelling to internal and external communication strategies. I specialize in helping organizations build meaningful connections with their audiences through tailored messaging and innovative content formats.

Throughout my career, I’ve managed multi-faceted roles. As an Account Manager at PR agencies, I led crisis management initiatives and narrative-building strategies for high-profile clients. In the digital marketing domain, I’ve designed and executed content frameworks for social media platforms, driving engagement and enhancing brand visibility. My time in healthcare organizations allowed me to focus on impactful messaging campaigns, particularly in non-profit settings, where clear, concise, and empathetic communication is critical.

I’m known for my meticulous approach to content creation and my ability to seamlessly blend creativity with strategic goals. Whether it’s launching a social media campaign, developing brand narratives, or managing crisis communication, I bring a results-oriented perspective to every project. My expertise in digital PR and my ability to adapt to changing trends have made me a go-to resource for delivering quality outcomes in fast-paced environments.

What sets me apart is my adaptability and multi-industry experience. Having worked in PR agencies, software houses, social networking startups, and healthcare entities, I bring a unique blend of creativity, analytical thinking, and strategic execution. My ability to identify emerging trends and incorporate them into communication strategies ensures that my work stays relevant and impactful.

I am most proud of the long-lasting impact of my projects. Whether it’s successfully resolving a PR crisis through effective narrative-building or helping non-profit organizations achieve greater reach through tailored messaging, I take pride in knowing my work contributes to tangible results. My professional journey reflects a commitment to excellence, adaptability, and a passion for meaningful communication.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor and building a strong network are pivotal for personal and professional growth. In my journey, I’ve learned that mentorship and networking are less about luck and more about proactive effort, clear goals, and meaningful connections.

Advice for Finding a Mentor

– Define Your Goals: Start by identifying the areas where you need guidance. Is it career development, specific skills, or industry insights? Clarity will help you approach the right people.
– Seek Inspiration in Your Circle: Mentors don’t always have to be high-profile individuals. Sometimes, the best advice comes from colleagues, managers, or even peers who have walked a path you aspire to follow.
– Leverage Professional Platforms: LinkedIn has been instrumental for me. I actively follow thought leaders in digital marketing, content strategy, and communication. Engaging with their posts or sending thoughtful messages has opened doors to meaningful conversations.
– Offer Value in Return: A mentoring relationship should be mutually beneficial. Show genuine interest in their work, ask specific questions, and demonstrate a willingness to learn.

Networking Tips That Work
– Be Consistent and Present: Networking isn’t just about attending events; it’s about building relationships over time. Regularly engage with your connections online and offline. Comment on their achievements, share relevant insights, and stay active in conversations.
– Join Communities and Events: Early in my career, attending PR and marketing events, joining forums, and participating in workshops helped me connect with like-minded professionals. In today’s digital age, virtual communities like LinkedIn groups or niche forums are just as impactful.
– Share Your Expertise: I’ve found that sharing my knowledge, whether through blog posts, webinars, or social media, has organically attracted people with similar interests. When you position yourself as a resource, you naturally draw attention from those who might become valuable mentors or collaborators.
– Follow Up and Stay Genuine: The key to networking is nurturing connections. A quick follow-up message or a genuine compliment on someone’s achievements can leave a lasting impression.

What’s Worked Well for Me
– For me, a mix of authenticity and consistency has been key. I’ve found mentors who inspired me and provided guidance because I approached them with clear intentions and a willingness to learn. Similarly, building a personal brand online through platforms like LinkedIn has not only expanded my network but also created opportunities to collaborate with professionals globally.
– At the heart of it all, networking and mentorship are about building meaningful relationships. Be patient, be authentic, and don’t hesitate to take the first step, you never know where it might lead!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shafiqsiddiqui.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/shafiqpenworks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shafiqulhasansiddiqui
• Twitter: https://x.com/shafiqulhasan81
• Other: https://mediamagick.com/author/shafiq/