Minhaj is Computan’s financial wizard. He’s an expert in costing, budgeting, and auditing. He’s also a big movie watcher. In this installment of Behind The Coding, Minhaj talks about the best part of his job, why he’s not a fan of motivational speakers, and which actress he’d like to go out to dinner with.
Hi Minhaj! What are the last three things you Googled?
Sajeel, the first thing I Googled was ‘Castle in The Sky
The movie?
Yeah, the movie. I have heard a lot of good things about it. I like Japanese Animation.
You tend to like a lot of movies.
I love mafia and true crime movies a lot.
Is there a type of movie you don’t like?
Generally, I am not a big fan of musicals. Bollywood movies, High School Musical.
Why not?
I don’t like how songs abruptly interrupt the movie. I skip them!
What else have you been Googling?
Mobile phone services and devices.
Are you Team Apple or Team Android?
I am Team Android!
Why is that?
I feel like Apple is all about consumerism and branding. Android is more about functionality. I appreciate the functionality without the high costs. That’s why I am Team Android.
What else have you been Googling?
Accommodations in Dubai
Nice! Are you planning a trip?
I may go there as a tourist to see the sights and attractions.
But accommodations? I thought you had a sister in Dubai
I do. I’d rather stay on my own, though, and go out a few times to meet her 😊.
When was the last time you worked after hours to solve a hard problem?
A couple of months ago. We had some big finance projects to work on. We wanted to overhaul our compensation structure, and the marketing team had some investments they wanted to make. When those scenarios come up I usually end up working long hours to see what is doable and what isn’t.
Worthwhile work, though!
Yes definitely.
Who are three people you'd like to have dinner (dawaat) with at the same time, and why?
I know people usually say Elon Musk, but I say no because most of his points of view are on YouTube.
The question was actually, who are 3 people you’d LIKE to have dinner with? Not people you wouldn’t like to have dinner with, Minhaj.
Yes, yes, I know. I was getting to that!
Ok
The first would be Muhammad Ali, the boxer.
Why Muhammad Ali?
I’d like to know if he’s satisfied with what he’s achieved. Definitely would like to know if he’s able to view his legacy as a bystander.
What do you think is his legacy?
It’s definitely a big legacy, but I think this generation can learn from his discipline.
Who else?
Rachel Weisz
Really? Why?
I’ve always liked her movies. I’d love to enjoy a meal with her and talk to her about life.
It sounds like you’d like to go on a date with her.
Sure, I wouldn’t mind! But I would like to see what I could earn about women and how to treat them from her.
That’s interesting! Who else?
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
What would you do with the Jinnah?
I’d like to understand from his voice what his original vision of Pakistan was and his current opinion of things. Plus, he’s a lawyer.
Interesting. Do you like lawyers?
Unlike motivational speakers, I am always interested in a lawyer’s point of view because they are usually backed with facts.
Hahaha! So you have a problem with motivational speakers?
Not a problem, but there is no factual information that they produce. It’s encouraging for sure, though.
When was the last time you cried tears of laughter?
I watched a video on Instagram a few days ago. It was 2 or 3 AM in the morning, and I was laughing so hard that my mom woke up and asked me if everything was ok?
Wait a minute. Your mom wakes up and asks, ‘are you ok?’….when you laugh too much.
What can I say? I’m not an emotional guy.
What do you love about your job Minhaj?
I love the impact I can make in people’s lives. I love my role in helping our team come up with big decisions and seeing them go through. I also enjoy the appreciation that comes with changing people’s lives.
When was the first time you saw a laptop/computer?
I don’t remember exactly. I was probably 6 or 7 years old, and it was at my cousin’s house. We played Minesweeper and Solitaire.
What is something your teammates don't know about you?
The impression among my colleagues is that I’m serious. They may not know I am funny once you get to know me. I enjoy sending memes to people as well.
Really? We’ve worked together for how many years now?
Almost 6
How many memes have you sent me?
Ok, ok. I will send you some memes, Sajeel.
Only if you aren’t too busy.
