Q: Jamil, as one of our longest-tenured employees, take us back to the beginning… What made you choose to join Upside?

Jamil: Coming out of college, I was looking for a company where I could grow both professionally and personally. At Upside, the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals and take on exciting challenges made this the perfect fit for me.

Q: As someone who’s nearing nine years here at Upside, what is it about the culture here that keeps you excited about your role?

Jamil: What I love most about Upside’s culture is the perfect balance between innovation, collaboration, and growth. There’s a strong sense of teamwork where everyone’s ideas are valued, no matter their role. 

Leadership encourages open communication, and I truly admire how Alex [Kinnier], Wayne [Lin], Rick [McPhee], and the other founders have cultivated an environment that seamlessly blends creativity with data-driven decision-making.

I also love the continuous learning and development opportunities. Whether it’s tackling new challenges, sharing knowledge, or pushing boundaries, the culture here inspires me to be better every day. It’s not just about working hard — it’s about working smart, supporting each other, and celebrating wins together. That’s what makes Upside such a great place to be.

Q: Tell us about your first job and how it prepared you to get where you are today.

Jamil: My first job was as a gas station manager, which was a great learning experience. It taught me the importance of leadership, and customer service early on. Managing daily operations, handling inventory, and ensuring a smooth customer experience helped me develop strong leadership and management skills that have stuck with me throughout my career.

Q: What do you think makes you unique as a team member?

Jamil: What sets me apart as a team member is my adaptability, resilience, and supportive nature. I embrace change with a proactive mindset, quickly adjusting to new processes and challenges while helping my team to do the same. 

No matter the situation, I stay focused, and committed to keeping things on track while continuously finding a way to improve.

Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be and why?

Jamil: If I could travel anywhere, it would be Dubai and Japan. The two places have been on my to do list. I want to visit Dubai to experience its breathtaking landmarks like The Palm Jumeirah, a stunning man-made island shaped like a palm tree, and the Burj Al Arab, one of the world's most luxurious hotels. I’m also excited about the adventure of desert safaris, where I can go dune bashing, ride camels, and immerse myself in the beauty of the Arabian desert. 

On the other hand, I want to visit Japan to experience its incredible technological advancements firsthand. From high-speed bullet trains and robotic restaurants to cutting-edge innovations in smart cities and AI. Both destinations offer something truly special and I am just waiting for the right moment to visit them.

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