EP21: He Got Tired of Waiting, So He Fixed Montreal Himself | Saad Tekiout & Shahrez Hayder
Hey everyone, Umer here!
Sometimes the path we choose is clear. Other times, it unfolds one decision at a time.
In this episode, Saad Tekiout and Shahrez Hayder explore the tension between knowing the right thing and actually living it. It is not about access or information. It is about taking action, understanding your purpose, and becoming a man and citizen who makes a real difference.
“You can know the truth and still not live it.”
Here’s what I learned.
You can know the truth… and still not live it.
That was the tension at the heart of this conversation with Mohammed Al-Ubaidy and Shahrez Hayder. Not a lack of knowledge. Not a lack of access. But something deeper.
At one point, it was broken down in the simplest way possible:
“You don’t need more information… you need to remove everything.”
Because the problem isn’t that we don’t know. It’s that something inside us is blocking what we already know.
Here’s what I learned.
Real Impact Through Action Saad explained how his work filling potholes in Montreal started with noticing a problem and taking responsibility rather than waiting for others. His actions were never about fame or recognition. They were about impact and accountability.
“Why not?”
Being Unapologetically You Shahrez shared that masculinity is about being grounded, purposeful, and connected to Allah, not about domination or image. It is about merging your innate gifts with responsibility to lead with integrity and authenticity.
“Grounded masculinity is the middle path between toxic and emasculated extremes.”
Finding Your Purpose Early Saad emphasized discovering and nurturing your unique strengths. He noted that traditional education often overlooks individual gifts, pushing people toward one-size-fits-all paths. Real fulfillment comes from exploring, experimenting, and aligning with what truly resonates.
“Everybody is born with a superpower, and you have to find it.”
Discipline Is Key Daily discipline, when paired with passion, turns effort into lasting results. Saad highlighted that purpose makes discipline feel natural. It helps you remain consistent without forcing yourself.
“When you have purpose, waking up early and taking action becomes easy.”
Respond, Don’t React Both Shahrez & Saad stressed thoughtful responses over impulsive reactions. Whether helping in your community or supporting someone in need, measured responses create trust and lasting impact.
“Responding, not reacting, is what pushes humanity forward.”
Dress For the Role You Want Appearance and energy influence both perception and mindset. Saad reminded that dressing intentionally reinforces confidence and aligns your actions with your purpose.
“You dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”
Serving Others Builds Society The episode emphasized collective responsibility. When everyone fulfills their roles with integrity and commitment, society thrives. Small, consistent actions create compounding positive effects.
“If everyone just did their part, society would be unstoppable.”
If this resonated with you, the full episode dives deeper into immigration, leadership, resilience, and building a life grounded in values.
Watch the full conversation on The Path We Choose.
Watch Full Episode
Thanks for tuning in. I hope this episode encourages you to live authentically and embrace your own path with resilience.
Best,
Umer Farooque
Host, The Path We Choose
