We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rehman Siddiq a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rehman, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I started my journey pretty early when I was just 12 years old. I built my first website for a family friend and earned $100. That moment lit a spark. It wasn’t just about the money it was the realization that I could create real value with a computer and some knowledge.

Back then, YouTube didn’t even exist, so I turned to books. I’d spend hours reading thick manuals on HTML, PHP, and web development. I was completely self-taught, and every project became a way to practice and learn. My curiosity turned into a passion, and that passion slowly started turning into income.

As I gained more experience, I started working with small businesses and entrepreneurs. That’s when the idea for MacroHype was born, a digital marketing agency focused on honest strategy and real results. I didn’t want to build just another agency. I wanted to build something that genuinely helped businesses grow.

I registered the company, built my own website, started pitching clients one by one, and reinvested everything I earned. I had to figure out contracts, proposals, pricing, team building, and the tech stack, all by trial and error.

It wasn’t easy or fast, but it was real. And every step, no matter how small, moved me closer to the vision.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Rehman Siddiq, founder and CEO of MacroHype, a global digital marketing agency headquartered in New York. I launched the company in 2011 with a clear mission: to help businesses grow through strategy, honesty, and long-term thinking. What started as a small operation is now a full-scale agency with over 50 team members across the U.S., UAE, India, and Phillipines.

At MacroHype, we offer a full suite of digital services including paid advertising, SEO, branding, content marketing, video production, website development, social media growth, and marketing automation. What sets us apart is our focus on real, measurable results. We don’t believe in fluff or vanity metrics, we care about impact, ROI, and building sustainable growth systems for our clients.

Over the years, we’ve helped more than 2,500 businesses, managed over $50 million in ad spend and generated more than $125 million in additional revenue for our clients. We also developed our own proprietary system called MacroFunnel™, which allows us to streamline lead generation and sales funnels for optimal performance.

But beyond the numbers, what really sets MacroHype apart is the way we treat our clients. We operate like partners, not vendors. We approach every brand with care, curiosity, and a mindset of ownership as if it were our own. And if something isn’t working, we’re the first to say it and pivot with purpose.

I’m proud of the reputation we’ve built, and even more proud of the stories behind the success, the small business that scaled nationally, the startup that found its first customers, the entrepreneur who went from struggling to thriving. These moments matter to me more than awards or headlines.

Speaking of recognition, I was honored to be named Most Influential CEO – New York (Digital Marketing) by CEO Monthly, and I regularly contribute to global youth initiatives through the United Nations and other volunteer organizations. Giving back is a big part of my journey and something I plan to keep doing.

At the end of the day, MacroHype is more than just a digital agency. It’s a company built on trust, results, and long-term relationships. We believe in ethical marketing, honest communication, and showing up consistently, even when it’s hard. That’s what our clients count on, and that’s what we’ll always stand for.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea of “work smart, not hard.” It sounds great in theory, but in reality, it gave me the false impression that success could be hacked or shortcut. The truth is, there are no easy wins, no magic formulas, and definitely no overnight success stories.

Early in my journey, I tried to find the fastest path to results, “growth hacks” and get rich quick schemes and trying luck in the stock market etc. But over time, I realized that real, sustainable success comes from showing up every day, doing the unglamorous work, and being consistent when others quit.

If someone is selling you a course on how to get rich quick, they’re not a mentor, they’re a snake oil salesman. The only real formula is patience, effort, and staying committed to your craft long after the excitement wears off.

Any advice for managing a team?

My biggest advice for managing a team and keeping morale high is simple: remember that employees are human beings first. Just because you are the boss or the one paying salaries does not make you more important than anyone else. You are part of the team, not above it.

Stay humble. Respect every individual’s self-worth. Celebrate their wins, appreciate their effort, and when the company succeeds, share the profits. People feel valued when they are seen and rewarded for their contributions.

Also, stop expecting perfection. Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is giving your team the time and support to learn, grow, and master their skills. A respectful and supportive environment will always bring out the best in people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rehmansiddiq.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rehmansiddiq
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RehmanSiddiq
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddiqrehman
• Twitter: https://www.x.com/rehmansid
• Other: https://www.macrohype.com