At The Missing Link, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their expertise and dedication drive IT transformation for our clients, delivering real impact every day. But there’s more to them than just their roles! In this series, we take a closer look at the unique passions, experiences, and quirks that make our team who they are—both inside and outside of work.
Hiba Jahanzeb joined The Missing Link in November 2021 as a Project Manager and quickly rose to lead her own team as Principal Project Manager. Passionate about problem-solving and driving efficiency, Hiba thrives on turning challenges into opportunities. Outside of work, she’s a devoted mum, an avid reader, and a creative spirit who dreams of having her own art studio and home library. Whether she’s exploring new technology to optimise workflows or unwinding with a paintbrush in hand, Hiba brings curiosity and creativity to everything she does.
Let’s take five minutes to get to know Hiba a little better!
So Hiba, tell us about you... where did you grow up, and what were you like as a kid?
I grew up in Karachi, Pakistan—a city bursting with life, culture, and, most importantly, cricket! My childhood was a mix of outdoor adventures and quiet moments lost in books. Whether it was playing cricket with my cousins on hot afternoons or getting lost in a novel, I was always up to something. At school, I embraced everything—debates, drama, sports, and academics.
Did you have a clear career path in mind growing up?
Rather than knowing exactly what I wanted to be, I was very clear about what I didn’t want to be—a doctor! Coming from a family of medical professionals, I knew that path wasn’t for me. At different points, I considered becoming a teacher, an actor, and even a banker. It was a journey of discovery, and I enjoyed every phase of it.
What was your first paid job, and how has your career progressed since then?
My first paid job after university was in project management, and that’s where I discovered my passion for bringing order to chaos. Over the years, I built my expertise, and in 2017, I moved to Australia with my family. By 2021, I joined The Missing Link as a Project Manager, and within four years, I was leading a team of talented Security Project Managers.
What do you consider your biggest personal and professional achievements?
At work, my biggest achievement is earning the trust of my leadership team and growing into a leadership role myself. Personally, my greatest success is my family—my husband and my two kids. My 11-year-old constantly tests my patience, while my 4-year-old never fails to brighten my day!
How did you end up at The Missing Link?
2020 was a challenging year, both personally and professionally. I experienced deep personal losses, and at the same time, my role was made redundant due to the impact of COVID-19. But amidst the challenges, I also experienced immense joy with the arrival of my daughter in early 2021. After focusing on my family, I was ready to return to my career and started exploring new opportunities.
In late 2021, I came across a role at The Missing Link on LinkedIn. Despite having no prior experience in cybersecurity, I decided to apply—and to my surprise, I got the job! Since then, I’ve found my niche in project management within the cyber security space and have had the privilege of growing alongside an incredible team.
What do you love most about your role?
As Principal Project Manager, I lead a team of highly skilled Security Project Managers. No two days are the same, and that’s what keeps me engaged. I love problem-solving—not just for my projects but for my team as well. Accountability and responsibility are big for me, and I take great pride in ensuring that my management’s trust is well-placed.
Who inspires you, and where do you see yourself in a few years?
Women in project management inspire me because we are still a minority in the field—statistics show that only 20-30% of project managers are women. I deeply admire the women who have worked hard to carve out a space in this industry, including my colleagues and team members at The Missing Link. And, of course, my mother, a practicing doctor and an incredibly strong woman, has always been my role model.
As for the future, I see myself continuing to grow at The Missing Link, making our project management team the best in the business.
Are you a tech enthusiast? What’s your favourite gadget or app?
Not in the traditional sense, but I do get excited about AI and automation—anything that simplifies work and makes processes more efficient. My favourite gadget is my phone—it’s my go-to for entertainment, information, and staying connected with the world.
When it comes to apps, I’m a big fan of Microsoft Copilot. It’s been a game-changer in project management. I also love using Planner boards and Loop for automated updates. Lately, I’ve been enjoying the Whiteboard feature in Teams for brainstorming sessions. It’s a fantastic tool for remote collaboration.
How do you stay updated with the latest tech trends?
I love exploring AI and automation trends. I can spend hours experimenting with new features and tools to see how they can improve workflows.
If money weren’t an issue, how would you spend your ideal day?
I’d be in Pakistan, surrounded by family, indulging in all the delicious food I grew up eating—just thinking about the BBQs is making me hungry!
How do you usually spend your weekends?
I’m either catching up with family and friends or indulging in some well-earned couch time—watching movies or getting lost in a book.
Any hobbies or passions outside of work?
I’d love to have a cat—my kids have been asking for one for ages. Another dream is to set up an art studio because I love painting and drawing. And one day, I hope to have a home library to house all my books.
Any fun stories from your hobbies?
For my son’s fifth birthday, he wanted a Thomas the Tank Engine-themed party. I couldn’t find decorations, so I spent nights handcrafting everything—from a picture train to a themed poster board. It was exhausting but so worth it when I saw his face light up with joy!
Finally, what’s the best thing about living in Sydney?
Sydney has it all—the energy, the lights, the food. Every day, I find a new reason to fall in love with this city all over again.
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