Can a startup have a mermaid for a COO? Yes, it can

In February 2015, Sharmeen Looi brought cashback platform ShopBack into Malaysia. As COO, she oversees the daily operations of all departments at ShopBack Malaysia to ensure smooth execution and consistent growth.

Sharmeen also leads the development of ShopBack’s merchant and customer base, while at the same time facilitating marketing collaborations that help to strengthen the startup’s local business presence.

As part of our 5 Fun Facts series of articles where we get startup founders and executives to show their lighter side, we asked Sharmeen to answer these five fun questions.

What is one thing that is definitely on your bucket list?

To be a mermaid. Oh, wait! I already am. Take a year off, buy a green bus and travel half of the globe with my pet dog. I think everyone should travel solo and yolo at least once in a lifetime.

What is the oldest gadget you have that is still working?

I actually purchase more gadgets than heels, so this is going to be hard. But if I’m not wrong, the oldest gadget that’s still working should be this brick game device that I’m still using! It’s a great companion on the plane. It’s even cooler when I have the sound on! So simple yet so addictive.

 

What is your favourite movie of all time and why?

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS. When I was 6 I fell in love with Edward (not Johnny Depp) and I got my first heartbreak when my mom told me Edward is a fictional character and that I couldn’t marry him. First cut is the deepest. Heartbreak aside, I love the movie because it taught me to embrace uniqueness and individuality, which I am preaching until today. Everyone is created differently and each individual has a special gift that they can offer to the world. And Tim Burton of course, is the king of imagination (salute).

Which fiction book has influenced you most and why?

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. Besides being very entertaining, I like how it is narrated from the third person omniscient point of view. It teaches you to look at things from different perspectives and definitely find the humour in any terrible situation. The characters are amazing and they are anything but ordinary!

If you could travel back in time, where would you like to go and whom would you like to meet?

I would choose to go back to four months ago, when my mom was still alive and tell her how proud I am of her for being a great parent to me. We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.
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Thanks, Sharmeen!

Hey, e27 Community, which startup founder or executive would you like us to feature next? Sound off in the comments!

The post 5 Fun Facts: ShopBack Malaysia COO Sharmeen Looi on solo travel and Edward Scissorhands appeared first on e27.