Who am I? I’m Samir Bellik, the Part-Time Human. It’s a title I wear proudly, balancing life as an entrepreneur, creator, anime fan, cook, dad, and more. Life is a wild mix of professional hustle and personal passions, but that’s what makes the journey worth sharing. Let me take you through my story, told in three acts: where I started, the challenges I faced, and how I embraced my multi-faceted identity.
The Curious Start
Born in Algeria in 1981, I grew up during a time when technology was just beginning to find its way into homes. My dad brought home an ADAM II computer—a bulky machine with no hard drive, no floppy disks, and just 64Kb of ROM. To some, it was outdated even then. To me, it was a portal to discovery.
At the age of five, I taught myself BASIC programming on that computer. When I wasn’t coding, I was either disassembling my toys to understand how they worked or diving into hours of Space Invaders on its Atari 2600 adapter.
While technology captivated me, I was also a sports enthusiast. From swimming to archery, I tried it all. Little did I know, this blend of curiosity and discipline would become the foundation of my entrepreneurial mindset.
The Entrepreneurial Hustle
Fast forward to 2012, when I took the leap and started my marketing agency, GEN 42. Like any entrepreneur starting out, I faced challenges that tested my determination.
My First Client: Going Above and Beyond
My first client needed full-service support—branding, digital strategy, campaigns—you name it. I went all in, often working at their office from 7 AM to 11 PM, multiple times a week. Whether it was finalizing a campaign or prepping for a last-minute presentation, I did whatever it took to deliver.
Those long days taught me a vital lesson: exceptional service builds trust. My efforts didn’t just secure a client; they cemented a reputation.
The Shakespear Pizzeria: The Office That Wasn’t
For the first two years of GEN 42, I had no office. Instead, I made a cozy pizzeria in Algiers named The Shakespear my workspace. Amid the scent of fresh dough and the comforting buzz of the restaurant, I planned campaigns, built strategies, and brought ideas to life.
The Shakespear wasn’t just a workspace—it was a reminder that you don’t need fancy offices to build big dreams. It’s a place I remember fondly and miss deeply.
Embracing the Part-Time Human
After nine years of running GEN 42—working with hundreds of clients, giving keynotes, teaching at universities, and creating social media content—I made a big life decision. In 2023, my family and I immigrated to Canada to start a new chapter.
Balancing Passions and Growth
Since moving, I’ve worked with incredible companies, founded The Unlikely Agency, and embraced life as a content creator. Along the way, I’ve kept my personal passions alive—whether that’s cooking a new recipe, watching anime like Attack on Titan, or spending quality time with my family.
Being the Part-Time Human is about embracing imperfection. It’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing what matters most.
From my first computer to my first client, from a pizzeria in Algiers to my home office in Canada, my journey has been one of curiosity, resilience, and balance. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: passion fuels success, but balance keeps you grounded.
So, who is Samir Bellik? I’m an entrepreneur, a creator, a dad, an anime fan—and a Part-Time Human, navigating this wild ride called life.
Are you trying to balance your own passions and career? Join me on this journey by subscribing to my YouTube channel or connecting with me on LinkedIn. Together, let’s find joy in the chaos!
