Building Careers with Compassion: Reflections from Wally Mohammed
Rebecca Savoy
Author
Rebecca Savoy
Author
What if the most rewarding part of your job wasn’t just meeting goals, but hearing pure joy in someone’s voice when they realize their life is about to change for the better? For Wally Mohammed, that moment defines his career in talent acquisition. With over two decades of experience across industries, Mohammed excels at the art of connecting people with opportunities that create brighter futures.
During our conversation, Mohammed shared how he balances technology with old-school relationship building, tackles tough recruitment challenges, and stays grounded in the human side of his work. His insights reveal why great healthcare recruiting is about so much more than hiring—it’s about changing lives.
A Career Rooted in Connection
Mohammed’s journey in recruitment began with corporate roles in retail and facility management before transitioning to agency work. Though the pandemic disrupted his entrepreneurial pursuits, it also presented new opportunities to impact people.
“For me, it’s knowing that I make a difference,” Mohammed explained. “Whether I’m taking someone from unemployment to employment or from employment to something better, regardless of the role—whether it’s a doctor, a CFO or CEO—there’s a certain joy that resonates, that bubbles up to the top when you offer them a job. The joy that you hear is irreplaceable.”
Mohammed’s motivation stems from this sense of purpose. “Ultimately, that’s why we’re here. The goal is to impact everyone positively. And if it happens to be in the work that we do, that’s such an amazing blessing. That’s what brings me back every day.”
Balancing Passion and Metrics
Recruiting, however, isn’t just about the feel-good moments. For Mohammed, maintaining key performance indicators (KPI) is critical to staying competitive in the industry.
At its core, the goal is simple: “Spend the least money possible to get the best talent.” This challenge became particularly acute during his time at New World Staffing, where Mohammed navigated the complexities of recruiting medical professionals post-pandemic while working within unionized environments.
“In a unionized environment, not having the ability to negotiate salaries while having to stick to a collective bargaining agreement is really tough.” he explained. “But it can be done.”
Old-School Tactics in a Tech-Driven World
Despite the growing reliance on automation and digital tools, Mohammed firmly believes in the enduring value of personal connection. “I always go back to picking up the phone,” he said. “When they can hear the passion and interest in a recruiter’s voice, it’s so personal and important. As society becomes more and more automated, that human touch will always be a key factor.”
While technology has revolutionized recruitment, Mohammed sees it as a complement rather than a replacement for human interaction. “You can certainly use technology for the initial introduction, but at some point in the process, there has to be personal interaction,” he noted. “People can really sense if you are genuine.”
Building Trust Through Digital Presence
Mohammed also emphasized the importance of cultivating a strong digital presence to establish trust before ever speaking to a candidate. “I love LinkedIn,” he explained. A strong profile should showcase your experience, commitment, and values. When people see that you’re invested in your work—whether through certifications, long tenure, or recommendations—they’re more likely to trust you.
Beyond LinkedIn, Mohammed sees content creation as another avenue for fostering trust. “Blogs, podcasts, and other forms of content allow you to share your expertise and position yourself as a thought leader,” he said. However, he cautions that it’s not just about being knowledgeable—the content must speak to people’s better selves and trust must be earned.
Lessons for Aspiring Recruiters
When asked what advice he’d give to those starting out in talent acquisition within healthcare, Muhammed stressed the importance of character. “Recruiting isn’t just about learning the industry—it’s about passion for what you do and compassion for the people you’re working with,” he said. “If you don’t have those qualities or try to fake them, people will quickly see through you and lose respect. In the workplace, it’s really hard to hide your true self.”
Moving Forward with Purpose
For Wally Mohammed, recruitment isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. His commitment to impacting lives, fostering trust, and balancing innovation with personal connection serves as an inspiration for recruiters and professionals across industries. By prioritizing authenticity and compassion, Mohammed reminds us that true success in talent acquisition lies not just in filling roles, but in transforming lives.
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