Sam joined MTC FutureReady in 2022 as a Recruitment Coach with the Workforce Australia team. Born in India, he studied in Austria and has travelled to 37 countries. Sam is a single father to twins, a boy and girl. His daughter, at age 10, once wrote in a school essay that he is “the best Dad ever”. Outside of work, Sam enjoys yoga, gym and cooking and he has a passion for stand-up comedy. 

Can you tell us about your career trajectory? 

I was 19 when I moved to Austria, with just a one-way ticket and only $500 in my pocket as that was all my parents could afford to give me at the time. I had never been to the West before, I didn’t speak German and everything was new to me. Whilst studying German for two years, I took on all kinds of odd jobs – bartender, waiter, kitchenhand, warehouse worker, baker, labourer and even shovelling snow, all in a bid to save as much money as I could. Once I had saved enough money, I was able to enrol in the University of Vienna and there I studied for a double degree in Business and Marketing. 

After eight years in Austria, one of my professors suggested I sign up for an 18-month training program in the U.S. I moved to New York, worked at The Sheraton New York and became a Banquet Manager. I organised major events like the Grammy Awards Dinner in ’97 and ’98, hosted Janet Jackson, Chris Rock, Hilary Clinton and many other big names. 

How did you end up working for MTC? 

I moved to Australia with my ex-wife and lived in Sydney, before relocating to Queensland when my children were still young. I worked in mining, travelling to China, Hong Kong, and Singapore multiple times as part of my role. When the mining job ended, I decided not to return to that industry. 

Despite my double degree, four languages, and experience in 37 countries, I kept hearing the same thing, “but you don’t have Brisbane experience so we cannot hire you.” After nine months of struggling and unable to find a job, I worked with a friend as a grouter/tiling labourer for 9 months. I was then successful in gaining a position at Sarina Russo as a Recruitment Coach (RC). Later, I worked at Tursa as a RC. After working in the industry for several years, I was afforded the opportunity of working with MTC.

I’ve been with MTC for about 3.5 years. What I love about working here is the freedom to think on my feet and contribute ideas. The leaders here encourage innovation and support me 100% which I love! That’s something I truly admire about MTC. 

What is something interesting about your role?

I work with a wide variety of candidates from different backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. Active listening is the most important skill I practice at work, to enable me to reverse market our candidates to the most appropriate roles. I do not pressure my candidates to take jobs, but suggest, recommend and guide. I always ask them what truly motivates them. When people feel heard and understood, trust is built and that’s when change occurs. 

I can relate to many of my candidates’ struggles because I’ve been there myself. There were times, when I was young and struggling during my early days in Europe, when I ate toast for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I know what it means to start from nothing and so I can relate to some of their challenges. That connection assists me to better support them to achieve genuine and positive results in their search for employment. 

I love networking and this job provides me with the opportunity to network with employers and advocate on our candidates’ behalf to find sustainable employment. 

What keeps you motivated? 

I like to say that I have a desire for living and that life is a gift that I cherish. Every morning I choose gratitude. I strongly believe that if you have the right attitude and persevere, the universe will shift things for you, and it will pave the way for a beautiful day. That’s how I start my day. 

At work, I love to uplift people. I greet everyone, ask how everyone is and endeavour to spread positivity. Seeing positive shifts in people, both colleagues and candidates, motivates me. 

I always ask, “How can I uplift and create positive change in myself and in someone’s life today?” I don’t need anyone to thank me for my contribution. I woud prefer to see them pay it forward. I want them to stand on their own two feet and break the cycle of generational dependency. That is the best gift of all. 

What would you say to your 21–year–old self? 

Take more risks, set boundaries, make better financial and life choices, be patient, spend more time with your parents and take the time to pause and smell the roses. Appreciate more and be grateful for what I have. Be kind to myself and forgive myself.

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

“Shine without dimming anyone else.” You don’t need to put others down to look good, just do your best.

Muhammad Ali once said, “You don’t lose if you get knocked down. You lose if you stay down”. In my case, having so many life experiences and number of failures, I had to keep reminding myself to keep trying and to keep getting up again and again. I truly believe that the universe will align itself to support me, to make things happen for me as long as I have faith in myself and believe I can.