Meet Wasim Hajjiri

We recently connected with Wasim Hajjiri and have shared our conversation below.

Wasim, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism was kindled in the warm heart of Amman, Jordan, on a family ranch. My father, who was at the mature age of 62 when I was born, was a powerhouse of persistence. I am one of nine children. He was born in 1929 and built his success amidst two world wars, teaching me that with resilience and effort, you could surmount any obstacle.

Failure, I believe, is one of the best teachers to test how optimistic you really are. My first fitness competition was a wake-up call. I walked in expecting victory, only to leave in the last place. But rather than crushing my spirit, this setback became a catalyst for my eventual success, leading to gold medals at the US nationals and the Natural Olympia. It showed me that with hard work and a strong mindset, even the most daunting challenges could be overcome.

Next came my journey of migrating from Jordan to America back in 2013. Arriving in a new country and managing to carve out a successful career and business taught me that dreams do come true which fueled my optimism. Fear, failure, and doubt come into the mix as well, no matter how optimistic you are. Optimism doesn’t mean that you are happy and bubbly all the time; it means that whenever you are faced with a challenge, you handle it efficiently and move on with your life, without ever giving up.

Lastly, the people who’ve been with me on this journey – from my mom, who has always believed in me, to my mentors, coaches, and team members – their faith in me has been a cornerstone of my positive outlook. “Who you surround yourself with, is who you become” is one of my favorite quotes.

In essence, my optimism is a blend of my upbringing, life lessons learned from my setbacks and failures, the realization of my dreams, and the unwavering support of those who believed in me. Now, that’s what I call a well-rounded recipe for optimism.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At the heart of my professional life is a mission: guiding professionals to land their dream jobs and attain the salaries they deserve. We realize this through personalized coaching programs tailored for individual and group needs. Although we primarily serve Senior IT and Tech professionals, we also extend our expertise to mid and junior-level individuals.

What exhilarates me about my work? It’s the opportunity to shape each client’s success story, aiding them in recognizing their unique value and potential and steering them toward a fulfilling and joyful career.

I have authored two #1 best-selling books that encapsulate my experiences and insights. The most recent, “Fulfilled: How to land a job that aligns with your purpose,” guides readers to uncover their purpose and harmonize it with their career path.

My brand is an embodiment of resilience, optimism, and ambition—values ingrained in my journey of moving from Jordan to the United States. It advocates the belief that, armed with tenacity, the right mindset, and apt guidance, anyone can conquer their personal and career goals.

In terms of recent developments, we’re continually refining our programs to resonate with our client’s evolving needs. We’ve expanded our coaching team recently, ensuring we sustain our high success rates and extend our reach to more professionals, reemphasizing our commitment to their successes.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting upon my journey, the three most impactful qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge were persistence, the ability to embrace failure, and the power of mentorship.

Firstly, persistence, often referred to as tenacity or grit, was a driving force for me. Whether it was going through 55 recruiters and 25 job interviews to land my dream job at Qualcomm or whittling my body fat down to 5% to win 3 Gold Medals in fitness, it was the relentless pursuit of my goals that made the difference. To those starting on their journey, my advice would be not to let a setback discourage you. Remember, setbacks are setups for comebacks. Consistently work towards your goal, even if progress seems slow, and eventually, you will achieve it.

Secondly, understanding and embracing failure as a part of growth has been fundamental. Many people fear failure, but I’ve come to realize that it’s an invaluable learning tool. Each failure brings you one step closer to success by showing you what doesn’t work and pushing you to find a solution that does. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they’re stepping stones to success. Cultivate a growth mindset that views challenges as opportunities to learn rather than threats to your self-worth.

Lastly, the power of mentorship has been crucial in my journey. Seeking guidance from those who’ve walked the path before you can accelerate your progress immensely. My mentors have provided me with insights and advice that I wouldn’t have gained on my own. For anyone early in their journey, my advice would be to seek out mentors in your field of interest. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance; the insights you gain can save you time and prevent you from making costly mistakes.

Remember, the journey to success is not a sprint but a marathon. Equip yourself with the right mindset, seek wisdom from others, and never let obstacles deter you from your path. Each day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and move one step closer to your dreams.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
There have been many influential figures who have helped me overcome challenges and develop essential skills on my path to success. However, the two who stand out the most are my parents and my mentor, Herb Meistrich.

My parents, especially my father, have been instrumental in shaping my life and the person I’ve become. My father, a self-made entrepreneur, instilled in me the importance of hard work, focus, discipline, and the courage to forge my own path. He taught me to be resilient and relentless in the pursuit of my dreams. My mother, on the other hand, was my cheerleader, always believing in my dreams and providing emotional support when times were tough. Her unwavering faith in me played a significant role in building my confidence and pushing me to achieve more.

Herb Meistrich, my mentor from the MBA program at UCSD, was another pivotal figure. When I first shared my business idea with him, he didn’t dismiss it as impossible. Instead, he believed in me and provided invaluable guidance throughout my entrepreneurial journey. His mentorship not only helped me build my business but also grow as an individual. He instilled in me the importance of continuous learning and adapting, qualities that have been crucial in my diverse roles as an engineer, a fitness enthusiast, an author, and a career coach.

In retrospect, the support, wisdom, and mentorship from these individuals were vital in helping me navigate the challenges and build the skills and knowledge needed for success. My advice to those at the start of their journeys is to seek out mentors who can guide you, provide constructive feedback, and inspire you to grow. Also, treasure the support of your loved ones; they can be your greatest source of strength in challenging times.

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