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A compliance manager who hates to say “no” is just one of many things that sets Shazeen Mohammad apart. Her career path may have started at the very bottom, but her extroverted nature, alongside her natural problem solving skills, has propelled her career further than she ever imagined. Read on to learn more about Shazeen, what she does during her “Power Hour” every day, and what she would be wrapping if she weren’t in collections.
Name: Shazeen Mohammad
Job Title: Compliance Manager (Future CCO)
Company: Orbita Capital Group
Length of time at current company: Two years
Length of time in industry: 22 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
After I graduated high school, I decided to find a job while I attended community college; my first job as an 18-year-old was a Collector’s Assistant where I would call a consumer on the phone, verify I was speaking to the correct person (verify with two pieces of identification by the way) and “throw” the call to a Collector/Agent to talk off.
What is your career highlight so far?
Becoming a Compliance Manager for a passive debt buyer
When or how are you most productive?
I start every day with a prayer and a meditation exercise (around 10 to 20 minutes), I feel when I start my day this way, I am more focused on how to conquer my day, I feel most productive when I can take the time to plot out and schedule my time around a routine, I also feel very productive when I have a strong cup of green tea in my hands. I also keep track of everything in a nice notebook with a good pen such as Dr. Grip or the Sharpie S-Gel, this way I have a log of my work and can see it written in my handwriting like a book.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Sara Woggerman; I admire her strength and her amazing journey is so inspiring to me.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I’m a natural problem solver — I don’t say “no” or “it can’t be done.” It’s not about being a pushover; it’s about leading with compassion and curiosity to find the right answer.
What do you like most about this industry?
What I like most about this industry is that I feel I grew up alongside of it; it gave me my professional purpose. It helped solidify my expertise in this industry and shaped me into more of an extrovert, allowing me to communicate comfortably with just about anyone. And yes, I talk to strangers
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I wish state laws were more consistent and straightforward; the constant changes can make compliance more challenging than it needs to be.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Even though I cannot see myself doing anything else, I have a couple potential professions I would consider if I were not in the accounts recovery industry — I would be an author and get into publishing, or I would become a civilian employee, or I would be a life coach. Probably doing graphic design and running a sign shop wrapping cars. It would keep the creative juices flowing.
Describe a typical work day.
My day begins early with an email review and responses, followed by a detailed look at my calendar. Since I plan my schedule meticulously the day before, I start by attending any scheduled meetings or webinars. From there, I focus on updating policies and procedures, reviewing the compliance audit schedule, and either conducting audits or coordinating with service providers to gather supporting documentation. Call monitoring is a consistent part of my daily routine — it helps me stay aware of how agencies interact with consumers and ensures proper dispute and complaint handling. I also dedicate time each day to vendor management activities to maintain oversight and compliance alignment. As the day winds down, I research new compliance developments through ACA, RMAI, and Accounts Recovery to stay informed of any updates. I close each day with what I call my “Power Hour” — a time set aside for processing, reviewing the day’s accomplishments, and preparing my schedule for the next day or week.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Watching “Friends” and/or “Schitt’s Creek” and eating Ice Cream/ Flaming Hot Cheetos.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Not everyone will appreciate you and that is okay. It took me a while to get to this point in my life which is why I appreciate this advice because you can’t control how others see you, but you can control how you show up — and your worth doesn’t depend on someone else’s recognition
What are you currently reading?
I am an avid reader with a huge collection of books, I re-read a lot of my books. I just read Harry Potter (the first book) as my kids are getting into watching the movie but I am currently reading ‘Imprisoned: The Betrayal of Japanese Americans During WWII’ which is a book my husband gave me as he is a teacher and started me a collection of Young Adult books from his school that students read.I really want to be in tune with what my kids will eventually be reading. Plus this book has such detailed photos which makes reading that much better.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’m known for being approachable and kind — I genuinely enjoy uplifting others and bringing positivity to every interaction. At the same time, I value self-respect and healthy boundaries; I give my best to people, but I also know when to step back to protect my peace.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Anyone/everyone from my Orbita family because they are all super amazing!
