Dusty Shoes, Dignified Dreams: A Call for Kindness in the Hiring Process

Introduction

Ambassador Maryben Omollo, a globally respected Mental Health and Leadership Coach, 17-time award-winning speaker, and Founder of the Maryben Foundation, has long been a voice for dignity, inclusion, and resilience in the workplace. With a global reach of over 50 million people, her advocacy has touched lives across Africa and beyond. But sometimes, the most powerful lessons come not from boardrooms or conferences—but from the quiet, overlooked moments of everyday life. In June 2025, Maryben witnessed a moment that left her heartbroken and reflective. It wasn’t a grand event or a headline-making incident. It was a simple, painful encounter between a hopeful job seeker and a dismissive receptionist. But in that moment, a deeper truth was revealed—one that speaks to the urgent need for empathy in how we treat those seeking opportunity.

A Walk of Hope, Met with Rejection

It was just another day outside an office building when Maryben saw a young man turned away. His shoes were dusty, his shirt worn, and his face marked with nervous determination. He had walked over six kilometres to hand-deliver his CV. He was sweating, hungry, and visibly anxious—but he was hopeful. Instead of being welcomed or even acknowledged, he was met with a frown. The receptionist didn’t glance at his documents. She simply looked him over and said, “You should present yourself better if you’re looking for a job.” No questions. No consideration. Just judgment. The young man walked away quietly, his shoulders heavy with disappointment. And Maryben stood there, heartbroken—not just for him, but for what that moment represented.

Behind the Dust: The Humanity We Overlook

To many, he may have looked unprepared. But Maryben saw something else. Behind the dusty shoes was someone trying. Behind the worn-out shirt was a dream. Behind the nervous voice was a future on the line. This wasn’t just about one young man. It was about a culture that has grown increasingly indifferent to effort. A society where appearances are judged more harshly than intentions. A system where the gatekeepers of opportunity forget what it means to struggle. And so, she asked the questions that lingered in her heart:

1. When did we become so unkind to job seekers?
2. When did effort stop counting?
3. When did a clean shoe matter more than a qualified soul?

The Harsh Reality of Job Hunting

Job hunting is already a difficult, emotionally draining process. It requires courage to face rejection, persistence to keep applying, and hope to believe that someone will eventually say yes. For many, it also involves financial strain, long commutes, and emotional exhaustion. To be dismissed not for lack of skill or experience, but for dusty shoes, is a cruelty that cuts deep. It sends a message that your worth is tied to your appearance, not your potential. That your effort is invisible unless it’s polished. Maryben’s message is clear: let’s not make it harder than it already is.

A Call to Every Role

Maryben’s reflection is not just a critique—it’s a call to action. She speaks to every role within an organisation, reminding us that we all have the power to make someone’s journey easier or harder.

1. If You’re in a Position to Help—Help: If you have the ability to offer someone a job, an internship, or even a referral, do it. Don’t withhold opportunity because someone doesn’t fit a superficial mold. Look deeper. Listen longer. Give people a chance to show who they are beyond their appearance.
2. If You Can’t Offer a Job—Offer Kindness: Not everyone can hire. But everyone can be kind. A smile, a respectful tone, a few encouraging words—these cost nothing but can mean everything. Kindness doesn’t require a budget. It requires heart.
3. If You Can’t Say Yes—Say No with Dignity: Rejection is part of the process. But how we reject matters. Silence is cruel. Dismissiveness is dehumanising. A simple, respectful “no” can preserve someone’s dignity and give them the strength to try again.

The Ripple Effect of Compassion

Maryben reminds us that the person we dismiss today could be our child, our friend, or even ourselves tomorrow. Life is unpredictable. Circumstances change. And the tables turn faster than we think. Compassion creates a ripple effect. When we treat others with dignity, we create a culture where people feel seen, valued, and motivated to keep going. We build workplaces—and societies—where humanity is prioritised over hierarchy.

Lessons to Learn

From this simple yet profound encounter, several lessons emerge:

1. Effort Deserves Recognition: Showing up, especially under difficult circumstances, is an act of courage. Acknowledge it.
2. Kindness is a Professional Standard: It should be embedded in every role, from reception to recruitment.
3. Judgment is Easy—Empathy is Powerful: Don’t assume someone’s worth based on their appearance. Ask, listen, and understand.
4. Rejection Can Be Respectful: Saying no doesn’t have to be cruel. It can be done with grace and encouragement.
5. We’ve All Been There: Remember your own journey. Let it guide how you treat others.

Reflection

Ambassador Maryben Omollo’s story is a poignant reminder that behind every job application is a human being—someone with dreams, struggles, and a desire to be seen. In a world that often values polish over potential, her words call us back to what truly matters: kindness, empathy, and the courage to care. We may not be able to hire everyone. We may not be able to solve unemployment. But we can choose to be decent. We can choose to be the person who makes someone feel human again. Because one day, it might be your child. Your friend. Or even you. Let’s normalise kindness—in hiring, in leadership, in every department, and in every interaction.