Be Open to Possibility
Life can come at you from all sides and knock you off your feet. The past two years have proven that everyone faces trials and tribulations, whether they’re professional or personal. When I reflect on this, I am reminded of the best advice I’ve ever received—that with every challenge comes an opportunity. In times of uncertainty, how you confront challenges can either define you or become a barrier to your personal growth and development.
This advice has guided and grounded me throughout my career, reminding me to embrace every mistake and evaluate how I can evolve to move forward. When I began my career after attending law school, I didn’t follow the expected path of practicing law. Instead, I decided to try my hand at a consulting firm, where I had to be open to working in different verticals. One day, I was asked to work on a human resources project. My experience working with this client is what propelled me onto the path that led me to my current role. If I hadn’t asked myself, “Why not?” or met the challenge of entering a new industry head on, I wouldn’t be doing the rewarding work I’m doing today.
My path serves as an example to the individuals I mentor—whether as manager or as a soccer coach on the weekends—it is my responsibility and my passion to help them achieve their goals to the best of their capabilities. As chief human resources officer at DentaQuest, I not only impart this advice to my direct reports, but incorporate this mantra into the company values: encourage peers to try new things and say yes to opportunities, proactively ask leaders for insights and reflections outside of performance reviews, and remember to step out of our comfort zones.
My parting advice would be this: Embrace challenges. Be open to learning. Be open to possibility. Accept the unfamiliar as an opportunity to grow. I promise you, you will not regret it. I certainly don’t.
