Today, I faced a challenge that would have terrified me just a year ago: speaking in front of a room full of colleagues and dozens more online. For an hour, I held their attention, sharing my passion for customer experience in a project that’s transforming our bank. And I survived.
How I Got Here
Let’s rewind a bit. I work in a bank, but my job is far from routine. I’m part of a project that’s bringing big changes to the bank—changes that affect every employee. When I joined almost two years ago, both the bank and the project were different. Since then, I’ve watched people come and go. Our project keeps growing as new responsibilities are added by the sponsor (the person who champions and funds our project) and bank management. We’ve hired so many people that it sometimes feels like we’re running a startup—there are now more than 120 of us (not all full-time, but still). And, as people leave, knowledge often slips through the cracks, rarely passed on properly to the newcomers.
The Knowledge Gap and Our Solution
These gaps have been tough. My team, which reports directly to the project manager, decided to do something about it. We started organizing an “educational hour” every two weeks, covering whatever topic the team or project needed—project governance, planning, finance, IT architecture, you name it. Experts would lead the sessions, and we’d record them so anyone could catch up later.
My Turn in the Spotlight
And this time, it was my turn.
I’m responsible for CX—customer experience—making sure our “customers” (all the employees) are happy. I’ll write more about CX in projects in another post. For now, my team leader suggested I should take the lead in this educational hour, to show how crucial CX is for our project’s success. He was right, and I agreed.
But here’s the thing: I really don’t like speaking in front of others. I wouldn’t say I hate it, but it stresses me out. So, why am I sharing this? Because I feel like I’m growing.
Let me explain. I’ve been in therapy for almost two years. I have amazing colleagues who support me, a wonderful husband and family, and I recently attended a public speaking training—like the ones for TED talks (see more here). For the first time, I felt like maybe, just maybe, I could actually do this.
Don’t get me wrong. I was still stressed out of my mind. I barely slept. My head was pounding (PMS didn’t help). My body was definitely in panic mode, but my mind kept telling me it would be okay.
Support That Made a Difference
A former colleague texted me: “You’re great. You can do this.” My mother-in-law sent encouragement too. My team leader, who nudged me into this, held two prep sessions with me. He kept saying I was already so good, I had nothing to worry about, and even suggested making the session more interactive—because if not me, then who? (Apparently, I’m good at this, and CX is a perfect topic for engaging people, unlike, say, IT architecture.) All my colleagues reminded me: “It’s just us. It’s just a friendly talk.” One even made a giant paper hand—like those foam fingers—with my name on it and brought it to the meeting. That felt wonderful. Suddenly, I believed I could do it.
And that felt amazing, too.
I was still stressed. But my mind was calm. I was well prepared. I presented. People interacted, shared their stories, and joined the conversation. It didn’t last the full hour, but that didn’t matter. I’m glad I did it. Every time I step out of my comfort zone in situations like this, it usually turns out okay. Sometimes, even better than okay. I feel like I conquered my mind. Now, I just need my body to catch up and handle the stress better. That might take time, but I believe I’ll get there.
You’re doing great. Keep stepping out of that comfort zone. It’s worth it.
Turning Workplace Challenges into Opportunities for Self-Discovery
Workplace challenges, while often uncomfortable, can become some of the most valuable opportunities for self-discovery and growth. For introverted or sensitive adults, these moments can feel especially intense—whether it’s being asked to lead a meeting, navigating unexpected changes, or handling tricky team dynamics. It’s easy to see these situations as obstacles, but with a shift in perspective, they can become stepping stones toward greater self-understanding and confidence.
When you find yourself in a stressful situation at work, try to pause and notice what’s happening inside. What thoughts or feelings come up? Are there certain triggers—like public speaking or sudden changes—that bring out anxiety or self-doubt? Recognizing these patterns is the first step in understanding yourself better. Each challenge reveals something about your values, your boundaries, and your unique ways of coping.
After the moment has passed, give yourself space to reflect. Ask yourself: What helped me get through this? Was there a small win I can celebrate, like speaking up even when my voice shook, or reaching out for support when I needed it? Sometimes, what feels like a setback is actually a lesson in disguise. Maybe you realize you need more preparation time, or that it’s okay to ask for clarification instead of pretending you understand everything.
Over time, these reflections build resilience. You start to see that growth doesn’t happen in giant leaps, but in small, consistent steps—each time you show up, try something new, or recover from a difficult moment. Journaling about your experiences or sharing them with a trusted friend can help you process emotions and recognize your progress. Even if the outcome wasn’t perfect, you can take pride in your willingness to engage with discomfort and learn from it.
Try This: Your Next Step Toward Growth
- Think back to a recent challenge at work. What did you learn about yourself from that experience?
- Write down one thing you did well, and one thing you’d like to try differently next time.
- Set a small, realistic goal for the week—maybe it’s volunteering for a minor task that feels just outside your comfort zone, or simply reflecting on your reactions after a tough day.
- Remember, self-discovery is a journey. Every challenge you face is another chance to learn, adapt, and celebrate your progress.
By approaching workplace challenges with curiosity and self-compassion, you can transform even the most stressful moments into meaningful steps on your personal growth journey.
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