Trust the Process: How to Leverage Unplanned Experiences for Leadership Growth
I have been an avid fan of Emily Calandrelli, a MIT-engineer turned Emmy-nominated science television host, author and speaker, ever since my son insisted we watch her Netflix series on repeat. (I strongly suggest Emily’s Wonderlab for all the young scientists in your life). Recently, she made a post on Instagram that resonated with me so much that I immediately shared it with my friends accompanied by a clapping hands emoji and a resounding "YES!!!!" in all caps:
Your story should only make sense backwards.
Your life will swing in so many different directions, some things under your control, and some of it out of your control. Take as much from every experience that you can – you never know when you’re going to need it later.
Every experience in your career is useful, if you’re paying attention.
Her words perfectly capture one of my core principles in life and leadership:
You must trust in the value of all your diverse experiences, approaching each with an open mind toward the lessons they provide and maintain the perseverance to engage with every situation, no matter how disconnected or challenging it may seem.
Let’s look at this within the context of leadership. Our experiences, no matter how unrelated or complicated, shape our leadership styles, decision-making capabilities, innovative thinking, and ability to connect with others. It's the accumulation of these varied experiences that stock our professional toolbox and amplify our impact within any organization.
Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve come to appreciate the experiences that initially seemed off-course. From transferring colleges more frequently that I care to admit, to career changes that felt like giant leaps of faith, each step was instrumental in honing my leadership capabilities.
Participating in theater, for instance, vastly improved my communication and presentation skills. An internship at an architecture firm helped me develop a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage complex projects. Prior to founding Harborbridge, I owned and operated a design and marketing agency. The expertise gained there has proven invaluable by providing critical business development and client management insights, saving us resources and guiding our business growth. Moreover, the most impactful experience has been navigating the challenges and rewards of raising my neurodivergent kiddo, which has taught me more about leadership than any best-selling book ever could.
What I’ve witnessed in myself and what I’ve seen in others is that by holding trust in the meaningful connection of our experiences, we build resiliency, adaptability and a readiness for change, all critical for impactful leadership.
Life has no roadmap. Instead we must navigate the journey with the faith that all the detours, wrong turns and traffic jams will perhaps not get you where you intended to be, but rather where you need to be.
With this belief, we see each event in our lives not as random or isolated but as deliberate steps in our ongoing development. This is not just about personal growth; it's a lens we can use to view challenges and opportunities, confident that they will ultimately contribute to a coherent and purposeful story. It's this perspective and trust that allows us to approach each new situation with the assurance that, in the end, it will all make sense.
Interested to learn how Harborbridge can support your organization, schedule a free Discovery Call and let’s talk!