Growth and comfort rarely walk hand in hand. As someone who has spent 30 years in HR, Iāve learned that the moments where Iāve grown the mostāpersonally and professionallyāhave been the moments when I stepped outside my comfort zone. Whether it was leaving corporate America to start my own business, tackling complex workplace investigations, or navigating the nuances of employment law, each challenge was unfamiliar, sometimes daunting, but always transformational.
One of the most pivotal decisions of my career was transitioning from a stable corporate role into the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. At the time, I had no roadmap, just a vision and a determination to create something meaningful. The initial hurdles felt insurmountable: learning the intricacies of running a business, marketing my programs, and building a client base from scratch. But looking back, those early struggles taught me lessons I never would have learned had I stayed where it was “safe.” Every risk I took led to personal growth, a deeper understanding of my craft, and a stronger sense of purpose.
In HR, Iāve seen the power of embracing the unknown not only in my own life but also in the lives of the professionals Iāve worked with. From managers hesitantly taking on leadership roles to employees navigating career changes, those who embraced discomfort and leaned into challenges often came out stronger, more skilled, and more confident. It’s a reminder that stepping into uncharted territory isnāt just an opportunity for growthāitās a necessity.
Thereās also something profoundly humbling about stepping into new territory. It requires admitting that you donāt have all the answers, which can feel uncomfortable, even vulnerable. But Iāve found that vulnerability often opens the door to collaboration, learning, and ultimately, success. For example, in my training programs, I frequently meet professionals who feel overwhelmed by new employment laws or leadership challenges. When they allow themselves to embrace learningāeven when itās uncomfortableāthey achieve incredible results.
Stepping into the unknown isnāt always about monumental changes. Sometimes, itās about making small but intentional choices to challenge yourself daily. Whether itās tackling a project outside your expertise, taking a course to build new skills, or having a difficult conversation youāve been avoiding, each step into discomfort creates a ripple effect of growth.