The Power of Taking on a Challenge: Reflections on 20 Years in the Insights Industry
After two decades in the insights industry, I’ve learned that the greatest catalyst for growth often comes from the challenges we dare to take on. Whether it’s stepping into a new role, embracing an unfamiliar responsibility, or even something as simple as sharing "20 lessons in 20 days," these moments of challenge are what ignite motivation, courage, and self-belief.
As I look back over the past 20 years, each phase of my career has presented me with its own set of obstacles, opportunities, and rewards. It wasn’t always a straight line, but it was the challenges I embraced along the way that ultimately shaped my journey.
Here are 20 lessons I’ve learned throughout my career, each a reflection of those pivotal moments that have propelled me forward.
1/20 - Don’t Rush Through Your Career
In the early days, it’s easy to feel pressure to move fast—climb the ladder, hit milestones, reach goals. But I’ve come to realize that each phase of your career offers something unique. Don’t rush through it; enjoy the process. Success and learning opportunities are found in every chapter.
2/20 - Persevere, Even Through Setbacks
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to put self-judgment aside. No matter how difficult a setback feels in the moment, you can always learn, grow, and push forward. Don’t let bumps in the road derail your journey.
3/20 - Have a Clear Vision
It’s crucial to know where you want to go. Even if your vision is fuzzy at first, clarity comes over time. Keep refining it as you learn more about yourself, your work, and your goals. Regularly check in with yourself to ensure you're on the right course.
4/20 - Find Fulfillment in What Lights You Up
Pay attention to the tasks, projects, and moments that energize you. It’s often the work that feels most impactful and meaningful that also brings the greatest fulfillment. When you find this alignment, you’ll discover a deeper sense of purpose in your career.
5/20 - Be Kind to Yourself During Transitions
Career changes can be unsettling, but they’re also full of opportunity. Be kind to yourself during periods of uncertainty and empathize with those who may be impacted. Move forward one small step at a time.
6/20 - Learn from Experience
Older colleagues and mentors hold a wealth of experience that can shortcut your path to success. Be open to learning from their wisdom—it can save you time, energy, and help you avoid unnecessary mistakes.
7/20 - Keep an Open Mind and Be Bold
Throughout my career, some of the most rewarding experiences came from taking bold steps and staying open to unexpected opportunities. Don’t be afraid to take risks. You might just find yourself in a place that’s better than you ever imagined.
8/20 - Mentorship is a Two-Way Street
Whether you’re the mentor or the mentee, the exchange of knowledge and support is invaluable. Mentorship is one of the most fulfilling aspects of any career—it enriches both parties and creates a ripple effect of growth and learning.
9/20 - Balance Empathy and Authority
As a leader, balancing empathy with authority is key to fostering growth. Prioritize your team’s development, even if it means short-term discomfort. Use data-driven feedback to build trust and embrace the challenges that lead to long-term success.
10/20 - Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Work
We’re not here just to hit targets and deliver insights. It’s okay—essential, even—to have fun and enjoy what you do. When you bring joy to your work, it shows in the quality of your output and the energy you bring to your team.
11/20 - Embrace Lifelong Learning
The skills that brought you success in the past may not be what you need for the future. Stay open to learning new things and be willing to evolve. Balancing your existing knowledge with fresh insights is the key to continuous growth.
12/20 - Own Your Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes—owning them is part of the growth process. But don’t let them own you. Learn from them, adapt, and move forward without letting them define your future.
13/20 - Stay Curious in Leadership
Transitioning to a bigger role isn’t just about managing more people. It’s about adapting your leadership style, staying curious, and empowering others. Listening deeply and asking the right questions can help you and your team rise together.
14/20 - Feedback is an Art
Effective feedback is a balance between boldness and mindfulness. Leaders often fall into two camps—those who shy away from feedback to avoid discomfort and those who deliver it too bluntly. Finding the sweet spot is critical to fostering trust and development in your team.
15/20 - Letting Go is Key to Growth
Learning to let go and delegate is one of the toughest lessons, especially for those of us with perfectionist tendencies. Start small, build trust in your team, and let go of control. You’ll not only thrive but see your team flourish as well.
16/20 - Curiosity is Your Superpower
In times of stress or when stepping into a new role, tap into your researcher’s superpower: curiosity. Asking the right questions can alleviate pressure and open up new pathways for growth. Curiosity fuels learning and innovation.
17/20 - Bring Your Team Along for the Journey
When leading a team through change, it’s essential to bring them with you. Create a shared vision that everyone can believe in. Success isn’t just about setting direction; it’s about ensuring your team feels part of the journey and the vision.
18/20 - Leaders, Take Care of Yourself Too
It’s easy to focus on your team’s well-being and forget your own. But remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Put on your own oxygen mask first—when you thrive, your team will too.
19/20 - Success is About the Journey
While reaching goals is important, true success lies in the journey. It’s about the relationships you build, the people you impact, and the growth you experience along the way. Don’t just focus on the destination; enjoy the ride.
20/20 - Challenge Yourself Often
Finally, never stop challenging yourself. Big or small, every challenge sparks new growth, deepens self-belief, and lights the path forward. Challenges ignite motivation and open doors to opportunities you never expected.
As I look back on these 20 years, I’m reminded of how powerful it is to challenge yourself. Taking on this “20 lessons in 20 days” challenge was a small way to reignite my passion for what I do—helping others grow, sharing knowledge, and creating community through platforms like LinkedIn.
It’s reminded me of the joy I find in this work and why I continue to love being part of the insights industry.
What milestones have you hit or challenges have you taken on recently, and how have they helped you grow? I’d love to hear your stories!