Reflecting on his long and unpredictable career, the pop star David Bowie said, “if you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further in the water than you feel you’re capable of being in.” Feeling out of your depth and learning how to stay afloat under “sink or swim” conditions can be a way to grow and cultivate confidence in your own abilities. Being comfortable with being uncomfortable is a concept that was explored in depth at Rio Salado College’s latest Boss Moves event.
On Tuesday, July 14, Rio Salado hosted its second Boss Moves event. Titled Boss Moves Part II: Leaders on Career, Business & Success, this event brought together three young leaders to share their educational journeys and offer up insights on finding career paths and how to thrive in today’s marketplace. Community Engagement Program Officer Reina Ferrufino moderated the event and introduced the three guest speakers:
- Josh Campbell, Senior Film Producer at Mother
- Kyle Ferrance, Tax and Advisory Staff at LSL, LLP
- Janeth Vences, Senior Information Technology Business Analyst at City of North Las Vegas
When asked about some of their biggest career frustrations, Campbell kicked things off by talking about the crushing uncertainty he felt early on in his career when he wasn’t sure if he was making any headway.
“You’re doing the work and not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” Campbell said. He also talked about how uncertainty can be a good thing: a person can be more willing to take risks and try different things when they’re not sure what’s going to work.
“Every experience of work can be positive,” Campbell said. “Trying out things, seeing what works for you, will help you find out what you’re suited for down the road.”
Vences, after reflecting on the pressure she felt from her family about being the first child in her family to go to college, also spoke about the virtues of stepping out of your comfort zone.
“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Vences said. “Use feedback to get better, and leave work at work. Don’t bring it home.”
Ferrance talked about the importance of being adaptable and accepting one’s limitations. Knowing what other people do better and working with them to achieve something you couldn’t do yourself is an important and humbling quality to cultivate.
“You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room,” Ferrance said. “You have to have the smartest people in the room.”
Vences stressed the importance of being a positive presence at work and how you’re more likely to inspire those around you to do great things and take chances if you give them some grace.
“Be kind,” Vences said. “You don’t know what people are going through.”
Ferrance emphasized that accountability is key as a professional: both for acknowledging your failures but also to ensure you claim credit for your successes so they don’t get overlooked or taken for granted.
“Take ownership,” Ferrance said. “Closed mouths don’t get fed.”
As the conversation wound down, Campbell returned to the subject of ‘productive discomfort.
“Take a swing, take a risk,” he said. “Consistently challenging yourself is an important part of keeping yourself satisfied at work and in life.”
Article by Austin Brietta