Embracing Growth: Navigating New Chapters with Curiosity and Confidence

If you’re in a season of growth right now—maybe starting a new role, stepping into leadership, or stretching beyond your comfort zone—I see you. It can feel exciting, overwhelming, validating, and humbling… sometimes all at once.

I recently stepped into a new role, and it’s stirred up all those feelings for me, too. I’m proud of the experience I bring with me—years spent leading UX transformations, mentoring others, and building strong, human-centered teams. But more than anything, I’m energized by what I still have to learn.

Confidence and growth aren’t opposites—they can (and should) coexist. Confidence comes from knowing I’ve contributed meaningfully in the past. Growth happens when I’m willing to stay curious, listen deeply, and try new things, even when I don’t have all the answers.

Working towards my master’s degree was a turning point that reinforced this mindset. It wasn’t just about adding a credential—it was about pushing myself to think in new ways and remain a student, even after decades of experience. That same spirit of learning is something I try to bring into every new challenge.

Now, as I navigate this new chapter, I’m reminding myself (and maybe you too) that growth isn’t a checklist—it’s a mindset. It’s about showing up fully, asking better questions, and embracing the messy middle between what you know and what you’re still figuring out.

My Top 5 Resources for Navigating Growth:

Whether you’re leading a team, stepping into a new role, or just recalibrating your path, these have been especially helpful to me:

• The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins – A practical guide for accelerating your impact in a new role.

• The Creative Act by Rick Rubin – A refreshing reminder that creativity and leadership are about presence, not perfection.

• It’s Your Ship by D. Michael Abrashoff – Leadership lessons on trust, autonomy, and building high-performing teams.

• Trillion Dollar Coach by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, and Alan Eagle – A powerful reflection on servant leadership and coaching.

• Journaling & Reflection – Not a book, but an essential practice. I often take 15 minutes to reflect on what I’ve learned and what I want to focus on next.

These resources help ground me when I’m navigating something new. They remind me that growth doesn’t always look like rapid wins—it often looks like thoughtful questions, active listening, and trying again.

Wherever you are in your journey, I hope you’ll give yourself the space to be both confident and curious. Trust your experience, but stay open. Lead with what you know, but keep learning as you go.

What are your favorite books or practices when you’re in a season of growth? I’d love to hear.