For a long time, I underestimated my ability to genuinely connect with people. I assumed everyone could build trust and see potential in others the way I did, but I've learned that's become the foundation of my career—whether it's helping organizations find exceptional leaders or helping individuals recognize opportunities they didn't see for themselves.

For years, I underestimated my bilingualism because it was simply part of who I was. It wasn't until I became a literacy researcher and educator that I realized it was one of my greatest strengths, and has allowed me to bridge languages, honor students' identities, and help shape more equitable learning experiences.

For years, I underestimated my ability to lead because I was so focused on raising my two sons that I didn't realize I was building the very skills that would shape my career. Motherhood taught me resilience, adaptability, and how to lead with both strength and compassion, and those lessons became the greatest assets I brought into every professional opportunity.

One of the abilities I underestimated most was my own willingness to take risks. After spending years building a safe successful corporate career, I discovered that stepping into the unknown and betting on a mission I believed in became the foundation of both my business and my purpose, empowering adults with autism to build meaningful skills, confidence, and independence.

My greatest strength wasn't becoming a great HR leader. It was realizing I was an orchestrator, bringing people, strategy and systems together to create meaningful change.

I spent years trying to sound like everyone else because I thought my accent was a weakness. The moment I embraced my story instead of hiding it, I found my voice. Never let where you came from convince you that you don't belong where you're going; your journey could inspire someone else to believe in themselves and chase the future they once thought was impossible.

I didn't know how to start in a new industry, so I decided to say Yes to every conversation - and it lead me to build strong relationships, learn from others, and become a respected leader in my industry. Without putting yourself out there, you'll never make the connections you need to build credibility and grow your organization.

I used to dismiss my natural ability to rally people and build community as just 'mom duties' and school volunteering rather than actual business acumen. Once I owned that talent, it became the exact fuel that propelled my nonprofit career, taking me from a part-time office manager to Senior Director of Operations in under ten years.

I underestimated the power of relationships. It turns out that the ability to genuinely connect with people became the foundation of every opportunity and every success that followed.

As it comes naturally to me, I've underestimated how invaluable empathy and emotional intelligence is, to permeate across individual barriers and global borders for change and solution adoption to take hold

I underestimated my resilience because overcoming challenges became so normal that I didn't recognize it as a strength. Looking back, I realize my ability to adapt, persevere, and keep moving forward through life's biggest challenges has become the foundation of my success.

I chronically overlooked my interpersonal skills, which are my greatest strengths! I assumed that my talent for working with people did not set me apart, but building authentic relationships is the key to success.

For years I believed my career was built on strategy, innovation, and leadership. Looking back, it was built on human connection. Making people feel valued has opened more doors than any title I've ever held.

I never realized that my intense desire to get answers would lead to me uncovering a dirty little secret that when published will save others from suffering as I have. Everyone used to say laughing, "don't tell Joyce it can't be done, or there is no explanation, or that there is no answer, because she won't give up until she gets her answer." It's the continuous questioning, always asking why, and not quitting just because the answer is hard to find. Einstein once said that he is not a genius, he was just constantly curious. So, I guess the lesson here is be curious. Stay curious, and learn constantly.

I always loved the art of sharing knowledge, which now it became my main occupation as a Lecturer of Corporate Finance at Columbia University. Always pursue your passions and when you are striving for something good never take no for an answer.

It never crossed my mind that I have always been a natural writer with a flair of creativity. As a child, I did write a few short stories and ten long reflective essays as an adult. Additionally, one of my former teachers and classmates largely complimented on my creative writing.

For years, I underestimated my ability to genuinely connect with people because it came so naturally. I eventually realized that making people feel seen, heard, and valued wasn't just a personality trait. It became my greatest leadership strength and the foundation of everything I've built.

I used to underestimate my curiosity because I thought asking too many questions meant I didn't know enough. Over time, I realized that curiosity is what drives meaningful science; it has become my greatest strength in pursuing neuroscience research and solving complex problems.

The distance between self-doubt and breakthrough is often just one unspoken opinion. Speak it before someone else discovers its value.

I used to dismiss my natural instinct for deep listening and empathy as 'too soft' for the roofing industry, but it ultimately became my greatest asset in building trust and solving complex problems for clients. Embracing that connection completely transformed how I lead and succeed in this male-dominated field.

Resilience isn't about proving I belong in the room. It's about walking in with the confidence to lead it. As a woman in corporate America, I've learned that resilience isn't measured by the obstacles you face, but by your decision to keep leading with integrity, courage, and purpose.

Failure didn't break me; it built me. Every time I fell, I rose with more wisdom, more grit, and a deeper understanding of who I was becoming.

I used to think I needed to have an extensive technical background, but I've found that listening well, managing details, and showing up consistently are what make the biggest impact in my role. I'll always keep learning the technical side, but I no longer underestimate the value of how I show up for customers and my team.

Throughout my career, I have often navigated assumptions about my identity, a Black woman with albinism, before people had the opportunity to know my qualifications, experience, or perspective. It has taught me to embrace visibility with confidence while ensuring my leadership is defined by courage, competence, integrity, and results. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to creating environments where differences are embraced and understood, rather than judged.

I used to overlook my instinct for disciplined service and financial guidance because it felt effortless. That ability to connect, educate, and advocate for people became the foundation of my success as a relationship-driven leader.

Throughout my career, I underestimated my ability to deliver. As an entrepreneur, you are constantly juggling multiple to-do lists and can adopt one of two mindsets: "This is never going to work" or "I will make this happen". I think you can guess which one is needed in order to be successful. Unfortunately, I never realized that small mindset shift makes the world of a difference.

Finding continuous ways to learn has always been a habit - podcasts, books, online courses, conferences. I never thought much of it, since I assumed everyone who wants to be good at their job does this. Only later did I realize that a hunger for learning is a differentiator that sets you apart. By making time regularly to stretch your thinking, learn new techniques and improve your skills, you gain exponential growth over time. I couldn't have imagined where I am today when I think back to where I was 5 years ago, and I attribute that directly to the habit of learning.