You start learning from the moment you’re born. It can be anything: your first words, how to hold something, what you like to eat. Socially, you also make progress by playing and discovering new things. Then comes school. The years in primary and secondary school broaden your general knowledge, and often there’s further education afterward. What a long journey of study and development! When does this end, and am I still willing to dedicate time (and energy) to it?
This question is one I asked myself multiple times after completing my studies to become a registered accountant. Looking back, I’m happy I took that path, but I realized I wanted to discover more about myself. How much time did I spend thinking about this? The conclusion was almost none, because I’m a doer, and I never made time for it. It’s actually a bit of a waste…
Last September, I enrolled in the Transactional Analysis course at Corael. It’s an 8-day program where I learned to better understand myself and others, and to recognize and influence drivers and undercurrents in communication. I also learned how to professionally guide and manage people more effectively. But it all starts with yourself. It was quite daunting to open up in a group of strangers, but so valuable to rediscover yourself in an honest and integral way!
Another step in my development has been joining Beerensteyn Partners, a partnership of interim CFOs, all of whom are partners themselves. The variety in personalities and experiences within the partner team, as well as the different clients/projects and their complexities, enables me to develop in the CFO role. My curiosity has been reignited!
I recommend everyone to discover more about themselves, just like when you were a child. Use your curiosity, and know that changes (often positive!) will follow. I encourage everyone to reflect on this in the coming months and take action. At the core, you remain who you are (which is reassuring), but you become a richer person. That’s been my experience. Spending time on yourself is so valuable!
My tip: stay curious and choose your own path.
