IBFM SPOTLIGHT
ZERO TO HERO
By: Fido Waggay
There are two powerful forces in our lives that shape our future whether we are aware or not. One is choice and the other is vision. The former dictates the path that we traverse while the latter provides our destination. Albeit our choices or visions may not turn out exactly the way we always picture it to be, it still sets the narrative that we follow and conclude. Of course it goes without saying that the way we deal with our choices and visions hugely affect the overall outcome.
Choices, if used correctly whether good or bad, bring about learning experiences that play an important role in molding ourselves in terms of character and individuality. Good choices provide confidence and reassurance while bad ones provide lessons and meaningful reckonings. Visions in contrast give us things to look forward to, things to hope and strive for. They are mental images of what we want our lives to be.
Another year has come to pass and we are yet again at the start of a journey for a new one. In hindsight, it is always prudent to look into the past in order to build a better future. Reflecting on the past makes us make better choices and better choices improve our visions thereby resulting in a greater future.
In taking a glimpse of what has been, it is also good to visit stories that inspire us. Stories that motivate us and enable us to see that with good choices and visions, success is possible. Powerful narratives that prove that with working hard and working smart, positive results come with great propensity.
Closer to home we have a story of such import. A story of perseverance, positivity and hope. A story of redemption and fulfillment.
Such is the story of Diane.
Diane came from a comprehensive background. With a self assurance that can only be acquired through patience in understanding and learning about one’s self, one can say she is one with a strong personality at first glance. Prior to joining INSBOSS, Diane has over 7 BPO years of experience with junior management leadership capacity. After spending almost close to a decade in such industry, she has decided to venture into the VA world and explore remote-work opportunities. It was then that she came across INBOSS and decided to apply and give it a go.
Diane from within.
Diane took a leap of faith and fully embraced her new endeavor.
She distinctly remembers the company’s humble beginnings with just a start up being set in a small town house that the executives are renting. The setup was pretty free-flowing; However Diane truly appreciates the fact that the executives were quite hands-on. Joe was in the forefront of sales while Chris was hugely involved in terms of training and operations.
Along came growth.
With relentless pursuit for progress, the company slowly grew. From the small scale operations that the company started with, it now was able to move into an office and is taking up a corporate setting. Diane was in the midst of such growth with huge participation in propelling its growth. She was the very first VA to ever have a client expand from just one seat to several seats. Such precedent is hugely attributable to Diane’s excellent performance and with her attitude of always going the extra-mile.
Though not entirely ideal, it enabled the company to survive and stay afloat. However such a course of action proves to still be unsustainable in the long run and presents numerous challenges. Diane on the other hand, positively took on the challenge thrived despite the hurdles set forth. The company however was in dire straits as clients were pulling out on account of the difficulties faced by the industry as a whole.
Changes embraced, doors opened.
In order to proceed, adaptation was inevitable. The pandemic forced a lot of the players in the industry that INBOSS was on to shift to remote-work measures in order to deal with operational challenges. INSBOSS decided to follow-suit. It was at this point that the company now transitioned to work from home. As if set in a perfect way to end the storm, along with the innovation came the influx of clients coming back. Operations were stabilizing and things were finally looking up. At this juncture, promotions were already being slated. Diane however decided to put off applying as she felt she was not ready and wanted more assimilation of skills and knowledge to be fully prepared for the next role.
Setback, grit and triumph.
Another round of promotions were opened and Diane is finally ready and decided to apply as an SME. Regrettably, she was not included in the shortlist and was rejected. This appears to be a low light in her career and was apparently psychologically and emotionally challenging. However, along with this downfall came professional maturity and eventually she took it in stride and tried again. This time she landed the role and several moments later also got promoted as a Team lead. Being promoted as a team lead, it is here that she finally found her deeper sense of purpose. Her fulfillment came from being able to uplift people and help them be the best version of themselves either personally or professionally. She deems it as an achievement when her direct reports or colleagues advance and maximize their potential. This truly showcases the INBOSS core value that she resonates with the most: “Growth Mindset”.
The milestone does not end there. From being a Team lead she goes on to take the mantle as an Operations Manager and is still on her mission to drive, transform and develop her direct reports and colleagues. With tutelage from one of our very own executives she continues to self advance through reading, workshops and acquiring additional knowledge whenever she can.
The next is now.
Truly in her own determined style and fashion, she sets her eyes on the next level of her career ladder. Along with INBOSS’ humble beginnings of 50 employees to an exponential growth of 200 by the end of last year, Diane aims to be fully involved in pushing the expansion further and growing along with the company in the process.
Diane’s story is nothing short of inspiring and definitely worth emulating. A true embodiment of growth and success, indeed an amazing story from zero to hero!
Source: Waggay, F. “IBFM Spotlight Zero to Hero” InsBOSS, Insights Magazine Volume 1 (Pages 19-21).
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