Riding the Career Bus: Detours, Speed Bumps, and Scenic Routes on My Professional Journey

Once upon a recent Monday, in the bustling hive of our office, there buzzed our charismatic project manager named Irene. Irene, could light up a boardroom and the strategic finesse of a chess master, was an enigma wrapped in a corporate blazer. Unbeknownst to many, Irene possessed a secret—she was an introvert at heart. Week-long workshops, a staple in our office, were her kryptonite. While she navigated the sea of networking and endless discussions with grace, each interaction quietly siphoned her energy, leaving her craving solitude to recharge her mental batteries. In these marathon sessions, Irene embodied "speak softly and carry a big stick"; she spoke seldom, but when she did, her words were silver. However, not all saw Irene's quiet nature for the strength it was. Newer colleagues often misread her silence for timidity—a misconception that could lead to some comedic missteps. In one memorable instance, a brash newcomer decided to challenge Irene during a presentati...

In the heart of a bustling office, under the glaring lights of the conference room, a tale unfolded not just of strategy and statistics, but of curiosity, conflict, and the quest for understanding. The stage was set for an ordinary meeting about impact evaluation, but what transpired was anything but ordinary. The protagonist of our story, Irene, a dedicated project manager with a vision for change, found herself amidst a sea of skeptical faces. A consultancy firm hired, renowned for their analytical prowess, had cast doubts upon the very interventions our hero had so painstakingly designed, with the project team. As the discussion ebbed and flowed, a burning question ignited within her, fueled by a relentless curiosity that could no longer be contained. "What is informing the sampling methodology?" she inquired, her voice a beacon of inquiry in the dim room. "How is my opinion as the project manager influencing the sampling methodology?" It was as if she had unlock...