Growing beyond limits: Turning challenges into catalysts for change

If I’m honest, my journey didn’t begin with a grand plan or a clear career vision. It began with determination, a little desperation, and one email that shifted the course of my life. It taught me that sometimes progress begins when one person takes a moment to listen, and when we’re brave enough to ask for a chance.

Growing up with responsibility

I come from a middle-class family with five children. We were close in age, which meant my parents were supporting multiple educations at the same time. University wasn’t something that could be fully financed for all of us, so from an early age, I learned to take care of myself. 

That reality shaped my mindset, and most of my early decisions were driven by practicality. I didn’t grow up with a clear sense of vocation or passion. I wasn’t chasing a childhood dream. All I wanted at the time was stability, work, and to earn money.  

I gravitated toward math because I loved math but then I decided on actuarial studies—still math, but you can work in finance—this to me felt logical and reliable. At the time, success meant grades, income, and progress. Purpose came later. 

Persistence before opportunity 

When it was time to complete my master’s degree, I needed an internship. In Senegal, finding one is not easy because the competition is intense, and the opportunities are limited. I applied everywhere—nearly 100 companies—often without knowing if anyone would ever read my application. Most didn’t respond.  Then I took a risk: I guessed the email address of the People & Culture leader at PMI and sent my résumé, not knowing if it would land anywhere at all.

To my biggest surprise, I received a response that changed everything—not because it guaranteed success, but because someone took the time to listen. My application was then forwarded internally, interviews followed, and I was offered an internship.  

Finding the right path

One of my biggest turning points came early in my PMI journey. I have been in the company for a year and when I was trying to establish what my future looks like I learned that if headcount didn’t open within two years, I might not be able to continue working for the company. With financial pressure and responsibilities at home, waiting two years felt impossible.

I had to decide whether to stay, hope for a chance, and risk losing stability—or accept a secure offer elsewhere. I chose the safe route, and I left for another company but before I did that, I applied for a position at PMI. I believed that if there were an opening, they would reach out and I could go back.

Three months later, they called me back and that is how my journey started. 

Going back

Going back to PMI was exciting—and intimidating. My role sat firmly within business development and planning, and my background was in finance. So I had to learn very fast as I didn’t have the same education path as my colleagues.  

At times, I questioned whether I belonged. I felt behind and inexperienced, and I knew that if I wanted to keep up, effort alone wouldn’t be enough—I needed to learn faster and smarter. I spent evenings taking online courses, teaching myself tools and concepts I hadn’t studied before. I rebuilt reports, automated processes, and learned by doing. I wasn’t trying to be perfect—I was trying to close the gap.

That period taught me one of the most important lessons of my career: growth doesn’t start when you feel ready, it starts when you decide to act anyway.  

Learning to ask for help

For a long time, I tried to do everything on my own. Growing up, independence wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity. Admitting uncertainty didn’t come naturally to me.

That became another challenge—learning to say I don’t know. 

I was fortunate to work with managers who valued curiosity over credentials. One mentor, who had transitioned from a completely different technical background into leadership, reminded me that careers are rarely linear—and being able to adapt matters more than where you start.  

I began scheduling short conversations with colleagues across the company. Sometimes 30 min, sometimes an hour. I asked questions, I listened, I learned how others approached communication, strategy and leadership.

People were generous with their time—even late in the evening—simply because they believed in paying forward the support they once received. Those conversations accelerated my growth more than any course ever could. 

Seeking the challenge

Language was another significant hurdle. In Senegal we speak French and English is not my first language. I learned it gradually, starting from almost zero, while working in a multinational environment.  

Instead of avoiding that challenge, I leaned into it. When given a choice, I deliberately worked with markets and leaders where English was essential. I avoided the easy option and chose environments where I would be uncomfortable—because I knew discomfort was where learning happened. 

Over time, those decisions reshaped my path. I moved from finance into business partner, then into digital roles, and eventually into digital management. Each transition was driven by curiosity and a desire to make an impact—not by titles alone. 

Often when opportunities opened, people already knew my mindset and my willingness to learn. I wasn’t just applying for roles—I was preparing for them long before they existed. 

Paying it forward 

Today, I try to offer others the same openness that once changed my trajectory. When someone reaches out for guidance, I make time. I remember how much it meant when someone responded to my email, reviewed my résumé, or simply listened.

What I gained at PMI goes far beyond professional skills. I learned to listen with empathy, to lead without hierarchy, and to bring people along rather than work alone. Those lessons shape how I show up—not only at work, but in my family and personal life.