THE IMPORTANCE OF...

1.0 Believing in Yourself

It has already been a year since I became an independent consultant. December 1st, 2022 was the official day I trusted my wings 100% and I saw myself as the bird I chose to be my logo: a hummingbird (colibri). My former employer was my tree for 24 years. I started in its Venezuelan branch full of dreams and expectations. Fear was not part of my vocabulary (in any of my languages). I got great work experience, learned from expats, and explored new challenges. Life in the tree was simple, fun, safe, and comfortable. My friends at work and my job were enough motivation to get up every morning. I had a purpose.

Five years later, I decided to live in another tree to learn about international development temporarily. It was an exuberant prickly cactus named Thunderbird in Glendale, Arizona. I found myself in my element as there were other "T-Birds" from different places but similar feathers and singing tones. The cactus had no branches, but spaces where we all could fit and be creative about solving complex international problems. I must admit that this was the best tree of my life. I met my soulmate and started my family. I had a purpose.

It was time to return to the big red safe tree. This time was in the main branch in hot humid Houston, TX. Life was different because my priorities as a bird changed. I had this amazing instinct to nurture my babies and take care of my family. I also had this feeling of commitment to my career, and a sense of duty to serve my tree. However, I was not the same bird. Somehow my singing tone (accent) was different, my feathers showed a different origin, and I wasn't as competitive as the others in fighting for food. In other places, birds used to fly together and have fun when looking for food. I wasn't in my element and wasn't sure about my purpose. An opportunity to move temporarily to a Russian branch came up. It was like going back to my home branch. The singing was different, but my skills allowed me to communicate well with the other birds. This time I was going to mentor and coach them. This was the first time I experienced my favorite tune: Local Content. I loved that branch. I had a purpose, but sadly my family paid the toll.

Going back to the main branch was not easy. The years ahead were the hardest in all aspects of my life. Fighting for the top fruit was not my thing, and my lack of confidence didn't help either. My wings were weak, and my singing was not worth listening to, but thank God my branch was there... strong and steady. I could go to another tree, but starting from zero and doing the same was not attractive. Taking some time off to think and to find yourself is always a good option (highly recommended). What do I want to do? Where do I go? How can I find a purpose (any)? Having my mom with me was my blessing (despite the circumstances). She was my invisible branch, my iron wings, my magic nectar that always kept me going (and still is). Gracias Ma!...

Let's fast-forward some years... At the same main branch, I got a new assignment. It allowed me to work on projects where Local Content was the focus. This was the opportunity I always dreamed of in the tree: work on international development. I felt like a T-Bird again. My wings spread and became stronger. My tune was heard, but this time by birds from developing trees. I could feel the passion and the magic igniting my feathers. They were colorful and everyone saw the light in them. Birds around the globe recognized my flying style, the frequency of my humming, and the effects of my cross-pollinating actions. What a great feeling! I regained purpose. I realized that I no longer needed a tree, but flowers of different colors and species.

Nevertheless, sitting on the branch wasn't as smooth as I thought. There were many obstacles and hiccups along the way. But "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger"! Once, I read that life cycles usually last seven years. My life has always been accompanied and dictated by 7's. Coincidence or not, seven years was the time I spent working on Local Content for the big red tree. I could feel that a cycle was ending and a new one was beginning. I just needed to make the decision which implied leaving the branch forever and believing in myself, my wings. So, I did it! There was no pain, no regrets, no consequences, no crash, no nostalgia, no fear, no uncertainties, nothing negative. On the contrary, there was joy, vigor, confidence, trust, strength, hope, peace, gratitude, and a big sense of purpose.

To my readers, supporters, friends, family, and strangers: don’t underestimate your potential; don’t let trees (and their systems) define who you are, when to start your family, where to live, what to say, or how to act. Create or reinvent yourself. Find your passion and follow that path, your purpose will lead the way. Time is a precious gift, so use it wisely. Today, I am a colorful and independent hummingbird. My wings represent my confidence. They are taking me to amazing places where I can work on Local Content. I like to fly with other birds, especially with the ones that love to learn and share knowledge (the nectar) like me. ?You can fly too. Think about what matters most and reflect on the importance of believing in yourself.

ILEANA FERBER