Introvert to Extrovert - my personal story

"What's the biggest impact of the pandemic on you?" This is a virtual cohort networking question. I said "I transitioned from an introvert to an extrovert". My cohorts were surprised. I mentioned this to my colleagues, they were surprised too and said "I wouldn't even ever think you were introvert". Well, they do not know me before I left the oil and gas industry, at that time I was still an introvert.

Why I left the oil and gas industry? It's a sad story like many others: our funding company decided to exit and we could not secure new funding before the company had to close its door. The next day after we got informed, I messaged the founders and asked if there is anything I can help with as they decided to seek new funding. I messaged many LinkedIn connections and surprisingly many people picked up the phones and helped me refine those fundraising ideas. And this is when I realized that others are willing to listen and help. All you need to do is ask.

Starting a new role 100% remotely in a chemical company made me find creative ways to connect with people. At the new company, my role was leading the development of a digital product for supply chain optimization. I did not know the supply chain or chemical industry at all. How can you get support and work with strangers? I got lucky as I'm a curious person and I want to be connected to my colleagues as an individual. Instead of jumping into the meeting, I'll start with asking the person about his/her hobby, his/her surroundings if the camera is on, etc. After a while, people turned on their cameras when having Team calls with me. I got to know what others do as a hobby or what they struggle with at the moment. It becomes a positive feedback loop, I listened to others, stayed connected, and earned their trust. And this is definitely a process, people go through many things. They may be not turn on the camera or even miss a meeting just because they had some sudden urgent matter to handle. Earning trust and having positive vibe take time and continous effort.

And excercise outgoing. It takes practice to find what suits you the best. I enjoyed virtual learning programs as I'm a life-long learner. I keep my camera on and engage with cohorts breakout rooms and interact with the lectures. I was in a negotiation class by the author of 'Getting to Yea' @William Ury. I raised my hand and asked 'How do you prefer us to call you? William or Will or Mr. Ury?' He laughted and said 'Where were you from?' 'I grew up in China, and have worked in US for over 12 years.' He said 'I guess so as you don't act like a Chinese.'

Introvert or extrovert, it's a choice to me. I decided that I'll engage more with others and have been enjoying being an outgoing person. And I wish my kids are extrovert too. My daughter and I did a fund raising for Odyssey of Mind team last November. We asked parents' for donations at the school entrance. She was shy at the beginning, and opened up after she got a dollar or two donation. The next day, we had the little brother joining the team, and we all had a good time. They were fulfilled and delighted that they were able to get donations for the school teams.

And today, as an extrovert. I'm asking for donations for my daughter's Odyssey of Mind team as they need help with their travel expense. The team has been practicing a great show for spreading positivity for a few months. To learn more about how you can help, here is the link

After all, the chance of getting the help is zero if you don't ask.