02/17/2026
Most people see the work I do under JenGraph, but some of the biggest growth in my career has come from the work I’ve done outside of it.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many different companies, teams, and types of projects. Each time meant stepping into something new — new systems, new tools, new expectations, and sometimes learning things completely from scratch. It wasn’t always easy (being “the new person” never is), but it has been incredibly valuable.
Working in different environments forces you to grow. You learn new technologies, different ways of solving problems, and how other teams operate. You also gain perspective — seeing that there isn’t just one “right” way to build something. Every place has taught me something I apply today.
There are challenges, too. You can feel like a beginner again. Productivity takes time to build. There’s stress in wanting to do well while you’re still learning. But that uncomfortable phase doesn’t last forever — and what comes out of it is confidence, resilience, and a much broader skill set after each job role.
More than anything, it taught me adaptability. Learning how to join new teams, understand different personalities and leadership styles, and still contribute in a meaningful way is just as important as technical knowledge.
I’m truly grateful for every organization and team that welcomed me, trusted me, and challenged me to grow. Those experiences shaped who I am today — both professionally and personally.
Growth doesn’t usually happen where things feel easy. It happens when you stretch, learn, and keep going anyway. 💛
