RESOURCES

Growing up, I was all about math and science. Science fair was my sport of choice, and I competed seriously from elementary through high school. While I could see how my passion for numbers fueled my Wall Street career, I had assumed my beloved days as a science nerd ended long ago. I was wrong.

Recently, while explaining the four-step process we use on every Mountaintop strategy project, I realized our “proprietary” approach was basically a fancy rebranding of the scientific method. That way of thinking was so deeply ingrained in me that I had unconsciously drawn upon it 30 years later, when faced with complex client projects.

The realization that my methodology was so deeply rooted was humbling (out went the term proprietary and the clever infographic). It also got me thinking. When we go to prepare ourselves for the next phase of growth, or a new promotion, or a new environment, there is often an assumption that we must learn something new. Maybe, instead, the answers we need are already in us.

When faced with a new challenge, I’d encourage you to mine your past successes and innate talents. Ask yourself: When did you succeed? What processes or approaches worked for you? What talents did you leverage to achieve previous good outcomes? How can you replicate that approach in the next context?

Pausing for introspection will enable you to leverage the full benefit of your past experiences and tap into things that really give you joy. Trust me; I could not be more thrilled to reclaim my inner geek.

What are some deeply rooted approaches or talents you can revisit? I’d love to hear about them. Respond to this email, and let’s chat.

Warmly,

Precious Williams Owodunni | CEO & Founder of Mountaintop Consulting

This letter was originally published in Mountaintop Consulting’s monthly newsletter. You can read the full newsletter here.