What obstacles did you have to face to get where you are now? Did you ever feel like giving up?

Hello Andrysaliys and thank you for an awesome question! Obstacles are a part of life and there are many that I have overcome: self-doubt and giving into naysayers are a couple that I have faced yet overcome. One thing that has really helped me as of recent is to have a good mindset, which can be far easier said than done at times. I read a book a few months ago that is all about overcoming obstacles and excelling in whatever is that you want to/are doing. When you get the chance check out the book, "Everyone Can Be a Ninja" by Akbar Gbajabiamila. This is the same guy that is the co-host of American Ninja Warrior, and he gives his account of overcoming obstacles and adversity to get to the point that he's at to this very day as a very successful announcer on that show. This book is one of the quickest reads, but very inspirational.

Thanks again and best of luck to you!

I have never felt like giving up, although there have been times in my career that I've felt less engaged than others. Although obstacles are frustrating, they do offer opportunities of learning. I've enjoyed working with formal and informal coaches and mentors over the years. Currently, I have a few informal mentors, whom I trust, to discuss obstacles and ways to work through them. Finding others with experience is quite helpful even if their industry is different than yours.

There are always obstacles that we face in our careers. At the time I viewed them as negative obstacles but as I overcame these, I quickly realized that these obstacles were actually positive in that I learned a lot, added more knowledge and skills to my toolkit, and grew as a professional and a person. My advice is view obstacles as opportunities to learn and develop and grow your skills.