Dancing Out of Your Comfort Zone

by Brenna Martin, VPG Social Media Specialist

I recently had the unexpected opportunity to act as a stand-in interviewer for the most recent Live IP Talk: Brand Insights with Dr. Rory Cooper, Sasha Strauss, and McNeal Maddox. Ashley, who usually leads these sessions, had unfortunately lost her voice. Yet, she remembers to empower others to speak up. When she asked me, I honestly thought she was joking! But once I realized she was serious, I quickly said yes. Only later did it hit me what I had actually agreed to do, and just how far outside my comfort zone it really was.

With Ashley’s encouragement and coaching, I prepared as best I could. She walked me through the process, offered valuable tips, and empowered me to step into a role I never thought I would fill. Before it even started, my nerves eased just a little when I saw Sasha and Dr Cooper headbopping and dancing away! With a little more time (and Ashley’s prompting), we might have even gotten Sasha’s rendition of the K-pop song Golden! I never would have expected these brilliant minds to dance without music, but it was the perfect icebreaker, light, fun, and definitely unforgettable.

From there, it was no surprise that Dr. Cooper, Sasha, and McNeal turned out to be incredibly gracious interviewees. They made the experience not only manageable but truly enjoyable. By the end of the session, I walked away with three realizations: first, I was definitely sweating from nerves; second, I was immensely relieved it was over; and third, and most importantly, I was proud of myself for stepping up to something completely new.

Heather Martin - Author, Editor & Bookkeeper

So, how does this tie back to LinkedIn and personal growth? Simply put: growth requires stepping outside your comfort zone.

For some, that step might be as small as hitting “post” for the very first time. For others, it could be sending a message to someone you admire or initiating a new connection. And sometimes, it’s saying yes to an unexpected opportunity that challenges you in the best possible way. Each step builds your confidence, expands your skills, and strengthens your personal brand.

I want to finish by thanking Ashley for trusting me with this opportunity. I would never have imagined myself doing something like this, but I’m grateful she put her faith in me. It reminded me that with the right support and a willingness to try, we’re all capable of more than we think. And often, those leaps outside our comfort zones are the very moments that help define us, both personally and professionally.