What does a Japanese tourist on a delayed bus and leadership sessions in a science field have in common❓

👉 Surprise and exposure to the unknown.

These seemingly unrelated experiences share a powerful element:

They shift our perspective.

When faced with unexpected situations, we’re forced to:

– Adapt quickly

– Think creatively
– Embrace uncertainty

This is where actual growth happens.

I am grateful for the opportunity to guide a group of young scientists through a leadership program in Dubrovnik this week.
Thank you, Michaela Tencerova and Jeroen Geurts, for your trust and the possibility of peaking into a different world.

The experience has shifted my perspective on what top science nowadays is about and what challenges and exciting elements a career in science offers.

And I also won’t ever forget the facial expression of a lovely Japanese tourist when the Dubrovnik airport shuttle bus came casually with a 25-minute delay! 😳😯😁

In leadership, as in life, it’s not about avoiding surprises but learning from them.

So, next time you’re faced with an unexpected delay, a cultural misunderstanding, or a challenging session:

Embrace the discomfort
Look for new insights
Allow your perspective to evolve

In these moments of surprise, we often discover our greatest strengths and opportunities for growth.