From December to December: My Lessons Beyond Work
Learning and growing, one milestone at a time.
Hey everyone, I’m Sejal, a Visual Designer on the Marketing team at Fyle. I’ve been with Fyle for about a year and a half, starting as an intern and growing into my current role. My time here has been all about creativity, learning, and finding my place in the team and today I’m sharing a glimpse of that experience with you.
Picture this: a room full of (almost) strangers, lively conversations echoing around, and me - a new intern - hovering at the edge of conversations, too nervous to step into the light. That was my first offsite in December 2023.
Fast forward to December 2024, I found myself in the same kind of room, but this time, I carried an air of ease and a smile. The once-intimidating hum of conversations now felt inviting—and yes (surprisingly), I was the one starting conversations, connecting with new faces, and at the end of the day, I was a teeny tiny bit proud of myself.
The Beginning
To give you some backstory, my interview with Dhvani, Priya, and Siddarth feels like a lifetime ago. I still remember Siddharth, my then skip-level manager, asking me, 'What’s your favorite go-to font?' I thought I had completely blown my chance—surely my answer wasn’t interesting enough. But to my surprise, here I am, a year and a half later, looking back at the conversation that was just the beginning of an incredible journey at Fyle.
Little did I know, those 30 minutes would mark the start of a journey where I’d find not just colleagues but mentors and friends. My manager and team, in particular, have been my biggest cheerleaders, encouraging me to try new things and gently nudging me out of my comfort zone.
They’ve shown me the kind of patience and understanding that makes challenges feel less daunting, and growth inevitable. Fyle is more than a workplace for me—it’s a space where people lift each other up, and that has made all the difference.
I’ve always admired people who can effortlessly strike up conversations with anyone and turn strangers into friends. At the recent offsite, I was determined to step out of my comfort zone, put myself out there, and truly connect with more people. After collaborating with so many colleagues over the past year and a half, it felt almost like a responsibility to get to know them better—and I’m so glad I did.
I’ve realized that even the smallest conversations can spark fresh ideas, provide valuable insights, and add much-needed context about the shared goals we’re all working towards. Since we work remotely, these offsites aren’t just a break from routine—they’re an essential opportunity to build stronger connections with each other and the organization we’re a part of.
The Turning Points
Looking back, there are a few moments that stand out as turning points—experiences that shaped how I approached my role and gradually helped me achieve this sense of belonging and confidence.
One such moment was when I transitioned to a full-time role at Fyle. Around the same time, our design team embarked on an ambitious project to revamp our site’s blog banners and in-content images.
It was one of my first major responsibilities, and I was eager to prove myself. Seeing the final designs come to life was incredibly rewarding, and it gave me the motivation to engage more openly with my team. Each iteration we worked on taught me the value of collaboration, and it gave me the nudge I needed to initiate more conversations and share my ideas freely.
Over time, I found myself collaborating with a larger circle of colleagues. What started as working with just a few people expanded to brainstorming with nearly 20 different teammates. Each conversation taught me something new—about them, about work, and even about myself.
These interactions were more than just work—they were opportunities to connect on a human level, understand different perspectives, and build relationships that made working together feel effortless.
A Personal Milestone
Finally, the December 2024 offsite marked a personal milestone.
I had set a goal for myself: to talk to as many people as I could and to actively step into the shoes of those I looked up to—people who seem to connect effortlessly.
It was a conscious effort, and while it felt challenging at first, I quickly found myself enjoying the conversations and the connections I was building. It felt like a culmination of everything I’d learned and practiced so far, and it left me with a sense of fulfillment and pride.
This journey hasn’t been linear or quick—it’s been a slow process of learning, trying, and growing. But as a result, I no longer second-guess myself or worry about whether what I say will sound “right.” I’ve learned to trust my instincts, to find value in my voice, and to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
If you’re someone starting out in your career, here are some things I learnt along the way which could help you:
Start with observation: Don’t underestimate the value of listening and understanding your environment before jumping in. It lays the foundation for meaningful connections.
Embrace small steps: Growth doesn’t have to be a giant leap. Small actions—speaking up in meetings, sharing an idea, or starting a conversation—can have a big impact.
Seek mentors and allies: Surround yourself with people who encourage you to try new things and offer constructive feedback. They’ll be your greatest support system.
Take initiative: Whether it’s contributing to a project or starting a conversation at an offsite, don’t wait for the “perfect moment”. Growth happens when you step up.
Celebrate progress: Give yourself credit for the milestones you achieve, no matter how small they may seem.
From Reflection to Resolution
Both offsites I’ve been a part of hold a special place in my heart. Each has contributed uniquely to my personal and professional growth, offering invaluable lessons along the way.
The first offsite in December 2023 taught me the power of observation—how to understand my surroundings, listen intently, learn where I fit, and can contribute to achieving the bigger picture.
The recent offsite in December 2024 was about action—about stepping up, connecting, and actively engaging with the people who make this organization what it is. This shift from quiet observation to active engagement has been a natural progression in my journey.
As I reflect on how far I’ve come, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for the people who enabled me and made me, well, me.
It’s been a journey filled with growth, learning, and countless moments of joy. And while I’m incredibly happy with where I am today, I know there’s so much more to discover, achieve, and experience on this path going ahead.
P.S. Writing this blog, my first-ever attempt, has been a delightful experience in itself, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed putting my thoughts into words. Who knows, I might even pen another one soon enough! Here’s to more milestones, memories, and moments of learning along the way.
Loved the flow of the blog. Keep writing!!!!