Victoria Doda was OutGrowth's first ever intern, back when we ran our summer farm internship programs. Always a bright light and a beautiful soul, Victoria has returned to share with us her wisdom and insight on the theme of Moving Ideas Forward. Our Q+A with Victoria is below, and be sure to check out her feature in this month's newsletter, Be a Thinker AND a Doer.
This month's theme is all about moving ideas forward. Tell us about how you interpret this theme, and how it has played a role in your personal or professional life.
This theme could not have been more relevant for me both personally and professionally. When I read it, all I could think about is how I struggle with getting out of the idea phase and into the doing phase, and I am willing to bet I am not the only one. But that is the biggest step in moving ideas forward! Coming up with an idea is only half the battle - it is putting a plan into action where the real magic happens.
At OutGrowth, we believe in designing the space and time to reimagine the path forward. What are your tips on taking steps today to use our abundance and take our ideas to the next level?
If I have one piece of advice for anyone trying to take their ideas to the next level, it is to remember you are only human. Allow yourself to take breaks, rest, and not be so consumed with being productive that you forget to take care of yourself. It sounds so simple, but genuinely allowing yourself to take a break can do wonders, not only for coming up with new ideas, but for moving those ideas to the next level!
Tell us about your most significant professional moment since the start of the pandemic.
August 24, 2020 is a day that comes to mind as the most significant professional moment for me since the start of the pandemic. That is the day I started my current job, after losing my job at Walt Disney World (and the full-time position I was lined up to get, which was my 3-5 year plan). I moved back home to Maryland, applied to well over 70 positions, and did countless interviews. All I wanted was A JOB. I really did not care what job it was at that point. The day I started at DTC, I did not just start a job. I truly started my career.
How did this experience change the course of your life, your career or your outlook from pre-pandemic times.
Pre-pandemic, I had a VERY different picture of what my professional career path looked like. This job, and these people, have changed that path and my life. They have pushed me both personally and professionally, in ways I could never have imagined. I do not know what the next 3-5 years has in store, but I could not feel luckier to be in the position I am, working with the amazing individuals I get to work with every single day!
What is one competency or skill you hope to develop in 2022?
I'm hoping to continue to develop my leadership skills in 2022.
What inspires you these days?
Surrounding myself with passionate people who are also pushing themselves to grow and get better is a huge inspiration for me.
At OutGrowth, we believe in preparing the next generation of leaders. What is one resource (book, podcast, article, anything!) you'd recommend to those looking to carve out the time for growth in 2022?
There are two really amazing books I have read recently. Dare to Lead by Brene Brown and Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. Both books are a must-read for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills.
What's next? What are your next steps toward growth in 2022?
I am working on getting myself more involved in development opportunities in 2022. I'm looking for networking events and/or workshops to attend to continue to push myself. I'm ready to get out of my comfort zone and change things up a bit!
Victoria Doda is a fun-loving, go-with-the-flow city girl born and raised in South Baltimore, with a passion for all things creative. She loves learning new things and meeting new people, and she wholeheartedly believes in the power of positive thinking.