By Cabrini Janis John, Senior Manager, Good Shepherd Services, Malaysia

"Moving out of your comfort zone to find new skills for personal growth and career development.” It is a lovely quote. But living it? That is a whole other story.

When I was first offered the opportunity to manage the Green and Resilient Recovery (GRR) Local Action Grant Project under UNDP, I was… well, nervous. The kind of nervousness where you smile politely on the outside, but inside your brain is screaming, “No, thank you! Too big! Too scary!” I had already expressed my concerns: the scale of the project, the expectations, the long list of KPIs, community engagement, reporting requirements, all flashing before my eyes like a dramatic movie trailer.

What caught me off guard was how calm my leaders were. No panic. No doubt. Just a simple and unwavering, “You can do it.” And somehow, that belief rubbed off on me.

Funny how it only takes one person believing in you to make you start believing in yourself.

The GRR Project has since become more than just a task on my desk. It is a part of me. It is where I learned the vocabulary of sustainability: green energy, eco-products, circular economy. But more than that, I got to know the heartbeat of our work, the communities we serve.

Managing two different project sites often felt like raising twins with very different personalities. One community was responsive, cheerful, and ready to collaborate. The other was more reserved. There were days I would show up with full energy, slides prepared, and snacks ready, only to be met by two attendees.

At first, it was discouraging. I questioned whether we were making any real impact. But then I remembered the mission we hold close at Good Shepherd Services in Malaysia. We are not here for applause or instant results. We are here because we believe in people, even when they are not ready. Even when they do not yet believe in themselves.

“A person is of more value than a world.” (St. Mary Euphrasia)

And so, we pressed on. Managing a project like this is a lot like hosting a dinner party where half the guests cancel, the food burns, and you realize someone forgot to bring the rice. In short, it is controlled chaos with a good strategy firmly in mind. Some days go smoothly. Other days, your backup plan needs its own backup plan. There are moments where, despite all your best efforts, things simply do not go the way you envisioned and that is when creativity becomes your best friend. Flexibility becomes your daily mantra. Each challenge faced is a hidden lesson. Each solution found is another invisible badge of honor on your Project Manager sash.

Of course, I was not doing this alone. What made the entire journey more meaningful was the team beside me. A group of passionate, patient, and brave souls (some of whom may have been gently nudged or even dragged onto this rollercoaster with me).

Together, we navigated frustrations, late nights, tight deadlines, and feedback sessions that ranged from enlightening to humbling. But we stayed the course. Together. And now, we are beginning to harvest the fruits of our labor. I have seen each team member step out of their own comfort zones, take ownership, and grow. I hope this journey has given them the strength and clarity they need to fly even higher on their own paths.

This year marks my sixth year with Good Shepherd Services. I began as a Program Officer, unsure, wide-eyed, and quietly terrified. Today, I serve as a Senior Manager. The shoes are bigger, the responsibilities heavier, and the comfort zone no longer exists.

But that is the price of growth, is it not? It does not happen in easy or predictable spaces. It happens when you say “yes”, even when your heart says, “I am not ready.” When you take the risk, even with trembling hands.

For me, it has never been about job titles. It has always been about growth, mission, and giving the very best of myself to something I believe in. Something bigger than me.

“Do all with a great heart.” (St. Mary Euphrasia)

So yes, step out of your comfort zone. Take the opportunity. Say yes, even when your voice shakes. Stretch, stumble, and learn. But always remember that every opportunity is also a responsibility.

“Put your whole soul into the present moment.” (St. Mary Euphrasia)

And that is exactly what I intend to keep doing. Heart full. Spreadsheet open. Snacks on standby. Coffee is always brewing.

Más información sobre los Servicios del Buen Pastor en Malasia aquí.