One of the best ways in which I learn new skills, is by directly immersing myself in new environments that I want to work on, even if those environments are a net new for me (an inspiration from the book Ultralearners). 

In this case, I was working at Google and Julieta Venegas was coming for an interview for the Talks at Google Youtube channel, but the interviewer called in sick the day before. I decided to jump into the opportunity and volunteer for being the interviewer - I had no professional interviewing skills, but I knew my public speaking skills and my ability to listen intently to a speaker during a conversation would serve me well for an unstructured type of interview (i.e. without a script).

Interview can be found in Google's YT channel (here) - I was very nervous before the interview, but I believe it came out very well, receiving great comments from colleagues. I would definitely do it again if i could.

Yet another example of something I had never done before but decided to expose myself to it in order to gain relevant experience and achievement. This time it was hiking in the snow, while wearing backpacks with full camping gear, for my first camping excursion.

It was extremely tough, particularly as I was hiking with a group of very experienced hikers (which helps with feeling secure during the experience, but their pace and expectations do not align with a novice hiker!). However, I kept going with the group - one step at a time, like many things in life.

Completing the Sahale Glacier Trail in Washington State was a test of my physical endurance. This challenging trek taught me vital lessons in perseverance and mental fortitude. Even better: Reaching the top of the mountain and looking at the view (even with the inclement weather) was one of the most satisfying and rewarding experiences of my life.