As I wrap up my sixth week in Berlin, it is hard to believe how quickly this experience is flying by. This week marked a major milestone in my internship as we officially wrapped up Berlin Blockchain Festival, the biggest event of the summer for our team. After weeks of planning, coordinating, and preparing for the festival, it was exciting to finally see everything come together successfully. Since the event ended, much of my work has shifted toward post-festival tasks, including recapping the week, organizing content, reflecting on what went well, and helping tie up all the loose ends that come after a large event. While the festival itself was incredibly exciting, I have also enjoyed seeing the behind-the-scenes work that happens after an event concludes. It has given me a new appreciation for how much effort goes into not only planning an event but also evaluating its success afterward.
Outside of work, I continue to be amazed by how much there is still left to explore in Berlin. Even with six weeks, I feel like I am constantly discovering new places. This week I visited Peacock Island, spent time relaxing at Krumme Lake, and enjoyed several park picnics with my roommate. One of my favorite parts of living abroad has been finding these quieter places throughout the city that allow me to slow down and appreciate everyday life in Berlin. Although I spent last weekend staying in the city, I am looking forward to traveling to Croatia this weekend and escaping the heat wave that is expected to hit Berlin. Having the opportunity to balance work, travel, and cultural exploration has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this experience so far.
When I think about my leadership style before this internship, I would describe it as collaborative and strengths-based. In group projects, organizations, or team settings, I have never been someone who feels the need to lead simply for the sake of being in charge. Instead, I have always believed that leadership should happen naturally when it benefits the group. I often find myself identifying what each person does best and helping organize responsibilities around those strengths. I enjoy making sure everyone has a role where they can contribute effectively, rather than trying to control every aspect of a project myself.
I would also describe myself as an active leader. I prefer leading by participating alongside others rather than directing from the sidelines. Whether it is a class project, an internship assignment, or an extracurricular activity, I like being involved in the work itself. Before coming abroad, I viewed leadership primarily through the lens of teamwork and organization. I thought being a good leader meant helping groups function efficiently and making sure tasks were completed successfully.
However, my internship abroad has challenged and expanded that perspective. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that leadership is not only about guiding other people. It is also about how you handle yourself in unfamiliar situations. Living and working in another country means constantly encountering new challenges, unexpected problems, and situations where there is no clear answer. These experiences have forced me to become more independent and adaptable.
For example, something as simple as taking public transportation can become a leadership lesson. There have been times when I accidentally boarded the wrong train, missed a stop, or found myself unsure of where I was going. At first, those situations felt stressful. But over time, I learned that panicking only makes things worse. Instead, I have developed the ability to stay calm, assess the situation, and figure out the next step. If I am on the wrong train, I can simply get off at the next stop and adjust my route. While this may seem like a small example, it reflects a larger lesson about leadership: maintaining composure when things do not go according to plan.
Working abroad has also shown me the importance of flexibility. During Berlin Blockchain Festival, there were countless moving pieces and situations that required quick adjustments. Events rarely unfold exactly as expected, and successful teams are often the ones that can adapt when challenges arise. Watching how professionals around me handled unexpected situations taught me that leadership is often less about having all the answers and more about responding effectively when circumstances change.
As a result of this experience, I believe I am becoming a better leader in several ways. First, I am learning more about my own capabilities. Living abroad pushes you outside of your comfort zone almost every day, and each challenge successfully navigated builds confidence. Whether it is traveling alone, communicating across cultures, or managing responsibilities in a professional environment, I have proven to myself that I am capable of handling more than I initially thought.
Second, I am becoming more comfortable with uncertainty. Before coming to Berlin, I often preferred having a clear plan and knowing exactly what to expect. While I still appreciate organization, I have learned that some of the best experiences come from situations that cannot be fully planned. This adaptability will be valuable not only in future leadership roles but also throughout my professional career.
Finally, I have learned that leadership involves both individual responsibility and supporting others. By becoming more confident in handling challenges on my own, I am also becoming better equipped to help those around me when difficulties arise. Leadership is not always about being the loudest voice in the room or holding a formal title. Sometimes it is simply about remaining calm, staying positive, and helping a group move forward when obstacles appear.
As I enter the second half of my time abroad, I am excited to continue developing these skills. This experience has shown me that leadership can be found in everyday moments, from managing a major event at work to navigating a confusing train route across the city. Each new challenge provides an opportunity to learn more about myself, strengthen my confidence, and become a more capable leader for whatever opportunities lie ahead.
