A conversation between Catherine Pitt and
Abdou ndour Ndiaye
I first participated in a Force-N Bootcamp with Beautiful Soul in 2023 whilst I was studying Digital Entrepreneurship, Video Editing and Telecom networks.
This was a transformative experience for me. During the Bootcamp, I realised that whilst the technical skills I am learning at University are important, there are many other ‘soft skills’ such as punctuality, expressing my opinions and communication which are also essential for succeeding in life.
In particular, I was given the opportunity during the Bootcamp to overcome my innate shyness by speaking in public. Usually, whilst I often take initiative and have ideas, if I try to speak in public I just lose my words so I remain in the background and let others take the lead.
Here at the Bootcamp, I took the microphone and spoke not just once but three times in front of 100 people! When we had to introduce ourselves I felt everyone’s eyes fixed on me. I was so nervous. My hands were trembling but I just closed my eyes and forgot about the people around me and spoke. I then spoke two other times during our group work. As it happened I was in a group of people who were all a bit shy so I just had to step up. I still felt nervous and my voice was wobbling but I let my thoughts and words flow freely…
Afterwards I felt SO liberated, I hadn’t felt I could speak out and take the floor and during the Bootcamp I discovered my capacity to do so !
Since then my awareness and knowledge of the importance of soft skills has continued to increase. During the Bootcamp I identified that I really need to work on my punctuality as I tend to procrastinate a lot. I have been using my outlook and google calendars to organize my time better. Before everything used to be in sprint mode, pulling all nighters to get my work finished. Now that my time is more organized I feel freer, relieved and I have more energy as I am getting more rest.
My confidence has also increased. Before when applying for jobs and internships I would be too nervous to even attend the interview in person. Yet since the Bootcamp I have applied for and attended 4 job interviews. Before I used to think about everything that could go wrong, losing my words, making mistakes and doubting my abilities. I then thought to myself What if I thought positively instead? So during an interview I had with Beautiful Soul even though I felt panicked I took a deep breath and went in with a positive mindset. It ended up being the most fluid interview; my answers just came out naturally and I was recruited!
Fast forward to 2024, I then found myself not as a participant at a Bootcamp, but working as an Assistant for Beautiful Soul supporting them to lead a Bootcamp for the next batch of young people with Force N. It was amazing to be there this time supporting groups of 200-300 young people, as they called me to their tables to ask for assistance and then listened to my advice and ideas. Previously I would have been too shy and doubtful of my capacities, but now I know that I can do it and that people listen to me.
Thank you to Force-N and Beautiful Soul for the head start you have given me !
Catherine Pitt
catherine@beautifulsoul.sn