Two years ago, Maria Lourdes Sanchez had an epiphany. She realized that the best results at work do not come from a single idea or individual effort, but from people meeting halfway, blending their perspectives, and building something together. She calls it a humbling realization as it gave her a professional maturity and taught her when to listen, when to step back, and when to let go of your ego for the team’s greater good.

When Maria joined CriticalRiver as a CC&B Technical Designer/Developer, she thought that she has already given her best at work by meeting expectations and staying committed to her responsibilities. But the new environment, challenges, and interactions quickly changed her thought of growth, not just in skills but in mindset and perspective.

“I became part of a team made up of individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, cultures, and working styles. Each person brought something unique to the table, and I soon realized that true collaboration is not just about sharing tasks. It is about listening, learning, and adapting. I had to let go of the notion that hard work alone was enough, or that having the best idea meant pushing it forward. I learned that real teamwork means creating space for everyone’s voice to shine,” says Maria.

At CriticalRiver, Maria says she learned the value of compassion in the workplace. “Being professional does not mean being detached. It means balancing business goals with empathy, communication, and human connection,” she says.

Working with a diverse team has helped her understand that every person carries their own story, strengths, and struggles, and that trust and support make collaboration so much stronger.

Her experiences taught her that asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength. Offering help, mentoring, encouraging, or simply showing up for others is just as powerful.

“I realized I want to be the kind of professional who not only excels individually but also uplifts others and grows with them. Today, I carry these lessons wherever I go. They remind me that success is not just about individual achievement, but about what we build together with respect, empathy, and diversity.