Level 50 Unlocked: From Behind the Computer Screen to in Front of UC

By Melissa Katzin

Eight months, at least two meetings a month, and A LOT of peopling?! That was my honest first thought when I considered committing to the UCOP Mentorship Program. Like many tech professionals, I was a confident expert behind the computer screen, yet less comfortable when the spotlight turned to me. Also, someone close to me once shared that the worst thing was for no one at work to know you. Well, after six years, very few people at UC knew me, and I knew very few people either. These realizations showed me that at 50 years old and after 20+ years in the tech industry, I needed to level up my “human” skills. So, sign up I did! 

When I received the official email confirming my mentor match, I knew the commitment was real, and it was the catalyst I desperately needed. No backing out now, I’m in it to win it! I was equally excited and scared all at the same time! 

This moment of decisive action—saying yes to the peopling—became the perfect launchpad for my “Better Me, Better World” project, which was the final component of a demanding executive leadership program I had undertaken. The mentorship program was the ultimate expression of the project’s goal: to translate my technical ambition into collaborative influence. My mentor, Roshni, encouraged me to embrace visibility, which quickly led to my involvement in the ITS Engagement Committee. This led to my coordinating a professional field trip to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Supercomputer, which was enjoyed by all. Beena Albert wrote a fantastic article about the event which can be read here. I quickly realized that high-level technical skill must be paired with professional connection and networking to drive true influence. 

My project titled The 5-Point Transformation: Introspection, Influence, and Impact, revealed a simple truth: Introspection fuels Impact. It wasn’t about strategy; it was about self-awareness, personal growth, and, most importantly, learning to lead away from the keyboard. 

Phase 1: The Non-Negotiable Necessity of Learning 

My project was built on five measurable goals across five areas: Intellectual Pursuits, Ethics, Service to Others, Physical Development, and Emotional Care. While the Mentorship goal got me out the door, my commitment to continuous learning gave me the confidence to stay there. 

The Streak: Discipline Built on TryHackMe (Intellectual Pursuits Goal) 

In the rapidly evolving cybersecurity environment, staying current isn’t optional, it’s the price of admission. My Intellectual Pursuits goal became my greatest surprise and my core technical foundation. What started as a goal of one hour of study a day turned into a relentless, high-wattage drive. I consistently logged 12 hours of study weekly, achieving a continuous study streak on TryHackMe. In the gaming world, this is how you ‘Level Up’ your character; in the professional world, this is how you level up your career. 

This achievement wasn’t just technically upskilling; it was proof of an intrinsic, previously unknown capacity for extreme discipline. That streak became the foundation of my professional confidence, allowing me to speak with authority not just about my current role, but about the future of technology, which is a key trait for any leader, from a coffee meetup to a Zoom meeting. 

Phase 2: From Individual Action to Organizational Impact 

The discipline I found behind the keyboard could now translate directly into organizational success. The true “Better World” component of the project was the evolution of my Service to Others goal. It began simply: writing 100 postcards to voters in low voting areas. This quickly evolved into supporting larger events and, eventually, accepting the request to serve as the Treasurer for the local civic chapter, Vallejo-Benicia Indivisible. 

This shift from a small, individual task to a formal financial and operational leadership role was the ultimate expression of how personal commitment transformed into public contribution. It required me to apply my developing skills in Strategic Planning, Resource Allocation, and Organizational Accountability in a high-stakes, real-world context outside of my day job. It continues to grow today. 

Phase 3: The Ongoing Work of Resilience 

The goals focused on personal Introspection taught me the value of vulnerability and sustained effort. While my Physical Development (Get More Sleep) and Emotional Care (Ask for Help) goals continue to be a work-in-progress, they provided the greatest life lesson: Vulnerability is a Strength! 

I gained the courage to share my personal struggles with close friends and family. This vulnerability immediately created a powerful, vital support system that has made professional and personal challenges much more manageable.

At 50 I have changes going on I didn’t understand, so I kept them to myself. Then keeping it to myself just made it worse because you are alone. Let me tell you something, you can’t be a successful leader if you’re trying to manage everything on your own and in isolation. You can’t be a strong wife, mother, daughter, sister, person, human, etc. when you are suffering in silence. The old saying “It takes a village” wasn’t just referring to raising kids! Success comes from the work of teams and it took this project for me to remember I had one on my side at home too. 

Lessons Learned: Recommendations for Future Leaders 

This project provided invaluable takeaways that apply to any student, staff member, or leader looking to maximize their impact: 

1. Step Out of the Box: Find a non-technical volunteer or leadership role (like a committee chair or civic treasurer). If you are a student, find a mentor or join a campus organization that forces you to use your skills in a new way. Influence requires visibility and collaboration. Check out the UC Peer Connections! 

2. Never Stop Learning: Continuous upskilling (like TryHackMe) is the only way to remain relevant and confident. Dedicate non-negotiable time each day/week to master a new skill relevant to your goals. 

3. Prioritize the Foundation: Resilience starts with self-care. I recommend prioritizing physical development and emotional support first. Building a resilient foundation of health is critical to preventing burnout when you add intensive professional and educational commitments. 

4. Embrace Evolution: Don’t be constrained by your initial objective. My postcard goal evolved into a Treasurer role. The greatest impact often comes from seizing unexpected leadership opportunities that align with your deepest values. 

This article is me taking my own advice—choosing to share the journey and be vulnerable to demonstrate that the connection between a Better Me and a Better World is simply the courage to share. 

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