Marta-Katrina Tobiase On How to Go Beyond Your Comfort Zone to Grow Both Personally and Professionally
An Interview With Maria Angelova
Surround yourself with supportive people: surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you. Find a mentor or accountability partner who can guide you and provide constructive feedback. For example, if you want to become an actor, find a mentor who has experience in the industry and can provide guidance on how to succeed.
It feels most comfortable to stick with what we are familiar with. But anyone who has achieved great success will tell you that true growth comes from pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. What are some ways that influential people have pushed themselves out of their comfort zone to grow both personally and professionally? As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Marta-Katrina Tobiase.
Marta-Katrina Tobiase is a Director of User Experience at the two largest talent platforms in the US — allcasting and KidsCasting. With over a decade of experience in branding, creative leadership, and product development, she now helps over 7 million talents to get the most desirable gigs in Hollywood — from being an extra in a mass scene in a movie to walking the runway during New York Fashion Week. “Anything is possible”, she says. “You should only believe yourself and… from time to time, step out of your comfort zone!”
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
My childhood was quite diverse and multicultural despite my parents being scientists. We come from an international background — I am from a Jewish family with German and French blood, and part of our family migrated to the US during the war, so cross-cultural curiosity has always been in me since the very early childhood. My family also enjoyed consuming entertainment in the form of books and theatre. So, while it may appear that I come from a family with a strict focus on science and medicine, we appreciate and enjoy the arts as well.
Growing up, I was quite shy and struggled to fit in at times, and my tendency to move from one school to another only added to my woes. It was not until I enrolled in an international school that I found myself at ease, surrounded by kids from diverse backgrounds who understood and accepted me. This newfound confidence led me to pursue my passion for the arts, especially painting, which eventually led me to the world of entertainment.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
One lesson that has stayed with me throughout my life is to always take the high road. When faced with adversity, my mother would always say, “never be a snitch.” Instead of complaining or tattling on others, I was encouraged to be the bigger person, to rise above negativity, and handle things myself. This mindset has served me well in adulthood, and I always try to find solutions to my problems rather than dwell on them. However, it is equally important to know when to ask for help, as no one can do everything alone.
Is there a particular book, podcast, or film that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
There are plenty of podcasts and books that have made an impact in my life, but books have always been a primary source of inspiration for me. Amongst all the authors I have read, Oscar Wilde stands out in particular. His writing resonates with me like no other, and I find myself constantly drawn to his works.
Wilde’s wit and humor never cease to amaze me. He has a unique ability to find pleasure in the hardships of life and show us how to do the same. He reminds us that life is an art, and we should always prioritize our own happiness over everything else.
I discovered Oscar Wilde at a young age, around fourteen years old. I was watching a theatre performance of “A Woman of No Importance” when I first heard his words spoken aloud. The dialogues and monologues were so brilliantly written that I was immediately captivated. From that moment on, I began to delve deeper into his works and explore the vast array of topics he covers, from love and life to society and morality.
His witty and humorous approach to life is truly inspiring. I especially like the quote “to define is to limit” which highlights the idea that we shouldn’t put labels on things or ourselves as it can restrict our potential. It’s essential to embrace our true selves and not be afraid to be who we are. As Wilde once said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” It’s a powerful message that reminds us that we have the power to live the life we want to live.
His quotes also encourage us to focus on our pleasure and happiness, which is so important in a world that can often be challenging. As he once said, “Pleasure is the only thing worth having a theory about.” It’s a reminder to prioritize our own happiness and not be afraid to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Reading Wilde’s works has taught me a great deal about myself and how to navigate the world around me. His writing is timeless, and the lessons he imparts are as relevant today as they were during his time. I believe that everyone should take the time to read his works and discover for themselves the joys of Oscar Wilde’s brilliant mind.
Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. Let’s start with a basic definition so that all of us are on the same page. What does “getting outside of your comfort zone” mean?
To me, getting out of your comfort zone means purposefully challenging yourself and doing things that are uncomfortable, or where you do not fully feel in control. And taking risks and doing something outside of our comfort zone can be a scary prospect for many. However, the rewards of such actions can be immeasurable. It’s like standing at the edge of a cliff, you may feel apprehensive about taking the leap, but once you jump, the thrill of it is indescribable.
Before starting my career in show business, I worked at an e-commerce agency, but I reached a point where I yearned for a significant change in my life. My job no longer brought me joy, and I craved a new beginning. When I came across this opportunity, I knew that this was it — this was where I belonged. Now, I have the privilege of working alongside Hollywood’s finest brands, empowering over 6 million individuals to make their mark in the industry. It’s a feeling like no other, knowing that my work is making a real difference in people’s lives.
For me, it wasn’t easy to break into the entertainment industry, especially with a family background that viewed it as an unstable career choice. But I took the leap of faith, and when the opportunity came knocking, I didn’t shy away. I landed a job during the most uncertain time — the Covid pandemic, but I didn’t let fear hold me back. And it paid off. Initially, I felt apprehensive about taking the leap because it was far beyond my comfort zone. However, I mustered up the courage to take the risk.
As the saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens. And sometimes, the only way to open that door is to take a chance and just do it. Life is all about taking chances and exploring the unknown. It’s the moments of uncertainty that can lead us to the greatest opportunities and experiences.
In my current role, I have the privilege of working with two significant projects — allcasting and KidsCasting — which have amassed over 7 million active subscribers. Each day, I witness individuals stepping out of their comfort zones and challenging themselves in ways they never thought possible. I’m often approached with questions on how to land a gig or secure a casting call, and my response is always the same — take a leap of faith and step out of your comfort zone! Engage in small but meaningful actions every day that you wouldn’t typically do and transform each day into a learning experience. Are you keen on singing but too scared to try? Why not sign up for a private singing class? Do you have insecurities related to your appearance? Consider taking professional photos — the results may astound you. Have you always wanted to try acting but never had the courage? Start with a small supporting role. Remember, life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all, as Helen Keller famously said!
Can you help articulate a few reasons why it is important to get out of your comfort zone?
It’s true that if you want to open new doors in your life, sometimes you need a different key. The key can be your experiences, and it’s up to you to seek out new ones that can help you level up and improve your life. If you keep doing the same things over and over, you’ll just stay in the same place, but if you want to go somewhere new and achieve more, you must do something different.
And when I say, “do more,” I don’t necessarily mean quantity — it could be about the quality of what you do, like challenging yourself to wake up earlier or taking on a new skill or hobby. Making small changes like these can lead to big improvements in your life, and you might even surprise yourself with what you’re capable of achieving. The first and most important aspect of this is starting — once you get into momentum, it’ll become a natural part of your routine.
So don’t be afraid to try something new and unlock a new door for yourself. With a little effort and the right key, you never know what exciting opportunities might be waiting on the other side.
Is it possible to grow without leaving your comfort zone? Can you explain what you mean?
Stepping out of your comfort zone can be daunting, but it’s essential for vertical growth. While horizontal growth can come from accumulating experience, to climb the ladder vertically, you must be willing to take risks and open new doors. Even in the entertainment industry, we see many success stories of those who dared to do something different.
One such example is director Steven Spielberg, who famously snuck onto a film studio tour and started making connections, paving the way for his future success. Similarly, Millie Bobby Brown’s parents took a big risk by moving from the UK to the US to support their daughter’s acting career, which has paid off immensely. From my work, one of the most inspiring examples I can think of is a high-school science teacher Michael, who used to go to the gym during his free time and has signed up with our platform. Immediately, he published some pictures and got invited to participate in acting and modeling gigs. From teaching at school to becoming a fitness model at 50+, how exciting is that!
Can you share some anecdotes from your personal experience? Can you share a story about a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone and how it helped you grow? How does it feel to take those first difficult steps?
Of course, success stories aren’t just limited to Hollywood. For me personally, it was overcoming social anxiety and learning to initiate conversations and approach people with confidence. It was awkward at first, but it allowed me to grow and become the person I wanted to be. Protecting ourselves from being exposed in life is the biggest reason why we stay in our comfort zones. As humans, we are terrified of failing and be seen as odd, or wrong. I remember at work, when I started, I was asked to prepare a presentation for nearly 300 colleagues and was paired with another colleague of mine. Being naturally introverted and anxious, I was practicing a lot and during the presentation had a rush of adrenaline, so my nervousness faded away. After the presentation, I admitted to my colleague that I was so nervous, but she did an amazing job. And you know what — she told me exactly the same!
So if you’re looking to level up your life, don’t be afraid to do something different. Whether it’s trying a new hobby or pursuing a new career, the key is to take that first step and see where it takes you. Who knows, you may surprise yourself with what you’re capable of achieving.
Here is the central question of our discussion. What are your “five ways to push past your comfort zone, to grow both personally and professionally”?
Here are five ways to push past your comfort zone and grow both personally and professionally:
- Set clear and specific goals: to achieve success, having a clear vision is essential. Identify your goals and write them down. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For instance, if you want to become an actor, set a goal to attend acting classes for six months and submit five applications per week to allcasting.com.
- Step out of your comfort zone: growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Start doing things that scare you or make you uncomfortable. For example, if you’re an introvert, try attending networking events or public speaking engagements to become more comfortable with public interactions.
- Take action: taking action is the most important step in achieving your goals. Start small and take consistent action towards your goals. For example, if you want to be a model, it could be a good idea to enroll in a modeling school, get good headshots and actively look for opportunities to get exposure.
- Embrace failure: failure is a part of the growth process. Don’t be afraid to fail, instead embrace it and learn from it. For instance, if you don’t get accepted for an acting role, ask for feedback and work on improving your skills.
- Surround yourself with supportive people: surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you. Find a mentor or accountability partner who can guide you and provide constructive feedback. For example, if you want to become an actor, find a mentor who has experience in the industry and can provide guidance on how to succeed.
Remember, growth and success are a journey, not a destination. Pushing past your comfort zone takes time, effort, and perseverance, but with the right mindset and actions, you can achieve your goals and dreams.
From your experience or perspective, what are some of the common barriers that keep someone from pushing out of their comfort zone?
Lack of self-confidence and fear often go hand in hand, leading people to hold back and not fully pursue their dreams. In my work, I’ve seen firsthand how this can impact people’s ability to apply for casting calls or put themselves out there in other ways.
Some people don’t fully complete their applications, leaving out important information or even forgetting to include photos. This lack of effort can be a major roadblock to success. After all, if you don’t believe in yourself enough to present yourself well, how can you expect a casting director or anyone else to take you seriously?
However, if you truly want something badly enough, you may become so determined that you forget about your fear and lack of confidence. You may even become a little bit delusional, believing in yourself and your abilities so much that you’re willing to take big risks and put yourself out there.
So, the key to overcoming fear and self-doubt is to want your goals badly enough that you’re willing to put in the effort and take risks. With determination and perseverance, you can push past your comfort zone and achieve great things.
There is a well-known quote attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt that says, “Do something that scares you every day”. What exactly does this mean to you? Is there inherent value in doing something that pushes you out of your comfort zone, even if it does not relate to personal or professional growth? For example, if one is uncomfortable about walking alone at night should they purposely push themselves to do it often for the sake of going beyond their comfort zone? Can you please explain what you mean?
The quote by Eleanor Roosevelt to “do something that scares you every day” holds a lot of meaning to me. To me, it means that we should be constantly pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones and taking risks, even if they may seem scary or unfamiliar. I believe that there is inherent value in doing something that pushes us out of our comfort zone, as it helps us to grow and develop as individuals. This growth may not always be related to personal or professional growth, but it can still have a positive impact on our lives.
For example, if someone is uncomfortable with walking alone at night, it may be beneficial for them to purposely push themselves to do it often for the sake of going beyond their comfort zone. By doing so, they may come to realize that their fear was unwarranted and that they are capable of handling themselves in that situation. This can lead to a sense of empowerment and confidence that can spill over into other areas of their life.
I believe that when we do something that scares us, we also have the opportunity to lose our fear. By facing our fears and realizing that the risks and dangers we imagine in our heads are not always as big as we think, we can overcome our fears and become more resilient.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
As someone who believes in taking risks and overcoming fear, if I could inspire a movement, it would be to encourage people to face their fears and not let them hold them back from living their best lives. We often perceive things as risky or scary when in reality they pose little actual danger. Robert Greene’s book, co-authored with 50 Cent, explores this concept and how fear can be used to protect ourselves, but also how we can use it incorrectly. By challenging ourselves to do things that scare us, we can grow and achieve things we never thought possible. So, my movement would be to empower people to push past their fears and take risks, leading to personal growth and positive change for themselves and the world around them.
Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have lunch with, and why? Maybe we can tag them and see what happens!
If I had the opportunity to have lunch with someone, I would choose Elon Musk. I know some people may find him controversial and even delusional, but I admire his fearlessness and his ability to think outside the box. He’s made some bold decisions in his life that have confused people, but I think that’s what makes him so interesting. I would love to hear about his vision for the future and how he plans to achieve it, especially in terms of his work with SpaceX and his plans for colonizing Mars. It would be fascinating to pick his brain and learn from his experiences.
How can our readers follow you online?
Follow https://entertech.io/, https://allcasting.com/, and https://kidscasting.com/ to explore what today’s entertainment industry offers!
Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent with this. We wish you continued success.
About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at angelova@rebellious-intl.com. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
Marta-Katrina Tobiase On How to Go Beyond Your Comfort Zone to Grow Both Personally and… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.