From Comfort Zone to Cultural Connection: Ginny Overbay’s Czech Republic Journey

When Ginny Overbay stepped off the plane in Prague for her summer internship at the Institute of Thermomechanics, she was embarking on more than just a professional experience—she was putting her Caldwell Fellowship principles to the ultimate test. Working alone in a foreign country for the first time, Ginny discovered how the leadership lessons she’d learned in the program would guide her through unexpected challenges and extraordinary opportunities.

Embracing the Unknown with an Open Mind

The cornerstone of Ginny’s transformative summer was her commitment to maintaining an open mindset, a key lesson from her Caldwell experience. “If I focus on adopting an open mindset, I am much more likely to learn, have new experiences, and develop closer relationships because I am comfortable with the unknown,” she reflects. This philosophy proved essential as she navigated heavy machinery, complex coding processes, and mathematical models in her research role.

Her openness extended beyond the laboratory. When coworkers invited her to go rock climbing, Ginny found herself “dangling off the side of a cliff in a foreign country”—a moment that crystallized how stepping outside her comfort zone had become a pathway to growth. “Many parts of this experience were unfamiliar, but I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to navigate them,” she shared.

Servant Leadership in Action: Situational Adaptability

Ginny’s approach to leadership during her internship exemplified the servant leadership principles central to the Caldwell program. Rather than imposing a rigid leadership style, she embraced situational leadership—adapting her approach based on the needs of her team and circumstances.

Early in her internship, as she learned the technical aspects of her role, Ginny took a more observational leadership stance, asking questions and researching independently to gain a deeper understanding. By the end of her stay, she had evolved into a mentor role, training a new intern and sharing her accumulated knowledge. “I believe that adaptability and flexibility characterized my leadership approach for this summer,” she noted.

I believe that adaptability and flexibility characterized my leadership approach for this summer.

Cultural Humility as Leadership Practice

Perhaps most significantly, Ginny applied the Caldwell principle of cultural humility to navigate the complex multicultural environment of the Institute of Thermomechanics. Working with colleagues from around the globe, she had to find ways to build meaningful relationships across cultural and language barriers while remaining “professional and friendly without being bothersome or too forward.”

Drawing from the program’s emphasis on citizenship, Ginny practiced a leadership model centered on cultural humility: “to be open rather than assume, learn rather than know, and to constantly reflect.” This approach not only helped her succeed professionally but also enriched her personal experience immeasurably.

A Moment of Connection and Belonging

The pinnacle of Ginny’s experience came during the Institute’s annual afternoon party, where she witnessed the power of servant leadership in creating community. Sitting beside interns from France, listening to traditional Czech music performed by her coworkers, and engaging in conversations about Indian, Irish, and Turkish customs, she experienced a profound sense of connection.

“Sitting in the afternoon sun, hearing music and laughter brought me such a feeling of peace and belonging, and the moment encapsulated the joy that I felt through learning and experiencing new ways of life,” she recalled. This moment embodied the Caldwell ideal of servant leadership—not about directing others, but about creating spaces where various perspectives can flourish and genuine community can emerge.

Lessons for Future Fellows

Ginny’s advice to incoming Caldwell Fellows reflects her understanding that servant leadership begins with showing up authentically: “Show up, sign up, and dream big.” Her experience demonstrates that the most meaningful leadership often happens when we approach new situations with curiosity rather than assumptions, and when we prioritize learning and relationship-building over demonstrating what we already know.

Her journey from a mechanical engineering student to a confident cross-cultural collaborator illustrates how the Caldwell program’s emphasis on servant leadership, cultural humility, and active citizenship can transform not just individual careers, but entire communities. In the Czech Republic, Ginny didn’t just complete an internship—she embodied the Caldwell ideal of leadership as service, creating connections that transcended cultural boundaries and contributing to a more inclusive, collaborative research environment.

Through her willingness to be vulnerable, curious, and adaptive, Ginny Overbay exemplified how true servant leadership emerges not from authority or expertise, but from the courage to remain open to learning and the commitment to lifting others as we climb.