Giving back: Three things I would tell my younger self 

AO CMF North America’s Travis Tollefson, professor and director at UC Davis Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, reflects on three key lessons he would share with his younger self.  

The younger me would have benefited from coaching, mentorship and sponsorship.  

1. Be courageous and step up for yourself

When I found myself thinking about why I was not asked to lecture, I would have told a younger me that I should volunteer. I should be uncomfortable. There is a great old quote: "Courage is what you do when you don't think you can, and you do it anyway."

2. Collaborate and be open to being wrong 

When I asked myself “Is that person doing better than I am?” I would have advised a younger me to invite that person for a coffee and to collaborate on a project. I would have told the younger me to be open to being wrong.  

3. You become a leader by beginning to lead

When I wondered how I would learn to lead, I would have told a younger me to just begin when an opportunity arises, there is no right time and confidence comes with experience.