Seasonal Gifts: Finding Lessons in Virtual Training “Fails”

The holiday season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and growth—a moment to look back and unwrap the gifts of the past year. But not all gifts arrive neatly tied with a bow. Some come disguised as moments we’d rather forget: those cringe-worthy incidents that make our hearts race and our palms sweat. For me, as a virtual trainer, these moments seemed mortifying at first. But with time, thoughtfulness, and a bit of holiday spirit, I came to see them as invaluable lessons.

Let me share three such moments—each a fright on its own, but ultimately transformed into a gift of self-discovery and improvement.

When the Internet Went Dark

It was a high-stakes webinar with hundreds of attendees. I was delivering what I hoped would be a seamless, meaningful presentation when it happened—my internet suddenly cut out. One moment, I was in control; the next, I was staring at the blank void of disconnection. Panic set in as I imagined hundreds of people waiting, confused and frustrated.

But then instinct took over. I grabbed my phone, activated its hotspot, and rejoined the session. “Well, that was unexpected!” I announced, trying to keep my voice steady. To my surprise, the audience responded with grace. Comments flooded in: “Tech happens!” and “We’ve all been there.”

What felt like a disaster turned into a moment of connection. My audience wasn’t judging me—they were empathizing. And I realized something powerful: things don’t have to be perfect to be effective. That day, I gained courage and resilience, a reminder that I can adapt and find a way forward, no matter the circumstances. What began as a fright turned into a lesson in strength, and for that, I’m truly thankful.

The Day a Spider Took the Spotlight

It was an ordinary virtual session until it wasn’t. Midway through my presentation, a spider descended from the ceiling, landing squarely in my lap. Instinctively, I screamed—loudly—directly into my microphone. The chat immediately exploded with messages ranging from “What’s happening?” to “Are you under attack?”

Embarrassment doesn’t begin to describe how I felt. I’d startled my audience and likely hurt their ears. But as the initial horror faded, I explained what had happened. Laughter rippled through the virtual room, and someone joked, “We’ve all been ambushed by spiders before!”

Reflecting later, I realized how much power I had given to small fears. That spider wasn’t out to ruin my session; it was just existing in its own tiny world. The experience gave me perspective: why let fear—of spiders, of embarrassment, of imperfection—hold me back? While I won’t say I’ve become a fan of arachnids, I’m thankful for the lesson they taught me about courage and letting go.

When “Romper Room” Nearly Broke Me

This one hurt the most. I had just stepped into a leadership role on a new digital team, and my debut webinar product was a bright, colorful, and interactive showcase of what I envisioned for the future. It wasn’t just a training session; it was my introduction, my first chance to make an impression as a leader.

But when the feedback rolled in, a comment from one influential and long-standing company leader hit like a gut punch: he called it “Romper Room.”

Romper Room?! The playful children’s TV show? My work—my carefully crafted, joyful approach to engagement—had been dismissed as frivolous and childish. In his eyes, I had failed, and as the “new kid” on the team, the weight of that judgment crushed me.

I wanted to retreat, to dull my creative spark so I wouldn’t stand out in the wrong way again. But as the sting of his words began to fade, I realized something profound. Not everyone will understand or value my approach, and that’s okay. My job isn’t to please everyone—it’s to make an impact.

That feedback forced me to confront my own insecurities. Did I believe in what I was doing? Could I stand by my vision even when someone influential didn’t see its value? The answer, I decided, was yes. That day, I gained resilience and clarity. I chose to embrace my authenticity and to focus on the people who would see my vision for what it was: bold, engaging, and meaningful.

Looking back now, I’m grateful for that painful moment. It taught me the power of self-belief and reminded me that growth often comes from the hardest lessons.

The Gift of Perspective

Each of these moments began as a fright, a challenge that left me questioning myself and my work. But through reflection and a little holiday spirit, I’ve come to see them differently. They’re reminders of the resilience we all possess, the power of connection, and the importance of staying true to ourselves.

In the frightful moments of failure, we find opportunities for thoughtfulness. And with thoughtfulness, we can cultivate gratitude—for the lessons learned, the strength gained, and the growth that follows.

As you navigate your own challenges, I encourage you to look for the gifts hidden within. What moments made you cringe, only to teach you something invaluable? What failures became the foundation for your growth?

This holiday season, let’s celebrate not just the joys but also the struggles that shape us. May your season be filled with light, laughter, and the unexpected gifts that come from embracing life’s imperfect, beautiful moments.

With sparkle, I wish you all a season full of happiness and joy!