Grit Over Credentials: How Shanbor Found His Place at Chillibreeze

Grit Over Credentials: How Shanbor Found His Place at Chillibreeze

Into the Unknown: Discovering My Contribution at Chillibreeze
By Shanbor Thabah

A Leap of Faith

Have you ever looked at your life and felt like you were meant for something more?

That was me, a Sociology graduate working in sales and customer care. Those jobs gave me experience, but not fulfilment. I longed for growth, for purpose, and for a place where I could truly contribute.

One day, I came across a vacancy for an IT role at Chillibreeze. I had no background in IT and had already faced rejection from other companies when applying for similar roles. I told myself this would be the last attempt.

What gave me courage was a simple line on the recruitment page:

“Tech-savvy people can apply for IT roles.”

That short statement sparked something in me. I decided to take the leap into the unknown.

I didn’t know then that this decision would transform me, not only as a professional but as a person.

Who I Am

My name is Shanbor Thabah. I studied Sociology (B.A.), and now I work in IT.

At first glance, those two fields might seem unrelated, but for me, they connect in meaningful ways. Sociology taught me how to understand people, and I now bring that perspective into technology and design. Whether I’m solving a technical issue or improving a user experience, I think about how it impacts the person on the other side.

I’m a curious person by nature. I enjoy learning about things I don’t fully understand yet—it’s what keeps me moving forward. Recently, I’ve been exploring how AI can be used in design to create more value for the work we do for our customers. It’s an unknown journey. There have been fruitful moments, and a few setbacks—but that’s part of the process. That’s how we learn.

Looking ahead, I want to keep experimenting with new ideas, especially where people, design, and technology meet. My goal is simple: to use what I know and what I learn to create work that is meaningful, practical, and adds real value for others.

The Struggle That Became a Turning Point

Walking into IT with no background was overwhelming. At one point, I was being followed up constantly on projects that were progressing slowly. Instead of creating value, I felt like I was consuming others’ time and energy. It was discouraging, and I questioned if I really belonged here.

Then came the realization: I was working in isolation, trying to do everything on my own. That approach simply didn’t work.

The breakthrough came when I began to collaborate. I opened up, leaned on my teammates, and started sharing the responsibility. Progress accelerated almost instantly. That experience taught me that growth doesn’t come from going it alone.

“True contribution is discovered not in isolation, but in collaboration.”

This lesson reshaped my approach to work and to life. It showed me what Chillibreeze is really about: becoming better together by embodying practices like service mindset, open-mindedness, grit, and care.

Transformation Beyond Skills

Yes, I learned IT skills on the job. But the transformation went deeper.

I learned to persevere with grit, to embrace challenges with an open mind, and to own my actions with integrity. I discovered the value of a service mindset, not just doing tasks, but making it easier for others to succeed.

These guiding practices became more than principles on a page, they became habits, shaping my character and the way I live each day. This was growth that extended beyond the workplace into who I am becoming as a person.

A Bigger Story at Work

Looking back, my journey reflects something larger than myself. Chillibreeze is not just a place that gives jobs, it’s a place that helps people uncover their purpose, transform their lives, and add value to those around them.

I entered unsure, underqualified on paper, and full of doubts. What I found was a company that looked beyond credentials and chose to believe in potential. That trust pushed me to rise, to collaborate, and to discover my unique contribution.

A Note to Job Seekers and Newcomers

If you’re reading this and wondering where you fit in, or if you feel held back by your background, let my story encourage you: your degree or past experience does not define your contribution.

What matters is your character, your grit, your openness, and your willingness to grow. At Chillibreeze, you won’t just find a role, you’ll find a journey that challenges you, stretches you and transforms you.