Oh man, I remember I was about a week on the job in a new role as associate director of research at a diabetes clinic. It was a big role, and I knew I had to exude an air of confidence and authority to put ppls minds at ease that I was the right pick for the job. We had just hired a new consulting doctor who was making the rounds meeting all the managers. I have always had trouble with vowels, and in particular the word “associate” was very hard to say fluently. When it came my turn to introduce myself, I struggled and what eeked our was “ass-ass-ass-ass-um-ass-uh-ass-ass-ass” and then forced out the rest. The CEO who promoted me, as well the other directors were all standing there when it happened. Everyone was cool about it, but damn... back to square 1 with having to prove myself all over again.