Be Your Own Stem Cell: Repair, Regrow, Reinvent

There’s a weirdly comforting thought I came across recently: even as fully grown adults, we still have stem cells lying around. Just hanging out. Waiting for an emergency, or a growth spurt, or possibly a nervous breakdown to spring into action.

In biology, stem cells are like interns with unlimited potential—they can turn into muscle, brain, or even the lining of your gut (which, let's be honest, is how many of us start our careers anyway).

And sure, most of our cells have already “differentiated”—a nice way of saying, “they’ve chosen a path and now do one thing forever.” Sound familiar?

But the good news? You’re not stuck. You’re just highly specialised… with options.

The Science Bit (Don’t Skip It, It’s Fun)

Adult humans still have stem cells. They don’t make us new people, but they do patch things up—new neurons in the brain, fresh skin, repaired muscles after we pretend we’re still 25 and do a fun run without training.

Researchers have found that physical activity, learning new things, even social connection can help activate these cells. You know what doesn’t activate them? Endless meetings and passive-aggressive email chains.

Workplace Translation: You Can Still Become Something Else

Maybe you’ve been in your role a long time. Maybe you’re running low on enthusiasm, purpose, or caffeine. That doesn’t mean it’s over. It just means your internal “regeneration team” is waiting for a signal.

Sometimes the signal is burnout. Sometimes it’s boredom. Sometimes it’s your boss telling you they’ve reorganised your job out of existence.

But here’s the truth: you can retrain, reinvent, repurpose. You can activate your latent potential. Maybe not to become an astronaut or Olympic diver—but certainly a more flexible, future-ready version of yourself.

How to Be Your Own Stem Cell

So, how do I spark this transformation? Here are a few ideas.

  • Switch on your learning pathways – Try something new, even if it’s weird (especially if it’s weird).

  • Get uncomfortable (in a good way) – Growth doesn’t happen in the break room.

  • Question the job title trap – You’re not just “Head of Compliance”. You’re also a mentor, facilitator, strategist, part-time conflict defuser, and likely, a professional snack procurement specialist.

  • Avoid becoming scar tissue – If you’ve had a tough work chapter, don’t calcify. Regrow.

Final Thought

Being your own stem cell means seeing possibilities where others see limits. It means knowing you’re not too old, too late, or too locked-in to become something new. It means recognising that growth is a biological and professional imperative.

So the next time someone asks what your five-year plan is, feel free to say: “I’m in regeneration mode.” And then quietly go become something incredible.

Gayle Smerdon