Talk To People That Intimidate You

No matter how good you are there is probably someone in your field that intimidates you to some degree. This doesn't mean you feel unsafe around them or that they are actively trying to make you feel dumb. I'm talking about people who are knowledgeable enough about the topic at hand that you know you'll need to work hard to get the most out of the interaction with them.

These should be people are you really respect and you know except a lot of others. Talking to these people should act as a forcing function to come into conversations prepared. If you're asking technical questions, put in the work ahead of time so you can explain clearly what you're trying to do and what you've tried. Articulate your assumptions. Anticipate questions. Read up on the technology in play so you have context for the answers.

Make sure you're coming in with the knowledge to get the most out of the conversation but don't use the time to try to show this person how much you know. Ask questions you actually want to know the answers to, not ones that prove you understand what you're talking about.

Purposely seek out these conversations with people who don't feel totally "safe" and use that mild discomfort as motivation to bring your best self to the interaction.