As we close out 2024 and look toward the promise of a new year, I find myself reflecting on the lessons I’ve gathered over the years—lessons that I wish had been shared with me when I was just starting out. These insights, shaped by my journey through tech and corporate leadership, are ones I hope can inspire younger women entering the workforce, especially in industries that still need more voices like ours.
Here are five lessons I’ve learned—each a compass that has guided me toward success and fulfillment.
1. Networking is Not About Collecting Contacts—It’s About Building Relationships
When I first entered the corporate world, I thought networking meant shaking hands, exchanging business cards, and filling my LinkedIn with as many connections as possible. It took time to realize that true networking isn’t about quantity; it’s about quality.
The most meaningful connections I’ve made came from genuine conversations and a willingness to both give and receive. For instance, one of my early mentors wasn’t someone I sought out for their title but someone I admired for their generosity in sharing knowledge. Our relationship grew into a mentorship that shaped my career.
Tip for Younger Women: Focus on building authentic relationships. Follow up after a meeting with a thoughtful note. Ask how you can help someone before asking for help yourself. The connections you make will be the ones that support and guide you throughout your career.
2. Your Career is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
In my 20s, I was constantly chasing achievements. I wanted the next promotion, the next raise, the next big project. I thought if I wasn’t running full speed ahead, I’d fall behind. What I didn’t realize was that burnout is real, and slowing down to assess where you’re going is just as important as moving forward.
Building a meaningful career is about steady progress. It’s okay to pause and reflect or even to take a detour to explore new opportunities. When I transitioned from hands-on tech work to leadership, it wasn’t a straight path—it was filled with moments of doubt and recalibration. But those moments taught me resilience and gave me clarity about my purpose.
Tip for Younger Women: Don’t compare your timeline to others. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Pace yourself, celebrate your wins, and trust that every step you take is part of your bigger journey.
3. It’s Okay to Outgrow People, Jobs, and Dreams
Letting go has always been hard for me. Early in my career, I clung to jobs, relationships, and even ideas about who I was “supposed” to be, long after they stopped serving me. I feared change. What if I wasn’t ready for what came next?
But here’s what I’ve learned: outgrowing something doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re evolving. Leaving behind a role or relationship that no longer aligns with your values opens space for something better. When I left a role that was comfortable but uninspiring, I discovered the courage to pursue leadership in tech—a leap that transformed my career.
Tip for Younger Women: Give yourself permission to move on. Whether it’s a job that doesn’t challenge you or a dream you’ve outgrown, trust that letting go is part of growth. Every ending creates room for a new beginning.
4. Your Voice is Your Superpower—Use It
As a woman of color and a first-generation immigrant, I spent years doubting my voice. I worried about my accent and whether I belonged in rooms where I was often the only woman. For too long, I stayed quiet, convinced that blending in was safer than standing out.
Then I realized something: my voice, with its unique perspective and lived experience, was exactly what made me valuable. When I started to speak up—sharing my ideas, asking the questions others wouldn’t, and challenging the status quo—I saw the power in owning my story.
Tip for Younger Women: Don’t dim your light to make others comfortable. Your voice is your superpower, and the world needs your perspective. Speak up with confidence, and know that you belong in every room you step into.
5. Work Hard, But Live Harder
There was a time in my career when I measured my worth by how busy I was. Long hours, skipped meals, and sacrificing personal time became badges of honor. I thought I was proving my dedication—but in reality, I was burning out.
It wasn’t until I hit a breaking point that I realized success isn’t about grinding yourself into the ground. It’s about balance. It’s about building a life you don’t need to escape from. For me, that meant setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and making time for the people and passions that bring me joy.
Tip for Younger Women: Hustle culture isn’t sustainable. Success is about thriving, not just surviving. Protect your time, set boundaries, and remember that your well-being is the foundation of your success.
A New Year, a New Chapter
As we step into 2025, I hope these lessons inspire you to reflect on your own journey. Feel free to go to the comment section and share – What have you learned? What do you want to carry forward into the new year? The road ahead is yours to define—walk it boldly, with purpose and authenticity.
Here’s to a year of growth, resilience, and endless possibilities. Wishing you a strong start to 2025—Happy New Year!
