These eight career lessons were compiled from feedback within my professional network—wisdom that women wish they’d learned earlier in their careers.
1. Embracing Your Authenticity, Despite Judgement
Judgment from colleagues, supervisors, and others can undermine confidence and stifle professional growth. But here’s the truth: judgments often reflect the judge’s own issues rather than measuring your worth.
Shift your perspective now rather than waiting until later in life to stop caring about others’ opinions.
2. Trading Imposter Syndrome for a Growth Mindset
Rather than viewing imposter syndrome as a sign of being a fraud, reframe it as a “growth mindset alarm.” Feeling like an imposter in new situations is normal—it signals opportunities for learning rather than inadequacy.
3. Trusting Your Intuition
Intuition isn’t mystical; it’s pattern recognition. Our brain becomes a seasoned expert at identifying patterns and uses emotional processing to guide decisions, even when we can’t articulate why we feel a certain way.
Trust that inner voice. It’s often your accumulated experience speaking.
4. Prioritising Self-Care
Self-care is essential, not luxurious. Many women deprioritize their own wellbeing for work and family. Recognize your inherent worth by elevating self-care on your priority list.
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
5. Resisting the Urge to Fit In
During my time at Amazon, I noticed employees felt marginalized in large meetings. Diversity loses its value when everyone tries to conform.
Your unique perspective is precisely why you were selected for your role. Don’t dilute it.
6. Daring to Take Risks
I’m not talking about reckless gambles. I mean calculated risks—decisions aligned with a clear vision of your future self.
These are purposeful steps outside your comfort zone, guided by defined goals. The biggest career advancements rarely come from playing it safe.
7. Redefining Failure
Failure isn’t humiliation; it’s essential learning. I value professionals who have experienced and learned from setbacks over those who avoid risk-taking entirely.
Every successful person has failed. The difference is they treated it as data, not defeat.
8. Advocating for Yourself
No one will advocate for you better than you. When it comes to salary, projects, and career ambitions, you must articulate your aspirations and demonstrate commitment.
Prepare thoroughly. Present facts. Make clear requests.
The Head Start
Awareness of these potential career challenges provides you with a head start, even if you still encounter difficulties. The lessons emphasize authenticity, growth, intuition, wellbeing, individuality, calculated risk-taking, resilience through failure, and vocal self-promotion as critical elements of successful career development.