Becoming You: A Journey Through Growth, Discomfort and Connection

Letter to my Younger Self

Dear Younger Self,

If I could sit across from you now – wide-eyed, ambitious, and perhaps a little unsure – I’d start by saying: you’re going to be just fine. But more than that, you’re going to grow in ways you can’t yet imagine, and your journey will take turns that you would have never considered. While I won’t spoil the journey, I do want to share a few truths that I wish I had understood earlier.

First, let’s talk about networking. I know the word might sound transactional to you right now – like a buzzword tossed around in business school or career fairs. But trust me, it’s so much more than that. Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or adding connections on LinkedIn. It’s about building true and deep relationships rooted in curiosity and mutual growth. Some of the most pivotal moments in your career will come not from what you know, but from who you know and, more importantly, who knows you.

You’ll learn that following up after a conversation, sending a thank-you note, or simply checking in months later can turn a brief encounter into a lasting professional relationship. Small gestures build trust, and trust is the currency of collaboration. As you grow, you’ll realize that your network isn’t just a ladder: it’s a web. And the stronger and more authentic that web becomes, the more resilient and resourceful you’ll be.

Now, let’s talk about discomfort. You’ve always liked having a plan, knowing what’s next. But here’s the thing: growth doesn’t live in comfort zones. It lives in the awkward silences, the uncertain leaps, the moments when your voice shakes but you speak up anyway. You’ll be asked to lead when you don’t feel ready, to speak up when it’s easier to stay quiet, to move forward when the path isn’t clear. Do it anyway. You’ll come to understand that being uncomfortable is a sign you’re stretching and growing. And the more you practice leaning into that discomfort, the more confident and capable you’ll become. You’ll even start to seek it out, knowing that on the other side of discomfort is growth, clarity, and sometimes even joy.

Finally, I want to talk about the world: its cultures, its people, its complexity. You’ll have the chance to work with colleagues from all over the globe and you’ll realize that it will open your eyes to other cultures and ways of thinking. Things that you have just never considered before, will sometimes be the norm in other cultures and it will open your eyes to new ways of thinking, working, and being.

Don’t shy away from these experiences. Embrace them. Ask questions. Listen deeply. This will not be easy, but through those cross-cultural experiences, you’ll become a better professional and a better human.

So, here’s my advice: build your network with intention and kindness. Get comfortable being uncomfortable – it’s where your best self lives. And step boldly into the world, knowing that every culture you encounter is a chance to grow.

You’ve got this!

With admiration and encouragement,
Your Future Self

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