Pearls of Wisdom I'd Share with My Younger Self

It's always a delight to receive messages on LinkedIn that brighten my day. Here's an excerpt from a recent message that I found particularly uplifting. I've chosen to share a portion of it with the hope that it might resonate with and inspire those in similar professional spheres:

“I'm a computer science student (with a star-crossed love of security) at Warwick University in the UK. I understand you are a very busy lady, so please permit my boldness and allow me to get straight into it. I've believe it is best to take advice from people who have achieved what you're aiming towards. I'm a young, asian female in a STEM so unfortunately I've struggled to find anyone from a similar background who had tackled the industry - that is until I came across your story. It has been truly inspiring and motivating to see what you have built and I dream of the same one day. I'd like to ask if you have any advice for someone of the same background trying to also get a foot in the door? If you have any detailed accounts of your career journey and how you got to your current position, I'd definitely love to hear it and I know many others would alongside any learning you had.”

I personally don’t believe I have tackled this industry 😊 but I take pride in what I do, humbled and privileged to have achieved a lot of my goals in life. Yet, in honesty, I see before me a path that stretches far and wide, filled with learning and growth that awaits. It's a journey I'm eager to continue whether it’s in this industry I’m not sure anymore.

Looking back, there are a few key lessons I wish I had understood earlier. Here are the top pieces of advice I’d offer to my younger self:

1. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

This is absolutely vital. Developing your emotional intelligence—your ability to understand, manage, and express your emotions—will serve you in every aspect of life, both personally and professionally. Self-awareness is at the heart of this. Learn to recognise and understand your feelings, how they shape your actions, and how you respond to the world around you. By refining this skill, you’ll navigate relationships and challenges with greater empathy and clarity.

And don’t forget to do your own SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). Knowing yourself inside and out helps you stay aligned with your core values and standards, ultimately shaping who you are.

2. Respect time. It’s your most valuable resource—more than money, more than status. Once it’s gone, you don’t get it back. So use it wisely. Don’t waste it on things, people, or situations that don’t serve your growth. Invest your time in what truly matters, whether it's developing your skills, nurturing important relationships, or pursuing goals that align with your vision. Time spent well will always pay you back, both personally and professionally. Remember, how you spend your time is how you live your life. So make it count. And never forget the people who helped you along the way. The ones who gave you their time, support, or wisdom—those are the relationships that matter most.

3. Master the Art of Communication

No matter your professional path, being an effective communicator is crucial. The ability to sell, persuade, and clearly convey your ideas can have a transformative impact on your career. This becomes even more important when you're expressing thoughts in a language that isn’t your first. Words have immense power, and refining your communication skills—both verbal and written—can open doors you never thought possible. Investing in improving your linguistic abilities is not just about being understood; it's about influencing and inspiring others.

4. Acquire Financial Management Skills

Understanding financial management is a universally valuable skill, no matter the industry. By mastering the basics—budgeting, investing, and managing resources—you equip yourself with the tools to thrive in any career path you choose. Financial literacy provides the freedom to make informed decisions and avoid the trap of the rat race. Whether you aim to climb the corporate ladder, start your own business, or simply maintain a balanced lifestyle, having a solid grasp of your finances will give you control and confidence in both your personal and professional life.

Lessons from 20+ Years in IT & Cybersecurity

The cybersecurity industry can be rewarding—if it pays you well, you're comfortable in your role, and most importantly, you can maintain your sanity. Remember, sanity over salary, always! But let’s be real: some people think they're special just because they’ve got a fancy title. Don’t fall into that trap, and when you come across those types, avoid them like the plague. They’re not worth your time.

Choose a partner who uplifts you, even at your worst. Never settle for average in relationships. Find someone who supports you when you're struggling and encourages you to grow. The right partner can make all the difference in your personal and professional journey.

Surround yourself with brilliance and positivity. Spend time with people smarter than you. Their habits and wisdom rub off on you. Hang out with those who push you to be better and genuinely want to see you succeed. The company you keep matters more than you think.

Ignore the noise. Office politics, gossip, and drama - That’s all just distraction. Focus on what moves you forward and helps you grow.

Cherish knowledge. Be great at what you do. Don’t settle for being just “good enough” or what I call a jobsworth. Strive to be exceptional. Complacency is the enemy of progress.

Set clear goals and follow through. Know what you want and where you want to be. Make a plan and stick to it. Your goals should be the compass guiding every decision you make.

Think critically about everything. Always ask why you're doing something and whether it makes sense. Critical thinking will keep you grounded and help you make better decisions. But fair warning—ask too many questions and you might step on some toes, so pick your battles.

Lastly, I won’t sugar-coat it. but that's me. I’ve been in this industry long enough to know it’s not always amazing. I’m cynical and have the scars to prove it. But I’m still here because I love what I do and the relationships I’ve built along the way. That’s what makes it worth it.

Live your best life!