My parents. They encouraged a familiarisation with technology from young – they got me a computer in my younger years, which I’d use to write stories with in primary school, and then later in secondary school this evolved into blogging, designing and creating websites. Because they’d encouraged these creative interests that leverage technology, I’d learnt firsthand the wonderful merits of technology and the ways we can use it to learn, create and share new ideas with others

Self-doubt, impostor syndrome, and the limiting belief of “never being ready” – that I didn’t yet have the right knowledge or experience to pursue certain career trajectories.

Usually being the only one or minority in the room from my cultural background.

Firstly, to have the self-confidence to explore an unconventional path that perhaps the immediate people around you may not understand or approve of. If you know in your gut this is what you’d like to pursue, then go for it!

Secondly, mentorship – it could be a long-term 1-on-1 mentorship; watching/reading about your role models; learning new ideas through podcasts, books, Youtube. Also, reach out to people you’d like to get to know better from within the company and have virtual coffee. This is a practice encouraged in my current company, and it has led to so much more authentic human connection as well as fresh ideas.

And lastly, explore the various roles within the domain you’re interested in. For example, within technology sales, there are multiple roles such as pre-sales, solutions engineering, business development, account executive, customer success, and channel sales.

Always endeavouring to add value to the people around me.