This letter from Anna Niles is part of Pavilion’s International Women’s Day 2025 collection, where the women of Pavilion share heartfelt letters to their younger selves. Through these reflections, they explore the lessons, challenges, and defining moments that have shaped their careers. Read more inspiring stories here.
Dear Anna,
I know you’re sitting there, questioning if you’re in the right place. Sales doesn’t quite feel like “it,” and you’re wondering if there’s something better suited for you. (Spoiler alert: there is.) But before you start overthinking, let me tell you—this experience is going to lead you where you’re meant to be and make you an incredible product marketer one day.
Right now, you don’t even know what product marketing *is*, but when you finally discover it, you’ll realize how much your sales background gave you a head start. The ability to speak the language of sales, understand their challenges, and empathize with their objections? That’s your secret weapon.
One day, you’ll be crafting messaging, building enablement materials, and guiding GTM strategies with a perspective many product marketers wish they had.
Know that your career growth isn’t just about skills. It’s about connections. Find people in the roles you want—schedule calls, ask questions, and learn from their experiences. Join communities. Post on LinkedIn (no, it’s not as scary as you think). Get comfortable with being seen. Because the more you show up, the more opportunities will come your way.
Also, and this is a big one: no one actually knows what they’re doing. We’re all just figuring it out as we go. Even the people who seem to have it all together? Yep, they’re winging it too. Imposter syndrome doesn’t magically disappear when you hit a certain title. The best way to combat it? Educate yourself. Read books, take courses, get certifications — whatever makes you feel more confident in what you bring to the table. But also trust that you already *do* bring value, even if you’re not the most senior person in the room. You bring a unique perspective that matters.
And just in case no one’s told you: You’re doing great, sweetie. Seriously. Be proud of yourself. Every challenge, every awkward networking conversation, every LinkedIn post you second-guess—it’s all adding up to something bigger. Trust the process, trust yourself, and know that Future You is thriving.
See you there.
Love,
Anna
The Women of Pavilion Community is a dynamic subcommunity of Pavilion dedicated to fostering belonging, knowledge-sharing, and professional growth for women in go-to-market. Led by Anne Pao, Founder and CEO of Ignite Consulting, and Lindsay Tjepkema, Founder and CEO of Human Brands Win, this group empowers members to break barriers, advocate for themselves authentically, and advance both personally and professionally through curated content, exclusive events, and a supportive network.
Curious to learn more? Explore Pavilion membership.
