This letter from Anne Pao 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 Anne,
You’ve grown up with a strong belief in always giving your best effort, that hard work is more important than smarts, and that perseverance, tenacity, and accountability make anything possible.
This served you well during the tumult of your high school years. With parents who lacked accountability, you often felt like you had no one to rely on but yourself.
I want to share how important it is to know that:
You don’t have to do it all. Rest is good. You learn as much from failure as you do from winning.
You do not have to make up for others' lack of accountability by being overly accountable. Let others skin their knees and find their way.
I also want you to know how rare it is to have been so young and to have such a strong sense of what’s right and the fortitude to stand up to those in power on behalf of yourself and others who may lack power.
This theme will continue to serve you well in your life and will give you the sense of self to make it through a number of harrowing moments. It will be the part of you that people notice, your courage in speaking out against bad behavior, even if you stand alone.
It is a core part of what will shape you into a leader in every environment you step into (MBA, work, board, advisor roles).
It will serve you well when you have a harassing and verbally abusive boss who speaks down to you and other women and who you stand up to and report for bad behavior. All of the trials you went through as a kid, and having to stand up for yourself and others will shape the strong person you continue to show up as.
And you will find a husband and partner who values that fire in you, and who wants to take some of the load you’ve been carrying your whole life. And it will give you the rest and wholeness you need to find joy.
Keep showing up as your vibrant, powerful, fun-loving and joyful self. Make space for all of you. For the child, the warrior and the wise Anne. You will need all of them. And they are all wonderful.
Love,
Anne
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.
