This letter from Ashley Stamps-Lafont 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 Ashley,
TL;DR Your 5 year plan didn't work out. 
You chose a life path based on earning potential.
I know you wanted to work under Dr. Benjamin Carson at Johns Hopkins.
You couldn't imagine having kids because of the sacrifices your own mother made at the expense of her well-being.
You defined success by how others viewed you and how much money you could earn.
Well, your definition of success has changed significantly.
You're a Customer Success leader and an active mentor with 13 years under your belt.
You measure success by how happy you feel. You're raising creative thinkers and uplifting others.
You don't have all of the answers, and that's ok.
My advice?
Seek mentorship even earlier. Acknowledging the gap between where you are and where you want to be is one of your biggest strengths.
Say 'no' more. You're going to toe the line between people-pleasing, ruinous empathy, and radical candor. You'll unlock work-life balance and effective leadership when you've mastered this balance.
Lastly, for the love of God, say 'yes' to rest for the sake of rest.
Love,
Ashley
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.
