These letters from two anonymous Pavilion members are 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 Younger Me,
At a young age, your body told you, over and over again, that something wasn't right. You always thought you were reaching for the wrong things, striving for too much, wanting what you could never have, making bad decisions, searching and questioning where you were not welcome. Grasping for that lonely branch only to fall.
Your doctor's confusion, lack of support, and overall complacency left you feeling helpless and hopeless time and time again. At the worst of it, barely able to walk.
"So just give up," you thought the universe was telling you. "Greatness is not for you." "You're weak." "You're sick." "Succumb."
Your body was pushing you to an upper limit that no one in your life could have imagined you would reach.Your body was pushing you to an upper limit that no one person in your life could even fathom that you would achieve. It was painful. You've suffered and cried. You've felt tortured and screamed in rage. But you made it. You've become something big. You are the most beautiful version of you, more powerful and amazing than you could have ever dreamed of being.
Your body was not telling you to give up. Something inside of you was pushing, and fighting, and screaming to get up that hill. "Never give up. Keep going. KEEP AT IT." That's what it was saying. That's what you were telling yourself and you didn't even know it!
Dare I say, the world works in mysterious ways. Welcome to the top, baby. We're so happy you're here.
Love,
Future You
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.
