This letter from Rachel Krug 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 Rachel,
As I sit here reflecting on life, I want to take a moment to reach back through time and speak to you, the younger version of me, full of dreams, questions, and possibilities. You may not fully understand where life will take you, but trust me when I say your journey will be one of growth, resilience, and profound impact.
You will start your life surrounded by the love of family, with a stay-at-home mother and a father who works tirelessly in sales. But it is your grandfather, with his wisdom built through the trials of the Depression, who will open your eyes to the power of perseverance. He will teach you that integrity, hard work, and an unshakable belief in yourself will be your greatest assets. Hold onto those lessons, they will serve you well.
Your curiosity will drive you forward, pushing you to excel in academics. You will find yourself at institutions like Cornell and NYU’s Stern School of Business, immersing yourself in statistics, business, and strategy. You will learn to think critically, solve problems, and confidently navigate the world. And while at times the path may seem uncertain, know that each challenge you face will prepare you for something greater.
Your early career will be filled with exploration, but you will soon discover your passion for leveraging data to create meaningful change. You will use numbers not just to analyze but to transform, helping shape institutions like NYU. You will be fearless in your pursuit of growth for yourself and the businesses and people around you.
At Constant Contact, you will witness firsthand the power of strategic leadership. You will drive massive growth, leading new ventures to unprecedented success. Your efforts will be recognized, celebrated, and awarded. But beyond the numbers and accolades, what will truly set you apart is your ability to see people…to recognize their potential, nurture their talents, and build teams where everyone feels valued.
You will go on to lead at Business.com, Bulletin, and Virtual Field, leaving your mark on every organization you touch. You will never settle for the ordinary. You will push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and create opportunities where others see obstacles. Your leadership will not come from authority, but from a deep-rooted belief that success is not just about profit but people, passion, and purpose.
Later in life, your journey will take an unexpected but beautiful turn. You will move to Arizona, a place of breathtaking landscapes and boundless inspiration. And there, alongside your daughter Talia, you will embark on a new adventure in retail. Together, you will build something special. A space that is more than just a store, a reflection of creativity, collaboration, and the magic of meaningful connections.
If I could offer you just one piece of advice, it would be this: Never stop believing in the power of growth, your own and that of the people around you. You will drive businesses forward, but more importantly, you will uplift people. You will create change not just in companies but in the lives of those you touch. And in the end, that will be your most incredible legacy.
As you navigate the years ahead, know that success is not measured in titles or achievements but in the relationships you build, the minds you inspire, and the lives you impact. Keep moving forward with courage, conviction, and compassion.
I am proud of you.
With love and wisdom from the future,
Rachel
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.
