Why Relationships Are Your Superpower: Sarah E. Brown’s Career Advice

This letter from Sarah E. Brown 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 Sarah,

My advice for you is to continue building relationships and seeing it as your strength and superpower. While others may be transactional, that's perfectly okay—for you, the long game of investing in connections will pay off in ways you can't yet imagine, even if those around you see it as a zero-sum game. You will find your tribe and connect with people from all walks of life to create amazing things together!

Stay gentle, curious, and kind with yourself and others, and trust that adventure and growth are on the horizon. Keep embracing what makes you different, even when it feels challenging to be "the only one" in a space. By doing so, you're paving the way for more women and underrepresented folks to join you on this path.

And please don't stop bringing creativity to your work. Things can get serious, but infusing joy and playfulness into the "hard work" actually makes it flow more easily. Keep building others up as you pursue your own dreams— you've got this!

Yours,
Sarah

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.