I came from a heavy scientific background, making unnatural amino acids in the lab (which are all white crystals!) to a world of colour and possibility in food development, and felt really out of my depth. The change to industry was challenging, there were targets and KPIs and OKRs and all the other acronyms! And so many people to work with, challenge, influence... I then went to a retail environment where I felt out of my depth again initially, the pace was faster, there was less thinking time and quant evidence was king. I learned more about myself and decided after a few years to challenge myself again and go to the digital world. I've had a constant thread - understanding customers, employees, users - though the context and environment has shifted every time. And that's a good thing! Don't be afraid to jump at an opportunity, you will always learn something and it will benefit you.

It's a powerful truth that many of us need to hear when we're standing at the crossroads of aspiration and reality. We all have dreams, whether it’s building a successful career, starting a business, traveling the world, or making a positive impact on the community. But too often, we let our dreams sit idle, cherished in our hearts but never brought to life. Without action, even the most beautiful dreams will stay out of reach. It’s the steps you take today that turn your aspirations into tangible achievements. To turn your dreams into something real, you have to take the leap and start moving forward, no matter how small the first step may seem. The road from dream to reality is paved with consistent action and determination.

Curiosity drives growth, both in technical skills and as a leader. Being open to feedback means you’re always learning, adapting, and improving. Whether it’s from your team or your own experiences, embracing challenges and new ideas helps you move forward and build stronger connections with others.