
Advice to My Younger Self – Lessons from Women in Tech
Every career is shaped by lessons learned along the way—some from successes, others from challenges. With International Women’s Day approaching, we asked women at Plinc to reflect on what they wish they had known earlier in their journeys. Their insights serve as a guide for those embarking on their own paths in tech, offering reassurance and encouragement that the road ahead, while unpredictable, is full of possibility.
What I Wish I Knew at the Start of My Career
If only we could send a letter back in time, what would we tell our younger selves? The road to a fulfilling career is often filled with doubt, unexpected detours, and big learning moments.
We asked women at Plinc to reflect on what they wish they had known when they were starting out—lessons in confidence, risk-taking, and embracing the unknown. Their insights might just be the words you need to hear today.
Lessons from Plinc Employees
- Leah-ann Grey (Head of Analysis): “You don’t need a rigid five-year plan. Careers aren’t linear—explore different roles, learn from each experience, and trust that you’ll find your path. Even if something doesn’t work out, it’s a step forward.”
- Anna Dark (Data Engineer): “Confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t—it grows. Don’t hold back because you’re afraid of not being perfect. The best way to improve is by trying, failing, and learning.”
- Catherine Fennell (Analyst): “Your first job won’t define your entire career. I spent months looking for the perfect role, but once I got started, I realised that growth and learning matter more than landing the ‘ideal’ job straight away.”
Advice for Those Starting Their Tech Careers
- Take the leap: If you’re unsure whether to apply for a role or try something new, do it—you’ll grow along the way.
- Embrace the unknown: Tech is a field where curiosity and problem-solving matter more than having all the answers.
- Build a network: Find peers, mentors, and allies who will support and uplift you.
Passing on Lessons Learned
Your career will be filled with surprises—some daunting, some exciting. The best thing you can do is embrace the journey, trust yourself, and keep moving forward. You might not have all the answers today, but that’s part of the adventure.
Closing thoughts: While we can’t change the past, we can shape the future—and that’s what this series has been about. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we hope these stories inspire you to take your next step in tech, find your support system, and embrace the opportunities ahead.
Blog posts

Prove It or Lose It: Why CRM Needs to Speak in Revenue, Not Reach
CRM teams are under pressure to prove commercial impact. Without uplift measurement and control groups, incremental revenue stays invisible — and…

Sound the Alarm: Why CRM’s Data Problem Is a Strategic Problem
Inaccessible data continues to limit the impact of CRM. Yet when it’s reframed as a commercial issue rather than a technical one, it opens the door to…

From Execution to Influence: Why It’s Time for CRM to Take the Lead
Introducing Plinc’s Strategic CRM Playbook: From Execution to Influence. Discover why CRM is poised to lead with insight, value, and influence in today’s…

Event Debrief: Why Loyalty Isn’t About Points And Personalisation Isn’t About Tech
Insights from Plinc and DMA North’s breakfast briefing in Leeds, where senior CRM leaders shared what’s really working in loyalty, trading, and customer…

Making Customer-First a Reality at Crew Clothing: Strategic Lessons from a Data-Driven Transformation
Learn how Crew Clothing built a customer-first marketing strategy — and the practical lessons other retailers can take from their journey.

The Hidden Roadblocks to Personalisation (And How to Fix Them)
Marketing personalisation can unlock huge potential, but many businesses are running into hidden roadblocks. In this post, we explore the key challenges…