Beyond talent, I have realized that we need so much more to have a very successful career. Realizing a dream can take longer and include setbacks. From my personal experience, I have noticed that being open, resilient, flexible, and having an attitude to serve helps immensely. While aspiring to grow, we need to prepare well with concrete homework. Having the right attitude and a prompt, service mindset is crucial. One has to keep learning (and unlearning) and be prepared for the next big thing. As an example, while you are working on 5G, start preparing yourself for 6G. On the softer side, empathy and humility should be key attributes to be practiced. Managing emotions and being mindful play a huge role. Transparent communication and openness towards the multi-cultural and virtual environment are very important. Staying motivated and being a change management leader is critical. Find time to build your personal brand and network. Look for a suitable mentor who can make your journey smoother. Finally, never compromise on your Integrity, continue to build relationships, and grow trust.

Play the long game and focus on continuous growth. Step outside your comfort zone, take on new challenges, and learn from every role. Find synergies between what you do and where you want to go. Seek mentors and coaches who can guide your development, and remember that leadership is not about title but about helping others grow. Stay curious, adaptable, and focused on meaningful impact.

Ask Questions!! I know this seems quite obvious, but I have been in many situations where I was in a group with colleagues, talking about a specific technical topic and using all kinds of abbreviations that I didn't know yet. I was afraid to ask, because I didn't want to seem like the dumb one. But it is not like that. All of us started somewhere and our colleagues at Nokia know that as well. If I just had asked questions right away, it would have helped me immensely.