My top advice for everyone is simple yet powerful: always surround yourself with peers you can look up to. This idea has been key to my personal and professional growth, and I believe it can greatly impact your career path. There's a special feeling when you're in a room with people you admire for their knowledge and skills. It's like you become smarter just by being around them. This kind of environment not only gives you many chances to learn but also pushes you to become the best version of yourself. Being part of a group of exceptional individuals naturally motivates you to improve. You'll want to match their level of expertise, creativity, and hard work. This ongoing challenge keeps you growing and improving all the time. Also, within such a group, you're likely to find mentors – people who can offer valuable guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate your career. A good mentor can make a huge difference in shaping your professional journey. Remember the saying, "If you're the smartest person in the room, then you're in the wrong room." Take this idea to heart. Look for places where you can learn, grow, and be inspired by those around you. It's in these settings that you'll find the best opportunities for both personal and professional development.

It emphasizes the proactive mindset needed when seeking opportunities. Instead of waiting for opportunities to come to you, take action, be creative, and actively pursue your goals. Whether it is related to your career, personal life, or any other aspect, you can create opportunities through your efforts and determination. Open yourself to the possibilities; if you wait until you are ready, you might miss a unique chance. Be willing to have the hustle muscle to figure it out. Some opportunities might only come once, SEIZE them :)

If you are seeking a career that will be memorable and impactful, sometimes you may need to step outside of your comfort zone and take a leap into unknown waters. I took the leap twice - once when changing my role function (from accounting to recruiting), and secondly, industry-wise when joining Nokia. I did not regret either of those decisions and I feel this is where I belong. Don't be afraid to pursue your passion, with dedication and consistency your career aspirations can become a reality.