Navigating the first decade of your career can be both exhilarating and daunting. Whether you’re securing your dream job, climbing the corporate ladder, or starting your own business, every step is a learning experience.
While this journey will inevitably become a tapestry of mistakes, triumphs, and detours, it always helps to gain insights from those who have come before us. That’s why we tapped into the wisdom of 22 successful women who’ve made a mark on their respective industries.
Their advice isn’t just practical—it’s transformative. From having the courage to pivot and deeply understanding your “why” to embracing the unpredictability of professional growth, get ready to be inspired. No matter where you are in your own career, we hope these insights will empower you to thrive in your first 10 years and beyond.
Daeyna Grant, Founder of Wolf & Owl, a color-forward, ready-to-wear brand that seeks to empower women with tailored, capsule-ready pieces for work and play.
“Resist the urge to become the go-to person for whatever is your industry’s version of grunt work. You do want to be viewed as indispensable. But, in my experience, it’s better to be viewed as capable of the kind of high-minded thought leadership that advances careers.”
Jennie Armstrong, CEO of Wild Awake, developing killer websites and brands and providing strategic communications and operations support for founders who are ready to go from idea to impact.
“Think about your career like how you think about dating: know yourself and what you want, and you’ll find yourself exactly where you’re meant to be. Don’t try to be what you think a company wants you to be. Step into your full self and you’ll attract opportunities that allow you to thrive.”
Anouck Gotlib, CEO of Belgian Boys, creating whole ingredient breakfast with a European twist so families can prepare less, smile more, and indulge better.
“Take the time to connect with as many team members and departments as you can within your organization. When I was working in fashion, I went into every department—sales, operations, etc.—to learn about their roles and how mine fit in. I developed a thirst for understanding the bigger picture, which has served me well as the CEO of Belgian Boys.”
Charmaine Green-Forde, Founder and CEO of Chapter tOO, LLC, leveraging data-backed people insights to optimize engagement, strategy, and training development processes.
“Figure out what authenticity means to you, as it will help you better discern and then recognize the importance of not pursuing every opportunity others suggest. Take the time to pause and gain clarity on whether you have the capacity and community support needed before saying yes.”
Emily Kenison, Founder and CEO of RobeCurls®️, a heatless curling headband that offers effortless curls with a mission to inspire inventions and empower everyday routines.
“Be curious and go for the ask. Ask big questions of people you’ve just met, reach out to people you admire, and pivot when you need to.”
Pamela Koo, Senior Director, Global Integrated Digital Marketing at NVIDIA, the accelerated computing company that is tackling challenges no one else can solve.
“Don’t just focus on climbing the corporate ladder, but seek out opportunities to develop diverse skills and perspectives. Some of the most successful individuals I’ve seen didn’t only optimize for promotions. Rather, they took on projects and roles that allowed them to gain a breadth of experience. This can make you more adaptable and open up unexpected paths for growth down the line.”
Collette DeVries, Founder and CEO of Code Financial Services, empowering small businesses with tools and guidance to thrive, going beyond bookkeeping to support business growth.
“Failures can be your greatest teachers. Trust yourself to bounce back and embrace opportunities to learn from every misstep. You’ll meet all kinds of people with different styles and approaches, so hone your emotional intelligence. It’s a superpower you can develop to navigate these dynamics and become a well-rounded decision-maker.”
Ada Chen, Founder and CEO of Erleia, creating eco-friendly natural skincare and self-care products to help you take care of yourself.
“Trust your instincts and your gut. If a team or a workplace doesn’t feel like the right fit or you’ve learned you want to take your career in a different direction, believe in yourself.”
Allison Ullo, Founder and CEO of Leaves of Leisure, premium teas with zero or low caffeine and created for everyday routines, with nostalgic flavors inspired by leisure activities.
“Embrace the courage to pivot. Don’t feel tethered to a job just because it aligns with your degree or initial career plan. Exploring new opportunities, even those that seem out of reach or out of character, can lead you to a career that truly brings you joy and fulfillment.”
Victoria Repa, Founder and CEO of BetterMe, a health and wellness platform providing a tailored holistic approach to well-being for everyone, regardless of age, sex, or physical ability.
“A toxic workplace is more likely to change you than you are to change it. Prioritize your mental health—it’s the best investment in your sustainable and successful career.”
Jessica Sikora, Founder of Rou Collective, a creative studio where you never have to grow up.
“Embrace your inner child and never lose your sense of wonder. It is the most creative and impactful ideas that come when you allow yourself to play, explore, and dream big—no matter how unconventional it may seem.”
Ali Dunn, Leadership and Enneagram Coach at Ali Dunn Coaching, breaking down communication barriers within teams and empowering women to love life’s journey.
“Self-awareness is paramount. Know your values and understand your motivation. Career misalignment occurs when you’re in a role that doesn’t resonate with your values, leaving you stuck. You may push yourself to the point of burnout, yet still feel empty at the end of the day. By understanding your why, the path to success will unfold with greater ease and less friction.”
Catalina Parker, Co-Founder of Relatable Nonprofit, empowering growth-driven people with nonprofit hearts to succeed in consulting.
“Embrace the unpredictable nature of professional growth. Don’t be daunted by the pressure to have a perfect roadmap. Careers are meant to develop organically as you discover your passions and strengths over time. Seize opportunities to branch out and gain diverse experiences. Above all, maintain a commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement, which is foundational in any field for long-term success and adaptability.”
Juhi Saha, CEO of Partner1, an award-winning consulting and services firm helping B2B companies grow profitably through partnerships.
“Don’t fall into the perfection trap—the cost to your well-being, relationships, focus, and mindset can be very high. High standards and the need to be controlling makes others resentful and holds you back in your career. I personally saw a very high potential woman get rejected for a director level role because her need to control everything led to risk aversion and alienating coworkers as well as key stakeholders.”
Sarah Mack, Co-Founder and CEO of Vinat, a sister-founded wine company sourcing and rebranding exclusive European wines with fabulously cheeky labels and no unwanted additives.
“Keep engaged with your network and mentors. My great-great-grandmother owned a bakery in Germany and I have her recipes. Every year, I make her special holiday cookies and mail cookie boxes to mentors, along with a personalized letter. It’s a great way to keep in touch—they all tell me they look forward to receiving the cookies every year.”
Dara Erck, Founder of SAM+LEO, a teen mental health brand with a line of vegan, gummy vitamins.
“Embrace curiosity and be open to unexpected pathways. Show gratitude to mentors who take chances on you, and seize every opportunity they offer.”
Suze Dowling, Co-Founder of Pattern Brands, a portfolio of brands helping you enjoy daily life at home.
“Walk the walk. Don’t just talk the talk. Don’t be afraid to Google. Your career success is your responsibility and no one else’s. Make critical thinking a part of your day job, no matter what your title is. Make sure you love to learn and express curiosity in all things around you. How you approach opportunities and position yourself is just as impactful as how hard you work or what technical skills you develop.”
Julie Culbertson, Founder and CEO of Allusio Jewelry, creating experiential fine jewelry, helping ambitious women focus on what matters most, and improving health in underserved communities.
“If you want to stand out among your peers for that next promotion, dress for the role you want, not the one you currently have. Take the time to think about your authentic personal style in the context of your company culture. Project competence and leadership in a way that aligns with your unique personality.”
Stacie Sussman, CRO of RevUp Advisory, helping you maximize your sales and marketing efforts with data-backed business insights to grow your revenue.
“Embrace discomfort. Seek out roles and tasks that make you uneasy. Growth rarely happens in the comfort zone. When you challenge yourself in unfamiliar territory, you not only expand your skills but also cultivate resilience and adaptability. These are essential qualities for long-term success in your career.”
Thamina Stoll, Founder of The Sheconomist, a women’s economic advancement media company.
“The corporate world doesn’t reward the people who work hardest; it rewards the people who work smartest and know how to sell themselves. Learn how to quantify the impact of your work early on, and don’t forget that it’s not bragging if it’s based on facts.”
Brittany Woitas, Founder of Kovly Studio, a brand and marketing agency for experience-driven brands.
“Take the leap. Follow your purpose, and turn off any noise that may be hindering your growth. This is your journey.”
Monica Curtis, Founder and CEO of Monica Curtis, leading a collective dedicated to amplifying women’s voices through transformative content, programming, and empowering tools.
“Not everyone will support your journey. This phenomenon, known as the crab mentality, involves people undermining each other’s progress. I share this not to discourage you, but to prepare you. I’ve witnessed many women getting hurt or doubting themselves, expecting universal support. This expectation is unrealistic.”
All individuals featured in this article are members of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community that amplifies extraordinary women entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders by securing PR, forging authentic connections, and curating high-impact resources.
![From Music to Perfume: How did your background as a music teacher influence your transition into perfumery, and how do you incorporate your musical sensibilities into creating fragrances? I’ve always thought in terms of metaphors, and music has many that can be related to perfumery! Beyond just thinking in terms of top, middle and base notes [soprano/alto/tenor in choir], I approach each fragrant idea as a composition. When documenting my ideas, song structures often come to mind. As the scent brief is visited, I meditate on what the fragrance should convey - do I want to create an accord or a “chord” of fragrance note combinations? Do I want an a capella soloist (a particular ingredient to stand out more than others?) Many of my thoughts regarding song composition transfers to my scent formulation process, with me treating each note as an intentional soliloquy at some point.
Brand Origin: What inspired you to start Pink MahogHany in 2005, and how has your vision for the brand evolved since its inception?
An avid lover of all things pleasantly scented (with slight modesty), looking back in retrospect, it’s no huge surprise that I’ve created an indie perfume house with just an idea to provide unique options for those who may be sensitive to unnecessary pungency. Initially, I just wanted to evaluate various blends to note their aroma profiles when “played” together…it wasn’t until I had friends and family asking if I knew of brands that catered to those who may be on the more olfactory sensitive side, that I really began to take my research more seriously. In the almost 20 years that Pink MahogHany has been in existence, our micro visions for the brand have evolved to larger territory. Where Pink MahogHany used to only be a personal brand, we are now also a bespoke formulation service provider to other indie brands seeking unique fragrance offerings for their products. These products range from (but are not limited to) perfumes, candles, body butters and lip balms. Ingredient Transparency: You emphasize transparency and the use of desirable ingredients in your products. How do you select your ingredients, and what challenges have you faced in maintaining this standard?
Being an indie brand often comes with a set of assumptions and misconceptions - one of them being more negative than positive as it relates to ingredients used. There is a lot of “fluff” in the industry with labeling falsification. Because fragrance formulas are a trade secret, not every molecular breakdown of a material has to be noted on the ingredient label (it would be incredibly long), but we at Pink MahogHany™️ adhere strongly to the IFRA [International Fragrance Regulatory Association] regulations that state for common and potential allergens to be listed on our ingredient label. We’ve taken this a step further to also include these ingredients listed on our website to promote further transparency, all while protecting our intellectual property. Unfortunately, we’ve had companies to unethically sell lesser expensive “dupes” of our artisan perfumes, so as a way to create a better authenticity stamp, we make it our duty to be honest about our claims. If our perfume says “Rose Bulgaria”, it is in fact just that and not a component of rose being passed off as the source material. Collaborations and Custom Scents: Can you share more about your work with private label clients? What excites you most about creating custom scent solutions for other indie brands? I could easily sum this up in one word and say “Funding.” True, there is money out there, but I’m always thinking outside the box. Having a program that has an “Each One Fund One” mentality doesn’t exist (that I’ve been made aware of). Bootstrapping can be quite the challenge, even when you’ve reached the 6-figure mark annually. Competition to be seen and set apart is extremely high, so having quality packaging and branding is a must. There are lots of factors to consider, though when desiring to make upgrades. If there were a unique, tier-geared funding operation available, it would help perfume brands offset packaging and bulk material costs in the beginning stages.
Industry Challenges: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an independent fragrance house, and how have you overcome them to grow your brand? As the brand continues on the path of organic growth, I would like to expand our reach into schools, offering perfumery as an arts elective for middle and high school. I’d love to partner with botanists, farmers and horticulturists directly to grow and source raw materials for the students to work with in the creation of tinctures. My passion is getting back to nature as best as possible, as nature was my first “scent experience” as a child. We would also love to witness our fragrance creations being used to scent model homes, our focus diffuser blends being used in automobile dealerships as well as partner with Air Bnb and boutique hotels that specialize in highlighting minority, indie brands. Personal Journey: How has your personal experience, particularly as a divorced mother and someone who has experienced the loss of a child, shaped your approach to life and your work in perfumery?
Because I homeschool my twin sons, we are together a lot more than most, so one thing we all do is have moments of sharing where a neutral “floor” is laid to converse about anything. Though they are quite communicative by nature, I realize that sometimes I can be in work mode so much that it spills over into what should be our quality time. My sons see the authentic me and learn how to communicate through seeing authenticity. I’ve learned not to feel as if I have to be the epitome of perfection but allow them to see my imperfections vulnerably but with discernment. Having had two traumatic experiences pretty close together has taught me how to truly slow down and enjoy the simplicities of life - igniting a spiritual aspect that I’ve always carried but never fully explored…until Kenji’s sudden passing (2018.) Grief has a way of catapulting us into a quest for more meaningfulness in both life and business. After Kenji’s passing and my processing through the initial stages of grief, I was able to incorporate our spiritual bond into Pink MahogHany by way of essential oil diffuser blends for both focus and sleep and most recently aromatic perfume elixirs. It’s been quite the process channeling the void of his physical presence, but I also have peace knowing he can be honored in a great way through scent. I noticed once I began to be more open and receptive to spiritual signs, synchs and “winks”, more ideas began to flow. It’s been this way since his transition. Emotional Expression: Fragrance is often tied to memories and emotions. How does your personal life influence the fragrances you create, and do you have a particular scent that holds special meaning to you? My creative process is much more alchemic now, and I include Kenji by talking out loud to him, believe it or not. I’m a firm believer that when our loved ones transition from the physical plane, they are still present - just in another form. I choose to keep his memory alive by not pretending he never existed (even if for a brief period of time). I am working (slowly) on a book and accompanying fragrance, but I know it will require me to revisit some memories I’m not quite ready for, so until then, his big brothers will launch their debut fragrance, The Peaceful Tiger (they chose the name.) I’ve learned that even in what we consider “small things”, our transitioned loved ones want to be recognized and acknowledged. When the twins and I designed their fragrance label (with a designer out of the country that didn’t know anything about me personally), we had issues with the graphic - so much so that the designer asked if they could rework the design. When they sent the proof for approval, the Tiger was not only younger but sleeping, with an uncanny, angelic resemblance to baby Kenji! Becoming more aware and being more sensitive to my intention for launching a fragrance has definitely made room for more divine situations like these to occur. Healing Through Scent: In what ways has creating fragrances been a form of healing or expression for you, especially after the loss of your son, Kenji Mwamba? I know my sons may not necessarily want to be perfumers, but they definitely have an entrepreneurial heart. My desire is that whatever they decide to pursue (acting, script-writing, music or architecture), they know that anything is possible with the right amount of determination, grit, belief and immersion. One reason I chose to homeschool is so they could enjoy learning without restraint and have ample time to devote to their own separate passions and it still be fun. They know Pink MahogHany is theirs if they want it (many, many years from now - lol), and we are already discussing business structures for whatever they choose their role to be once I retire. Work-Life Balance: How do you find balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being, and what self-care practices do you prioritize? I’m not just a perfumer; I’m also a consumer, and self-care is huge for me. I often take salt baths to reset my energy and clear my mind after being around large groups of people or free a long day. I’m a habitual perfume sampler, and I have so many to choose from to wear as my “nightcap.” Even if just for 10-15 minutes, I cherish each moment I’m able to have some “me-time.” When time and co-parenting schedules permit, I’m definitely on a flight somewhere to indulge in some delicious food and mouth-watering mocktails!](https://www.womenontopp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_3812-1200x720.jpeg)
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