Future CEO: What I Would Tell My Younger Self

I have a message for those yet to discover their inner genius, for those Generation Z leaders-in-waiting. It's a message I would share with my younger self to guide my journey in becoming a CEO.

If someone told the 18-year-old me that I would one day become a CEO, a builder and leader helping fantastic companies, I would have looked at them in disbelief and probably laughed. Laughing at the idea that, given my circumstances, somehow in the future I would sell my first company by the age of 37 and go on to head global businesses.

Eighteen-year-old Clara didn't dream of starting her own company, nor of taking the helm of other companies, but it did manifest into my reality and part of my personal and professional narrative.

Throughout my career, I've managed more than 500 employees and stewarded companies and large sales organizations with operating revenues in excess of $2.5 billion.

Looking in the rear-view mirror, there is a lot I could share with that scrappy 18-year-old kid from Rhode Island (me) and you, future CEOs who are questioning your prospects, but I've boiled them down to six main insights for your consideration:

1. Careers are not straight lines. Contrary to conventional wisdom, careers are not straight lines. Throughout your education and career coaching, you may have been given the impression that your career will progress in a straight line. It will not. Throughout my career, I've worked in internet security, physical security (at IPX and Object Video), modeling and simulation, commercial and private security, management and coaching, etc. I have worked in retail stores and in factories; I even worked as a waitress. In addition to my professional experience, I have lived and traveled abroad. My experience is multifaceted. It has been anything but linear. Honestly, you are better off not having a "straight line." You will develop a diverse background, a broader perspective, and far more value when you have experience across multiple industries. Think of your career less as ladder climbing and more of a game of Chutes and Ladders, rolling with the dice while staying focused on getting to the top.

2. Regardless of age, you have something to offer.  Regardless of how old you are or how much experience you have, your unique perspective is solely yours. Your history and world view benefit not just the people around you, but potential employers. Remember, everyone, and I do mean everyone, has something to offer, something to teach. This is one of the reasons reverse mentoring, or intergenerational mentoring, between employees is so popular. It is a way to close the learning gap and tap in to the excellence of employees regardless of how new they are or how long they have been in the workforce.

3. Do not wait for an invitation. Have you ever met a person with moxie? They walk to the beat of their own drum. They do the impossible, and do so without being asked. They appear to be released from others' opinions. Not every 18-year-old is able to operate this way. My younger self often waited to be asked if she had an opinion or for an invitation to share it. Being afraid to share ideas and opinions gives other people too much undue influence or reverence over you. My message to women on the cusp of life is: Do not wait for a formal invitation to do big things. And, if you are someone who operates by invitation only, allow me to be the one to extend it. When you see an opportunity, accept it. Don't let fear get in the way. Consider this article your invitation to do your next big thing.

4. Everyone is fighting one battle or another. I remember being 18 and thinking that some people's lives appeared perfect. They had the perfect shape, the perfect partner, the perfect car, the perfect home, the perfect smile. The reality is, no one is perfect. Everyone — the friend you admire, the person you idolize, even your boss — is fighting one battle or another. It may not be apparent, or you may not be privy to it, but even the person you look up to is struggling with something. Sometimes we place celebrities on pedestals, but I find it comforting when they speak openly about their challenges. They may have more money and more enviable experiences, but they're just like you when it comes to life's challenges. 

5. Your journey to self-acceptance is your number one priority. If you are like most people, you can think of at least one thing you would like to change about yourself. But it is a terrible thing to walk through life without being fully and completely accepting of yourself. Your journey to self-acceptance and self-love should be your number one priority. This is a journey that may take a lifetime, but it will indeed be worth it.

6. Become your own biggest cheerleader. Many times, I have worked hard, contributed greatly, and waited for others to recognize or applaud my contributions. However, I learned that I had to become my own biggest and staunchest supporter. You do, too. People will treat you the same way you treat yourself. If you make celebrating yourself a priority, the people around you learn to celebrate you as well. 

So, there you have it. These are the messages I wish someone had shared with me when I was 18 years old. And they are the messages I freely share with those who are just starting out or questioning what the future holds. 

Clara Conti is a serial entrepreneur, senior executive, and change agent. Connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter (@ClaraConti).