How to Embrace the Learning Journey

When I first joined the 谷歌 team one of the first things I leaned into was to serve as an executive sponsor of the Associate Product Marketing Manager (APMM) Program. While I’ve had the honor to work for many iconic companies in my tenure including 塔吉特百货 , Under Armour , Levi Strauss & Co. , and 耐克 , my career began at Gap Inc. in a very similar program called the Retail Management Program (RMP). Some of my most impactful development comes from working alongside a cohort of rockstar recent college graduates, from all walks of life, together challenged to focus on the company’s most important businesses, collaborating on solutions to complex problems, and ultimately discovering our unique voices and perspectives.?

Because of that formidable experience I will always champion programs built to develop an unbreakable foundation for the next generation of professionals; and this is why our APMM program remains one of the things I’m most proud to be a part of - no matter how busy my ‘day job’ gets.

A few weeks ago I got to speak to our global APMM cohort, and separately welcomed the newest class into Google. In those conversations, I’m inevitably asked for advice as they get started in their professional journey. It’s always my favorite question as I hope a few things I’ve learned along my journey may help them shape their early perspective for the road ahead. I call them my “Top 5 Truths” and they remain traits I try to embody in how I lead to today:

1. Say yes. You get one life to discover your strengths, lean into your passions and to be challenged in service of growth. Push yourself and get comfortable with the uncomfortable. If you do, you just might find your super powers unlocked on the other side.?

2. Be curious. Ask intentional questions and LISTEN to the perspectives and provocations that follow in order to gain further insight and shape an informed POV. Constantly check yourself on if you’re holding a world view. As you get more comfortable in the space you will quickly add value by coming with creative/strategic solutions to problems that your organization is working to tackle.

3. Unabashedly trailblaze.? Marry curiosity with rigor, work with ambition, and confidently explore new terrains. And when imposter syndrome creeps in, remember that you are in your position for a reason. Never stop leaning into your unique perspective knowing that your leaders want/expect to hear from you.?

4. Progress over perfection. Some of our greatest learnings come from failures, so don’t be afraid to take smart risks. This is how you learn; and as you learn there will be good and bad days…so through it all never forget to give yourself and others around you the grace deserved.

5. Show up authentically. One of my favs…and frankly most important to gain confidence around early in our careers. I believe we are at our best when the team reflects diversity of thought, perspective and lived experiences. I remember coming out of undergrad and in my first several months feeling quite intimidated about speaking up because of my lack of experience and being one of very few (often only) Black people in the room. It was that chapter of my career when my incredible managers, then sponsors, and now friends Susie Kettler , Brigitte Brady-Harris ,?and Grace Wong pushed me to be unafraid to have a POV in rooms big or small. They reminded me that my preparation, thoughtful team-first approach and flat out hustle should never be underestimated and I am here for a reason. It was the trust and safety they brought to that experience that helped me become the professional I am today, and how I encourage my team to show up. So if I can leave young professionals with anything it is to always always feel confident in being exactly who you are.???

To our newest class of Google APMMs and the many young professionals around the world beginning your journey, I am cheering you on.

To my colleagues and peers, feel free to comment with the most impactful advice you've received! You never know who you might inspire with what you share.

Onwards ?

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