It's not what you know...

My daughter has recently left primary school to move to high school. It has been emotional. Not only has she grown up overnight, but that support network we both had, her friends and their parents, and our social life, that made life how it was and helped me so much with my challenging working hours... All change. And we had been so lucky to have that network.

As she left primary school I felt sad, it was like the end of an era... And I understood how scary it was, making that move from your comfort zone in to the unknown. I enjoyed primary school, and the move to high school. Until we moved house when I was the very awkward age of 14, to Scotland, and for the first time I had no network to support me. I was on my own, I had to make new friends. Aged 17, I went to Manchester University, and a whole new network of friends were built. And then... I started work. I was the new kid all over again. I accidentally tumbled in to telecoms at Lucent (Lucent has since become Avaya for the younger audience). I'm sure that there are not many careers advisors in schools who meet children who say that they desperately want to work in telecoms when they grow up! That being said, I am glad I do.

It's much more difficult moving to the world of work, than moving to high school. It was very scary. I was younger, poorer, less experienced than the rest of the company and had I had no idea how to deal with the work politics. Maybe less hormones to deal with than at high school, but nobody prepares you for the fact that you are now completely responsible for you. And you are at the bottom of the ladder. But that's life! And I have worked hard to be where I am now. And now - 20+ years on... I had dinner this week with the ladies I met on my very first day at Lucent. We do that every month. And they will be my friends forever.

I see my daughter now, a week and a half in to 'big' school. She has her network from primary school - maybe only a few people who know and believe in her, but that has been enough. Her primary school intake in to the big high school is a drop in the ocean. But she knew some other children from other networks - dance, guides, even from back in nursery. They've all come together and made a bigger network. One child has introduced another child, and her network grows. And she is already thriving. And they also have mums and dads who are there to support them, and there for me, as I am there for them.

I have instilled in my daughter the importance of treating people how you wish to be treated, and the importance of having good friends, building a strong network. You never know what is around the corner, and having people in your life who will listen, advise and help you is invaluable. People you can laugh with and be yourself. Telecoms is like this, as I've gone through my career to date I've met people in each role I've held, from around the world, and I feel lucky to have met each and every one of you. And LinkedIn is a great way to expand that network and grow your identity.

I chose to join RingCentral as an industry leader. I was lucky to be approached by ex-colleagues to join, who showed me exactly why I should be part of this amazing, rapidly growing company. I have the pleasure of working with a fantastic team of people, most of whom I've worked with in previous roles, and working with the best technology. I've learnt a lot in my time working in telecoms, as I've grown up ('grown up' may be questionable for those who know me well!). But the most important things are to enjoy what you do, love your life and the people you work with, and always value the people that have been part of making you who you are today. As I type this an ex colleague is messaging me with a business opportunity. I could never imagine when I first started working that I would be in that position or be where I am today. I may not have taken over the world - I'm not prime minister (thankfully) or the CEO of a global enterprise. But I truly love what I do and the people I work with.

My advice to people starting a new school, a new job or making any big change, is always value the people around you. You can learn from everybody you meet. And hopefully, they can learn from you. As you go through life, it is important to develop and grow your personal skills, but it is as important to develop a good network and have good friends. Look after yourself, and those around you. As much as I want my daughter to achieve academically, if she goes through life believing in herself, with good friends, treats people with kindness and is happy, then I will be truly proud. Because, it really isn't just what you know...

Thank you all for listening to my sentimental reminiscing and for being there! Have a great weekend.