Letter to the Younger Me

Dear Sweet Young Noreen,

As you stand at the beginning of a journey you can barely imagine, let me share a few reflections from the future, where I'm celebrating twenty incredible, accomplished years as a communications professional.

Remember when you stepped into the world of working, not quite sure where the road would lead? You've now worked across four distinct industries - banking, government, property development, and telecommunications infrastructure. Each step brought you closer to understanding the power of your voice and the impact of your work.

At 26, you became the youngest member of the senior management team at the global shared services arm of the world's largest bank. You might not have realised it then, but those experiences with people from different continents, races, cultures, and beliefs shaped you in ways that are still unfolding. You learned that leadership isn't just about leading a team - it's about embracing diversity, showing empathy, and fostering collaboration across boundaries.

Moving on from your first job, you've had the privilege to craft a nationwide campaign that propelled the government's vision of a fully digital nation. You've also found yourself in rooms with extraordinary leaders like Prime Ministers, Presidents, Heads of State, and visionaries like Jack Ma and Bill Gates. These experiences weren't just encounters; they expanded your worldview and reinforced lessons in leadership, innovation and the power of human connection.

Your journey didn't stop there. You've also rebranded two organisations, guiding them through transformations that enhanced their relevance and strengthened their reputations. These were not just corporate milestones; they were your contributions to shaping a future where communication becomes the bridge to progress.

Your dedication towards excellence was soon followed by accolades - Global Leader of the Year by Gartner Marketing & Communications and CMO of the Year by Malaysia's CMO Awards, amongst others. These awards reflect your perseverance and resilience. But let me tell you something important - while these honours are meaningful, they're not the endgame. The true reward is the knowledge that you've inspired others along the way.

Here are some truths I've learned that I want you to hold onto:

1. Resilience is your greatest ally: Challenges will come, and when they do, remember that each one is an opportunity to grow. Don't shy away from adversity - face it head-on, knowing that every challenge shapes the leader you are becoming.
2. Being nice and good is not enough: Excellence is to aim for and WOW them with your work, your passion, and your commitment. It's not just about being liked; it's about leaving a mark.
3. Not everyone is on your side: There will be people in your life who will take advantage of your kindness or who hope to see you fail. Know when to walk away. Your energy is too valuable to be wasted on those who don't see your worth.
4. True happiness comes from inspiring others: It's not the accolades or the titles that bring joy but the satisfaction of knowing you've made a difference in someone's life. That's the legacy you'll leave behind.

So, keep going, keep pushing boundaries, and keep believing in the incredible things you're capable of. There will be times when you doubt yourself, when the road seems too steep, and when the weight of expectations feels too heavy. But those moments of uncertainty? They will be your greatest teachers. They'll teach you resilience, empathy, and the importance of staying true to your values. And trust me, it’s those values that will carry you through the toughest of times.

Your journey has just begun, and the best is yet to come.

With love and pride,

Noreen Sabrina Mohd Noor

~ Sept 2024