What would you write to your younger self?

This week is my 20th anniversary of work so I’ve been a tad nostalgic. This pic was taken in my first week when I started out at CIB Communications – it was an office desking launch hosted for retailers at the Williams F1 HQ in Surrey.

My line manager was off so I was literally thrown in at the deep end working with my Director delivering this event. At the time I was a huge F1 buff and part of the event included a tour of their museum which had every F1 car they’d built which I found fascinating and I of course asked a lot of questions.

I can't say I planned to get into construction but landed a job in construction PR and it was a great all-round grounding and starting point as you learnt a lot about various sectors and how the industry worked.

Some of the things I learnt here were:

the importance of writing
that I liked being hands on and solving problems
how to build client relationships

Anyway, here’s my letter to my 23 year old self.

My letter

Dear Ayo,

First up - I just want to say that you rock. All those insecurities about who you are and what you look like are really just in your own mind. You're amazing so don't waste time and energy beating yourself up.

This is your first job enjoy it and believe me, you have many, many more to come! Like at least 13+ which for some may be too many but hey, you do tend to tire and get bored and like shiny new things. You always come out the other side just fine and one day even start your own business working with amazing clients that you really want to work with.

Yes, your passion and enthusiasm for construction doesn’t wane and you end up working in amazing companies, working on amazing projects, with many amazing people, many of which turn into real friendships that stand the test of time.

Be kind to yourself - you have amazing energy and drive and spirit but often use negativity as a way to drive yourself forward. Go easy on yourself. You will still get there.

Have confidence and don't be afraid to be you - you're intelligent and fun and don’t forget that! And as you grow older you do get more comfortable owning that. Yes, not everyone will like you but hey that's their issue not yours. A wise man you will one day work with will say: “never change or stop being you” and you know what he was right.

Much like when you lost mum recently, each decade will see you lose someone close to you but you do have strength and resilience and amazing friends and family who do help you get through these tough times.

Even after 20 years you don't figure out the relationship thing - but hey you've had quite a lot of fun trying!

You can do anything - you always figure stuff out and are fiercely independent. That's one awesome superpower. But always be aware that that shouldn't be a barrier to letting your guard down and letting people in too.

And finally, you don't end up alone. You do end up with an amazing son who smiles and laughs and generally is a diamond and a pure bundle of energy.

Bye for now,

Ayo 2021,

Your future self

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