Letters to Our Younger Selves on International Women’s Day 2025

There’s a certain kind of courage in looking back – at the girl you once were, with all her dreams and doubts, and whispering, “You did it.” On this International Women’s Day, we invite you to pause and listen to “Letters to My Younger Self” – a heartfelt collection of stories from six extraordinary women across our global Tack TMI community.

These are raw, unfiltered narratives of growth, resilience, and transformation – each letter a bridge between who we were and who we’ve become. From the streets of London to the offices of Tokyo, from Milan to Kuala Lumpur, these women share the unspoken chapters of their journeys.

These letters are not just reflections – they are acts of bravery, of embracing the messy, beautiful journey of becoming. They carry the weight of choices that shaped lives and the gentle reminder to keep moving forward, no matter what.

So take a breath and read on. You might just find a part of your own story woven between the lines.

Agnes Elizabeth - Managing Director - Malaysia

Dear younger me,

This letter is for the timid young girl who faced more uncertainties than certainties and whose path was anything but a bed of roses. Life didn’t hand you privileges or a golden path to walk on. Instead, you navigated a rollercoaster of challenges – losing loved ones, questioning your worth, and wondering if things would ever get better.

Yet, even in those moments of doubt and hardship, you held onto something precious: “hope”. A quiet flame burned inside you, whispering that one day, things would change. But you didn’t just wait for change – you worked for it. You took every setback, every failure, and turned them into stepping stones. You faced setbacks, you faltered, but you never stayed down.

There were times when fear threatened to hold you back – times when you felt like an imposter in rooms you fought so hard to be in. But you kept pushing forward. You didn’t allow your circumstances to define you. Instead, you let your resilience, determination, and unwavering belief shape the leader you were meant to be.

You envisioned success before it even took shape, fuelling your journey with an unshakable mindset and a purpose to inspire others. You discovered that true leadership isn’t about knowing it all – it’s about having the boldness to push forward, even when the path ahead is unclear.

Look at you now leading, inspiring, and proving that the girl who once feared the unknown has become a woman who embraces challenges head-on.

I can’t thank you enough for your strength, your belief, and for never giving up. Because of you, I stand here with pride today – stronger, wiser, and ready to uplift others on their journey.

Thank you, little Aggie, for holding onto the flame!

With love,
Your Future Self

Connect with Agnes Elizabeth on LinkedIn

Mana Ogawa - Managing Director - Japan

Dear younger me,

I know you’re trying your best, even when no one sees the effort you put in.

I know you worry about the future—about whether you’ll find the right path, whether you’re making the right choices, and whether you’re good enough. Let me tell you now: you are. And you always have been.

Life will throw challenges your way. There will be moments when you feel lost, unsure of where you belong. But trust me, every step you take, even the uncertain ones, will shape you into the person you are meant to be.

Starting your career in HR will come with its own struggles—balancing expectations, handling people’s emotions, and sometimes questioning if you’re making an impact. But you will. You’ll grow, learn, and find fulfilment in ways you never imagined.

You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. You don’t have to compare yourself to others. Just focus on your journey, trust yourself, and be proud of how far you’ve come.

And most importantly—be kind to yourself. It’s okay to slow down, to rest, to enjoy the little moments. You are doing just fine, and the future you is grateful for everything you’ve overcome.

Just keep going!

With love,
Mana

Connect with Mana Ogawa on LinkedIn

Julie Law - Head of Leadership and Coaching - Scotland

Dear younger me,

I see you there – standing at the crossroads, full of ambition yet wrestling with uncertainty. Trust your instincts. Your internal compass will never fail you.

Those early days of supporting colleagues through change revealed your purpose. The ability to hold space for others while they navigate stormy waters will become your greatest strength.

When faced with that pivotal career decision between employee relations and learning & development, your heart knew the answer. Your choice to help others grow wasn’t just a career path; it was answering a calling. The joy of witnessing someone achieve what they thought impossible will fuel you through every challenge.

There will be times when your values feel at odds with those around you. Learn to hold your commitment to fairness and growth with conviction while respecting different perspectives. This balance between standing firm and embracing difference will transform your leadership.

When external validation is scarce, trust that inner voice. When lost, reach for human connection – we truly are all in this together. Your moments of choosing curiosity over judgement will ripple outward in ways you may never fully see.

Your greatest contribution will be the constellation of moments when you helped someone believe in themselves, when you asked the question that sparked transformation, and when you created safety for authenticity.

Travel widely, yes – but travel deeply, too. Into conversations and the beautiful complexity of the human spirit. And when those you thought would journey alongside you for a lifetime instead walk a different path, honour what was while remaining open to what will be.

The multiple hats you’ll wear – colleague, coach, advisor, friend – are all expressions of the same purpose: helping others be their best by their standards. In this calling, you will find your truest self.

With admiration for your courage then and now,
Yourself.

Connect with Julie Law on LinkedIn

Irene Vecchione - Managing Director - Italy

Dear younger me,

Reflecting on the years ahead, I want to share some thoughts about your leadership journey.

First, remember that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about listening, empathising, and learning with your team. There will be moments of self-doubt, but trust that your authenticity and willingness to grow will inspire others more than flawless perfection ever could.

You will encounter challenges that test your patience and resolve. Embrace these as opportunities for growth. Every hurdle is a lesson waiting to be learned. Don’t shy away from difficult conversations—they are the cornerstone of meaningful change and stronger relationships.

Cultivate patience. Leadership is a journey of constant evolution, not a destination.

You’ll face tough decisions, and not everyone will agree with you. Stand firm in your values and stay true to your principles. It’s important to remain open to feedback and adapt, but never compromise on your integrity.

Remember to celebrate small victories and be generous in recognising the efforts of those around you. Encouragement is a powerful motivator.

Balancing leadership and self-care is crucial. Prioritise your well-being to stay energised and focused. A positive mindset and healthy lifestyle will make you a better leader and someone others are inspired to follow.

Lastly, never underestimate the impact of kindness. Your warmth and compassion will define your legacy far more than any title ever could. Stay true to your values and lead with your heart.

Keep faith in yourself, and hold fast to your passion and dreams.

With love and pride,
Irene

Connect with Irene Vecchione on LinkedIn

Amanda Kennedy - Director of Apprenticeships - United Kingdom

Dear younger me,

On this International Women’s Day, reflect on the journey you are embarking upon as a young girl in a world rich with both challenges and opportunities. As you navigate the complexities of life, it is crucial to recognise the strength inherent in your identity. You may often feel overshadowed by societal expectations but remember that your voice matters; it can inspire change and foster progress.

You may not yet see the potential that lies within you. Allow me to remind you of the strength you possess.

Remember those moments of self-doubt? Embrace them; they will fuel your determination. Each challenge will become a steppingstone toward your dreams. Do not shy away from asserting your voice; it is your most powerful asset. Surround yourself with mentors and allies who uplift you, for they will be instrumental in your journey.

Celebrate your achievements, both small and large, and learn from failures; they are mere lessons in disguise. You are not just paving your path; you are also making way for future generations. Lead with empathy, empower others, and never forget the importance of solidarity among women.

Embrace the lessons imparted by the remarkable women who surround you. Their resilience and determination are not merely stories; they are blueprints for your own aspirations.

As you grow, challenge the norms that seek to confine you. Do not shy away from asserting your rights or pursuing your passions. Your journey will not be without obstacles, but each challenge will fortify your resolve. Celebrate your achievements and those of your peers, for empowerment is magnified when shared.

In essence, cherish your individuality and let it guide you toward a future where all women can thrive. The world awaits your contributions.

Yourself.

Connect with Amanda Kennedy on LinkedIn

Maria Cretu - Global Marketing Manager - Romania

Dear younger me,

I still see you clearly – eyes bright with determination, standing tall at every new threshold. I want to thank you for your unwavering courage, for saying yes to opportunities that stretched your limits, for stepping confidently into spaces where you decided you belonged, even when others questioned it. For every time you faced uncertainty with resolve, I am deeply grateful.

In those moments when you stood your ground, certain of your worth – you were right.

Thank you for staying true to your values when pressured to compromise, for becoming the woman I admired as a little girl – brave in your choices, agile in your thinking, balanced in your approach, calm under pressure, consistent in your principles, and caring without depleting yourself. I cherish those quiet victories no one else witnessed: the nights dedicated to projects as “just” a volunteer, the conversations where you projected confidence despite butterflies, and every piece of feedback you boldly requested.

I’ve come to understand a powerful truth: those qualities often dismissed as “girly” – your emotional intelligence, collaborative spirit, and intuitive understanding – required more genuine strength than any display of dominance. You stand where you are today because you spoke up when silence was easier, because you created community when others fostered division, and because you extended your hand to others while forging your own path forward.

You taught me that true strength lies not in standing alone, but in bringing others along on the journey. In your quiet, determined way, you showed that empowering others is how we all rise together.

With admiration and gratitude,
Yourself.

Connect with Maria Cretu on LinkedIn