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SPRING 2025 InTouch | 13 A DAY TO REMEMBER I may not have started with a perfect plan. But I showed up. I kept going. I stayed consistent. And I built a career that I’m proud of, not despite my differences, but because of them. interviews I wheeled out of already knowing the answer was no. But I kept going. I believed that if I could just get my wheel in the door, I could prove myself. Your desire to succeed has to be stronger than your fear of failure. That persistence is what prepares you for the moment when someone finally says yes. 2. Not everyone will be kind but some people will change your life. I’ve had amazing managers who guided me, supported me, and opened doors I never thought I’d wheel through. And I’ve also had one manager look me straight in the eye and say, “You have no talent.” Both experiences taught me something. One showed me what good leadership looks like. The other taught me who I never want to become. Not everyone will see your value and that’s okay. You only need a few who do. 3. Being “the only one” is isolating but it matters. I’ve often been the only woman in the room. The only visibly disabled person. The only one who looked like me. It’s lonely. It can be uncomfortable. But it’s also important. Each time I show up, I remind myself: being visible matters. Representation often starts with someone being “the first.” And every time I enter that space, I make it easier for someone else to follow. 4. Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. I’ve had many moments of doubt. But I’ve learned that imposter syndrome often affects people who care deeply. Of having high standards. Of wanting to do your best. You’re not an imposter. You’re someone who gives a damn. And that’s a strength. 5. A career doesn’t follow a straight line and that’s okay. I didn’t plan this career step-by-step. I didn’t set out to be in Oracle for two decades. My journey started with a random contract through a temp agency and evolved through curiosity, adaptability, and saying yes to new challenges. Not every move was upward. Some were sideways. Some were uncertain. But every step added value to my skills, my confidence, and my story. Success doesn’t always look like a ladder. Sometimes it’s a winding path. 6. Staying in one place isn’t a weakness, it can be your greatest strength. There’s a belief in tech that if you stay too long in one job, you’ll stagnate. But I stayed at my first company for seven years. I’m so glad I did. That time gave me depth. It allowed me to grow beyond just "learning the ropes." I got to master systems, understand real business problems, and develop long-term relationships. Short stints can teach you speed. Long ones can teach you substance. My final thoughts... To everyone who’s ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or out of place in this industry, I see you. To every hiring manager who gave someone nontraditional a chance, thank you. To the mentors, leaders, and friends who supported me, I’m endlessly grateful. And to those who dismissed me, you became part of the reason I pushed harder. I may not have started with a perfect plan. But I showed up. I kept going. I stayed consistent. And I built a career that I’m proud of, not despite my differences, but because of them. Here’s to the next chapter. More learning. More chances. More space for those still waiting for someone to say yes. Wai Thant-Cyn