I Didn't Plan to Lead a Enterprise Data Platforms—But I Learned to Stop Waiting for Permission
How I Learned That Leadership Doesn't Require Permission—Just Courage to Begin
For much of my career, I believed leadership was something that happened after you reached a certain milestone.
I thought I needed another degree, another certification, another title, or someone else’s endorsement before I could confidently raise my hand for bigger opportunities. I assumed the most successful leaders were people who always knew exactly what they were doing and had carefully planned every step of their journey.
What I have learned is that leadership rarely arrives as a neatly packaged invitation.
More often, it shows up in moments of uncertainty. It appears in ambiguous situations, difficult conversations, competing priorities, and challenges that no one else is eager to solve. It emerges when there is no clear roadmap, only an opportunity to create one.
Leadership Is Not Reserved for Those Who Have Perfect Plans
Today, I have the privilege of leading enterprise data platform initiatives for one of the nation’s largest grocery retailers. My work centers on helping modernize how data is managed, governed, and delivered at scale, while partnering across engineering, architecture, analytics, and business teams to align technology investments with strategic outcomes.
If you had told me years ago that I would be leading large-scale platform initiatives, speaking at industry events, advocating for women in technology, and helping shape conversations around data modernization, I probably would have questioned whether I was qualified enough.
Like many women, I spent years feeling the need to prove I was ready before pursuing the next challenge.
The reality is that very few people ever feel completely ready.
Some of my greatest professional growth happened when I accepted opportunities that stretched me beyond what felt comfortable. I learned to translate technical complexity into business value, facilitate conversations between teams with competing priorities, and make decisions despite incomplete information. I discovered that leadership is not about possessing every answer. It is about asking thoughtful questions, remaining curious, listening intentionally, and having the confidence to move forward while continuing to learn.
Curiosity Has Become One of the Most Important Drivers of My Career
Technology evolves rapidly. Data ecosystems continue to become more complex. New capabilities emerge constantly, requiring leaders to adapt and rethink traditional approaches. Remaining curious has allowed me to stay open to new ideas, challenge assumptions, and embrace change rather than resist it.
Equally important has been learning that leadership is not defined solely by technical expertise.
People remember how leaders make them feel. They remember whether their ideas were heard, whether they were supported during difficult moments, and whether someone invested time in helping them grow. Some of the most impactful leaders I have encountered possess exceptional emotional intelligence. They understand that delivering results and building trust are not competing priorities; they are deeply connected.
Careers Are Rarely Linear
As a working mother, a technology leader, and someone who has navigated an unconventional path into leadership, I have also learned the importance of extending ourselves grace. Careers are rarely linear. There will be moments when progress feels slow, setbacks seem discouraging, and balancing personal and professional responsibilities feels overwhelming.
Growth does not always happen in dramatic leaps.
- Sometimes growth looks like speaking up in a meeting when you would have previously remained quiet.
- Sometimes it means applying for a role before you feel 100% qualified.
- Sometimes it means accepting a project that challenges your current skill set because you trust your ability to learn.
Confidence, I’ve discovered, is often built after taking the leap—not before.
Stop Waiting for Permission
To women considering their next move, wondering whether they belong in leadership, or waiting for someone to validate their potential, my message is simple: stop waiting for permission.
- Invest in your development.
- Ask questions.
- Seek mentors.
- Continue learning.
- Advocate for yourself.
Most importantly, trust that you do not need to have every detail figured out before pursuing something bigger.
Leadership is not reserved for those who have perfect plans or flawless resumes. Leadership belongs to those who are willing to step into uncertainty, remain committed to growth, and create opportunities not only for themselves, but for others who will follow.
You may find that the opportunities you have been hoping for were never waiting for permission from someone else. They were waiting for you to believe you were already capable of pursuing them.
