Olivia Lambert, BSc

If I were to give credit to the successes I have achieved and continue to achieve, I would first give that credit to the Most High God. There have been moments in my journey when I felt overwhelmed—times when I wanted to retreat, not simply from a challenge, but from the belief that I was capable of overcoming it. In those moments, I turned to prayer.

I learned to pray my way through difficult seasons and uncertain opportunities. What once felt like obstacles became opportunities to discover my strength, my character, and my purpose. I came to understand that if I paused, reflected, and allowed the Lord to guide my steps, clarity and peace would follow. Challenges no longer felt like endings, but defining moments.

Through my faith, I found balance and stability. I gained a sense of assurance that I was never navigating my path alone. That spiritual foundation has given me resilience, confidence, and the courage to move forward, even in the face of adversity.

The best career advice I have ever received was simple, yet profoundly impactful: keep going—do not stop. Although it may sound elementary, those two words have carried me through some of the most challenging moments in my professional journey.

There have been seasons when progress felt slow, obstacles seemed overwhelming, or results did not immediately reflect the effort I was putting in. In those moments, I reminded myself to keep moving forward. Persistence often makes the difference between those who succeed and those who give up too soon.

I have learned that consistency, even in small steps, builds momentum. By choosing not to stop—no matter the circumstance—I have been able to grow, overcome setbacks, and continue advancing toward my goals.

The advice I would give to young women entering my field is to begin with yourself. Too often, we look outward for validation, approval, or direction. However, true confidence and clarity come from within. It is essential to take the time to understand who you are, what you truly want, and how you envision your path unfolding.

The professional climate will change, and you will inevitably need to adjust along the way. Growth requires flexibility. However, when you are grounded in self-awareness, you will understand why you are making those adjustments rather than feeling pressured to conform. Knowing your purpose allows you to pivot with intention instead of uncertainty.

I also strongly encourage journaling. Write down your goals, your vision, and the steps you plan to take. Document your progress, your lessons, and your reflections. Build from there. Keep your eyes fixed on where you want to stand and who you want to become as you approach the completion of each milestone. When you define your destination clearly, your actions begin to align with your vision.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is perception—particularly around confidence and leadership style. I have been told at times that I can come across as overly confident or even intimidating. In reality, I am simply decisive. When it is time to gather information, take action, and execute a plan, I move forward with clarity and purpose. I know what needs to be done, and I am prepared to do the work without hesitation.

I am also highly adaptable. I am willing to learn whatever is necessary to accomplish the task at hand, and I pivot quickly when circumstances change. However, confidence and initiative can sometimes be misunderstood, especially in environments where assertiveness is not always expected or welcomed. I have had to reflect on how I present myself while remaining true to my work ethic and standards.

At one point, I intentionally returned at a lower level to reestablish myself in an environment where I could rebuild credibility and respect on my own terms. I saw that not as a setback, but as a strategic opportunity. It allowed me to strengthen my foundation, demonstrate my capabilities, and position myself for long-term growth. For me, the opportunity within the challenge is learning how to lead with confidence while cultivating trust and respect along the way.

The values that are most important to me, both personally and professionally, are honesty, strong character, integrity, and clarity. I believe that who you are matters just as much as what you accomplish. Maintaining good character and operating with integrity guide every decision I make and every relationship I build.

I am also a strong advocate for clear and effective communication. I believe in taking the time to ensure that nothing is misunderstood or taken out of context. I prefer to address issues directly, ask the necessary questions, and “dig deep” to reach true understanding rather than making assumptions. Clarity builds trust, and trust strengthens collaboration.

For me, success begins with laying the proper groundwork. When expectations, goals, and responsibilities are clearly defined from the start, moving forward becomes much smoother. Clear communication and shared perspective make execution the easy part.