Shifting from marketing, brand, and PR into technology—with no existing network—meant living with constant “what if I fail?” questions. In the beginning I focused almost entirely on technical skills, only later realising that employers hire for problem‑solvers: communication, storytelling, courage in meetings, and the ability to connect dots across functions often matter as much as any tool or framework.

My first real foot in the door came through operations work at a Silicon Valley start‑up, where I slowly moved closer to tech by constantly volunteering for projects and gently inserting myself into technical conversations even before there was an official seat for me at that table, and that path eventually led to my role at Walgreens., where the early months were soaked in imposter syndrome. By 6 p.m. I often felt like giving up, yet I kept getting up at 4 a.m. to read, prepare, and slowly close the knowledge gap, helped by a manager‑turned‑mentor who pushed me to speak up, take risks, and own my ideas. Over time, my contribution matched that of colleagues from traditional IT paths, not because I knew everything, but because I brought hunger, discipline, and a different lens from my earlier career.

When I first started preparing, I assumed it would take a year and countless interviews to land a solid role. Instead, Walgreens became both my first and last interview in that phase, reminding me that the real turning point was not luck alone but years of invisible work—emotional, intellectual, and practical—that prepared me to thrive once the right door finally opened.

Continue Reading: Self-love, grit and my fast forward growth