We’re born knowing how to make mistakes.

From the moment we learn to walk, we trip. When we start talking, we mispronounce things. But no one shames a toddler for falling — we cheer them on, because mistakes mean progress.

Somewhere along the way, that grace disappears. Mistakes start to carry shame, fear, or even consequences.

But in tech, in leadership, and in life, we don’t grow from perfection — we grow from getting it wrong and trying again.
Systems improve when someone breaks them and learns why. People grow stronger when they’re allowed to stumble without being discarded.

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I’ve worked under leaders who meant well when they asked:

“Where do you want to be in ten years?”

It’s a reasonable question — but it always threw me off.

The business serves its clients.
We in technology serve the business.
So what difference do my personal career goals make to the trajectory of the organization?

What I really wanted to hear was:

“This is where I want to take the company, and I think you’d be great at X, Y, or Z.”

That would’ve meant someone saw me — not just as a resource, but as part of the plan.
It would’ve invited me to grow with the company, not just around it.

🧠 Reflection:
Growth shouldn’t feel like a personal side quest — it should feel like a shared mission.
And mistakes? They’re not detours. They’re part of the map.