Dear Younger Me, Please Take This Piece of Advice

Absolute asks its female team about the advice they would give to their younger selves. 

Started from the bottom, now we’re here. Sure, ‘here’ is not the final destination. Far more of a landmark as we navigate across the city of life. We’re always evolving, learning, growing – in our careers, our lives, ourSELVES. And that’s the way it should be.

But one thing’s for sure: we’ve all learnt A LOT since we delicately dipped our toes into the wonderful world of advertising, TV and film - and we don’t just mean in a career capacity.

This International Women’s Day, we wanted to lean on our life experiences to give something back - to offer some useful advice to those who might be at the edge, about to jump in at the deep end. 

Here’s one thing we wish we could tell our younger selves:

Nswana Shelia-Nelson - general manager 

“Do what makes you happy and don’t judge yourself too harshly in photos.”

Hannah Barnes - PR manager 

“Be a ‘yes’ person. Saying yes to different opportunities might take you down a pathway you didn’t even know existed.”

Jenna Le Noury - executive producer

“Respect and listen to everyone, just remember to be selective about which advice and guidance you follow.”

Jules Wileman - colour assist 

"It's okay to get stressed and anxious, but don't let it become overpowering. Is it actually a 'life or death' situation, or can it be rationalised?"

Kirsty Murray - executive producer

“Surround yourself with strong women, but don’t feel like you always have to be one! It’s ok to express yourself in whichever way you need to. Strength comes across in all kinds of emotions.”

Lia Jacobs - trainee scheduler

“Have faith in your own abilities and own your confidence. It’s a constant learning curve, so don’t be too hard on yourself – you will get there!”

Hannah Whitehill - producer

“Always ask questions; about how things work and why things work. As women, we can sometimes be made to feel less knowledgeable than men - especially when it comes to the more technical side of things. Everyone has to start somewhere and you won’t learn unless you ask questions!”

Maddie Godsill – hospitality manager

“Try to be the truest version of yourself you can possibly be, it is only a waste of your time otherwise.”

Dale Heron - freelance producer

“Stay inquisitive, never doubt yourself and don’t compromise – high standards protect you from low quality experiences.”

Belinda Grew – production director

“Be a little more fearless. Take a chance, you have the grit and determination to be or do whatever you decide.”

Emma Peacocke – commercial manager

“I wish I’d worked a damn sight harder at school! If you always try your hardest, you’ll never have any regrets.”

Ollie Ireland – junior producer

“Always have a to do list, eat your greens, be kind.”

Sally Heath – executive director

“Trust your instincts – your gut feeling will inevitably be right and will prove that the advice of others may not be as good as you’d hoped - or they’d promised.”

Christine Peters – lead animator

"I had a tutor at university who said you can draw your way out of anything, weirdly he wasn’t wrong! I guess this can be applied to any form of creativity, but for me it will always be drawing."

Elena Enachescu – accountant

"In a world full of people, you may feel alone, down, frustrated - but you are brave, stronger than you believe!"

Rosanne Crisp – senior producer

“Throw yourself into all opportunities, no matter how daunting. Everyone starts somewhere but challenging yourself outside of your comfort zone will help you grow.”

Siobhan Leonard – head of scheduling

“Don’t force a situation, know your limits on what you can control.”

Illustrations by Christine Peters, Lead Animator at Absolute’s animation arm, Blind Pig.