Dear Me Then, From Me Now: Meet Stuart, Head of Global Platform Solutions

Hey me,

It might be strange to get a letter from your future self, but please indulge me as I know you won’t always listen to your parents! I want to share some important thoughts with you — things I wish I had known at your age. So, sit tight and let’s have a little chat.

First of all, it's completely okay to not know what you want to be when you grow up. Trust me, you're not alone in this as many kids and even many adults feel this way. I know you worry a lot about the future and what you might end up doing, but here's the secret: it's perfectly fine to take your time to explore different interests and passions. You’ll eventually discover what you love, and that will guide you — you’ll achieve even more than you can imagine right now. 

Now, about school. I know it can be tough. You will go through some difficult times, moving from a small village in Dorset to a large secondary school in East Sussex won’t be easy. Other children will pick on you and tease you for being small, or not being able to afford all the latest stuff. The good news is not only will you end up being taller than most of them, but you’ll also come to realise possessions don't define you. Your character, kindness, and determination are what truly matter.

Whilst these somewhat traumatic experiences at school will leave you with a lack of confidence, I know you are stubborn and determined, so this won’t hold you back. You inherited a strong sense of integrity and work ethic from your parents. Right now, you may not fully appreciate this, but once you have children, you’ll know how hard your parents worked and how much they sacrificed to give you a good start in life.

Academic results aren’t the be all and end all. This is the point I should tell you to work harder in your studies, but I already know you won’t, however I promise you will come to realise that learning is a lifelong journey. Your values will be your compass in life, and these will guide you to always do the right thing, even in the face of adversity. 

Being honest and acting with integrity in an interview leads to your first role in technology and provides a valuable lesson in being true to yourself. This experience will stay with you and encourage you to see the potential in others and give them a chance. Finally, remember tough times don't last, but tough people do, and you are tougher than you think.

In the end, what matters most is not what you have, but who you have in your life, and the person you become. So, keep dreaming, keep learning, and most importantly, keep being you and remember that where you start out in life shouldn’t dictate where you end up.

Yours truly,
Your future self