Critical Careers - Women Building Careers in Digital Infrastructure - Book - Page 14
Critical Careers
E A R LY C A R E E R
When you were younger, what did you
imagine your future might look like and how
does that compare to where you are now?
When I was younger, I was absolutely convinced I was going to be a
teacher. I was that girl at school asking, “Can I take the register? Can
I hand the books out?” I used to play school with my teddies. I clearly
always felt comfortable leading. And to be fair, I was good at it. Teaching
made sense on paper. But what I’ve realised since is that being capable
at something and being energised by it long term are two very different
things. My brain chemistry and that job didn’t align day to day. In all
honesty, it took me a while to accept that.
I’ve also never been driven by titles for the sake of it. I didn’t have a 昀椀xed
ambition to climb a corporate ladder, but equally I wasn’t aiming to sit
still. It often feels like you’re expected to choose a box — career-focused
or family-focused — and I never fully identi昀椀ed with either. I’ve always
been more interested in building something meaningful and working in
environments where I can add real value.
Holly
Fenner
HEAD OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS | GeN+1
12
Now I’m Head of Marketing & Communications, leading a growing
platform that I’ve helped shape and expand. I haven’t followed a rigid
plan, but I have consistently stepped into opportunities, taken ownership
and delivered results. The biggest difference between what I imagined
and where I am now is that back then it was about becoming something
speci昀椀c. Now it’s about impact and balance. I want work that challenges
me, pays the bills comfortably and leaves space for life. I want to de昀椀ne
success on my own terms.
