This Women’s History Month, we reflect on the lessons that have shaped our journey at Scale. As a female-founded company, our path has been paved with the guidance of mentors, the courage to take risks, and the belief that betting on ourselves would lead to something greater. Our story is one of persistence, learning from failure, and lifting others as we climb.
Lesson 1: Finding the Right Mentor Takes Work, but It’s Worth It
Early in our careers, we faced moments of uncertainty—times when we weren’t sure if we were making the right decisions or if we were truly capable of advancing. That’s when mentorship made all the difference.
One of the most valuable lessons we learned is that mentorship doesn’t just happen—you have to seek it out. It takes work to find the right person, someone who is a step ahead of you in their career and willing to provide guidance. But once you do, the impact is immeasurable. A mentor helps you see opportunities you might not have considered, introduces you to the right people, and most importantly, instills confidence. When we doubted ourselves, our mentors reminded us that we were capable. When we hesitated to take risks, they reassured us that growth only happens when you push past your comfort zone.
Lesson 2: Taking Risks is the Only Way to Grow
Starting Scale was one of the biggest risks we have ever taken. It meant stepping into the unknown, leaving behind the security of established roles, and creating something entirely new. But looking back, every major step forward in our careers—whether it was taking on leadership roles, forging strategic partnerships, or bringing new solutions to market—came from a willingness to embrace uncertainty.
Taking risks doesn’t mean acting recklessly. It means making informed decisions, weighing the potential challenges, and believing in your ability to navigate them. It also means understanding that failure is not a reflection of your worth but a necessary part of growth. If you’re not failing at something, you’re not stretching yourself enough.
Lesson 3: Failure is Part of the Journey
One of the hardest but most important lessons we’ve learned is that failure isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace. Some of our biggest breakthroughs came after setbacks. The key is to reframe failure as a stepping stone rather than a roadblock.
When things didn’t go as planned, our mentors reminded us that every successful leader has faced failure. Instead of letting it define us, we took the lessons, adjusted our strategies, and kept moving forward. And when we looked around, we saw a network of women who had done the same—who had faced obstacles, taken risks, and come out stronger on the other side.
Lesson 4: Lift Others as You Climb
Mentorship and risk-taking are not just about personal success; they’re about creating opportunities for others. That’s why we are committed to fostering a culture of mentorship and support, particularly for women in financial services, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles.
This Women’s History Month, we encourage you to seek mentorship, take that leap of faith, and support other women in their journeys. Whether it’s offering guidance, making an introduction, or simply sharing your story, every action contributes to building a future where more women have the confidence and opportunity to succeed.
If you are looking for mentorship or want to share your experiences, we invite you to connect with us. Together, we can create a more inclusive and empowering world for the next generation of women leaders.
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