George Brown Voices: Advice and wisdom for International Women’s Day, 2026

Listen to and trust your heart; it will help you get what you want, arrive where you need, and be who you are meant to. 

Believe in yourself. You are enough! 

Take time to know yourself for your unique qualities, strengths and interests and resist letting others' opinions change what you know to be true and good. 

The most important advice I would give my younger self, that little girl — is to practice self-kindness and patience. Today, as an educator surrounded by children who are often their own toughest critics, I experience a daily awakening that reminds me to be gentle with myself, too. I spent much of my youth struggling with insecurities about my appearance, which engraved a lingering doubt over other aspects of my life. Now, as I outgrow those toxic habits, I teach my students to replace self-criticism with self-compassion and to let their doubts fuel their eagerness for their passion for success. I live by the words of the poet Rumi, who once said, 'the only lasting beauty comes from the heart'. External judgments of ourselves and others truly hold no weight if we carry negativity within us. Ultimately, the most memorable individuals are those who radiate kindness, a kindness that I believe must root inside ourselves first. 

All that pain will eventually go away, and when you finally feel healed, you'll be strong enough to endure any new pain that comes your way. And you will be ok. 

Be confident in your expertise; you worked very hard to achieve it. It's okay to be your whole authentic self, despite that feeling vulnerable and risky. Most people will respect you for it - and the people who don't tells you more about who they are than it does about who you are. Also, the patriarchy is very real, and it's not only men who uphold it. Don't gaslight yourself into thinking otherwise. 

You'll be okay. Slow down and touch the grass, smell the air, pet the dog, do what brings you joy. 

I would tell her to never shrink herself to fit into someone else's narrow definition of success. Challenge the harmful norms early and often. Your unique perspective is not a barrier, it is your competitive advantage. Keep breaking those glass ceilings, even if the glass cuts sometimes, it is worth it for the view. 

Not everything is yours to fix. 

I would tell her that you have everything you need already inside of you to be who you are, so don't be afraid to shine and share who you are with others. You are smart, unique and there is no one else like you. The world wants to meet you, so stop dimming your light to fit in. 

I would tell her to jump in and do all of the things she is afraid of. To tune out the noise, because other people's opinions of her, is NONE of her business. 

Work smart, communicate and do the best you can on a day to day basis. 

There are successful women who were in exactly your place. Trust that you will find your path. Love strangers, friends, family and yourself. It is your strength and not a weakness. 

You are capable. People will tell you that you can't do it. But you will show all of them just how strong you are.

I remember attending an International Women’s Day event early in my career where the question was asked: what would you tell your younger self? One leader said she would tell herself that ‘it was all going to work out’. There would be ups and downs, but her life and career would unfold as they were meant to. This reassurance stayed with me. So, I would tell my younger self that your voice matters, don’t shrink to fit expectations that weren’t designed for you, and trust that balance is something you shape over time. Do the hard things, stay grounded in your values, and believe that, even when it feels uncertain, what is meant to be will be. 

You’re going to grow into someone really strong — even if you don’t feel like it yet. Being quiet doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you observe deeply and think carefully. One day, that thoughtful nature will become your biggest advantage. Don’t doubt yourself just because others are louder or faster. Your pace is steady, and steady is powerful. 

I would remind her to evaluate the situation first, before jumping to conclusions. Travel more, and spend less. 

Don't rush.

Figure out how to relax, recognize your own expectations of yourself that you're projecting. There's no need to try so hard. Spend more time writing (journaling) to learn about your inner mind. 

If I could meet my younger self, I would tell her: don’t be afraid of the unknown. 

Be Yourself! Do what you love! 

Always speak up, always ask questions and do not compare yourself to others 

Relax. Breathe. You don’t have to take everything so seriously. Yes—you care deeply, and you always give your best—but don’t let the outcome consume you. You are responsible for yourself, your effort, and your growth. That’s it. 

I would tell my younger self, though family and career are very important, taking time to self-care and putting your own needs ahead at times is not wrong. In fact, it's healthy, keeps you strong and focused for your family and career. If you take a little time to love yourself... it makes you healthy and strong for everyone. 

You don't need to dim your light for others to shine.

The things that confuse you, hurt you, or make you doubt yourself will not break you- they will shape you. 

Figure out who you are, and then don't try to be anyone else. If something doesn't feel right, if you aren't acting yourself in certain situations, if something exhausts you - it may not BE you. Find your fit and celebrate it.