Visit to Google London with Women of the Future

Four of our Lower Sixth girls enjoyed a wonderful visit to Google London on the Wednesday before the autumn half term, at the invitation of Women of the Future (WoF). The event was hosted by their Ambassador, Srishti Warman (Go-to-Market Manager, Pixel).

After a warm welcome at reception, the group was escorted to a meeting area - complete with a double-decker bus! Following an inspiring introduction and short talk from Srishti, a series of remarkable women shared their career journeys, each offering personal insights and reflections under the theme “Things I Wish I Knew When…”. Every few minutes, another speaker took the floor, offering thoughtful and candid advice drawn from her own experience.

The girls were struck by how truly international Google’s workplace is, with women from Ireland, India, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Romania, the UK, Australia, Latvia and the Netherlands all taking time to share their perspectives. The scale of the organisation and the range of opportunities for development and global travel were impressive, and an abundance of questions from the audience showed just how engaged everyone was. 

It was impossible to single out any one piece of advice as “the best”, but here are just some of the standout messages that resonated with the group:

• It’s okay not to know exactly what you want to do - take your time and focus on the next step, not your entire career plan.
• Lean into the areas that make you feel good and where your strengths shine.
• A broad range of interests and skills helps you discover what you truly enjoy.
• Build and nurture your network - connections can become advocates who support you throughout life.
• Follow your curiosity; find what’s interesting in the work you do.
• Take time to understand yourself: your strengths, challenges, and blind spots.
• Your path doesn’t have to be linear.
• When a door closes, another opens - rejection is often redirection.
• Be yourself, and know your ‘superpowers’- those things that come naturally to you.
• Grades don’t define your potential; resilience does.
• Do what you love, and lean on your strengths.
• Ask questions, be kind, and stay adaptable.
• Focus on what you can control - you always have options.
• The right environment will bring out your best.
• Don’t compare yourself to others; every journey is unique.
• Step forward, even if you don’t feel completely ready - no one ever truly is!
• Build your own “Board of Advisors” - friends, colleagues, people whose perspectives you trust.
• Be more interested than interesting - genuine curiosity builds strong relationships.
• Keep building your skills bank - these are your true career currency.

The girls also had the privilege of meeting and speaking with Pinky Lilani, Founder of Women of the Future. We are most grateful to Pinky, Srishti, and the entire WoF team for such an inspiring day.