Linda Douw

Dear Sister,

I wish someone had told me early on in my career that…

…you don’t have to do everything right. I assumed that making mistakes would be terribly problematic, but once I recognized the value of making mistakes, I was able to grow and learn much faster.

I think the most important decision that determined my academic life has been…
…to focus on the science and connections with colleagues, not the strategic and competitive side of academia. Focus on what gives you energy, not what everyone else is doing!

If I had to do it all over again, I would…
…not doubt myself so much. A reasonable level of self-criticism boosts you forward, but overdoing it stifles everything.

For future academia, I wish for…
…that we all stay playful and curious.

Don’t you ever…
…let other people decide what is good for you.