#IMAGEinspires: Would You Change Your Career Story?

In the world of business, whether we’ve leaned in so hard we’ve fallen over or made more than a few rookie mistakes along the way, something that we all ask ourselves is if we’d go back and change any of it. The ‘it’ being our story; the stepping stones – good and bad – that have gotten us to where we are in our careers today. It’s a question we’ve been pondering this week,?and ahead of our IMAGE Businesswomen of the Year Awards 2016 on November 21st, we asked some of last year’s winners?if and why they would change anything about theirs:?

Absolutely not, everything I have done from huge success to tremendous failure has influenced who I am, even being scouted by Topshop at 21 when I was so ridiculously young and inexperienced taught me so much. I think focusing on the past is such a waste of time, focus on the future and what you can do to change that.?Chupi Sweetman-Durney, creative director, Chupi

Looking back at my career journey there have been plenty parts that I did not enjoy, but had I not gone through them; I would have missed out on tough but important lessons which have definitely helped shape who I am today.?Fiona Flannery, CEO, DEPFA Bank plc

My only wish is that I had the confidence I have now at an earlier stage. But apart from that, I love my job.?Bernadette Kinsella, CEO, worldBOX.ie

No, I wouldn’t change a thing. Poulet Bonne Femme was never the plan, but often these are the best journeys. It has been so much fun building this business with my husband Gavin, and we are so excited about what is to come.?Sara Mitchell, co-owner, Poulet Bonne Femme

There are certain things that given a chance to start over, I would do differently. However, I wouldn’t change any part of my career journey thus far as I believe experiences be they positive or negative shape the person you are and the decisions you make for your future. I am always learning; my only hope is that I never make the same mistake twice.?Sandra McKenna, co-founder, Sheology Digital