Dawn Carter

Every career includes wrong turns, hard lessons and unexpected detours, but what if you could learn from someone else’s before making your own? In this candid and thought-provoking session, Dawn Carter, an award-winning data architect, shares the biggest mistakes that shaped her professional journey and how each became a catalyst for growth, confidence and success. Through humour, honesty and reflection, Dawn explores how self-doubt, overcommitment, misplaced trust and fear of failure can hold us back, and how embracing those moments can move us forward. Attendees will leave with practical insights, self-awareness and a fresh perspective on what success really looks like. This session is not about perfection; it is about persistence, perspective and learning out loud. Learning Points / Takeaways: - Recognise common career traps and turn them into growth opportunities - Discover how boundaries and self-belief enable sustainable success - Learn the value of seeking help from the right people and mentors - Reframe failure as feedback rather than defeat - Build confidence by celebrating progress rather than perfection - Leave inspired to define success on your own terms