Lessons to My Younger Self
Who Am I?
Anat Eldar, mom to 2+2+1
B.A Computer Science
21 years, engineer -> product lead
Mobile, telco, CRM, social media analytics, digital
media and advertising
Currently working @ Microsoft Education, focused on
analytics products for educators
Find Your Passion
BUT…Understand that finding that may take years to
figure out.
Each one of my positions throughout the years have
allowed me to further develop my real passion.
1
Take a Chance and Act with Confidence
Speak up! Don’t be afraid to say what’s on your mind.
Not taking risks is risky.
Taking a risk is a great opportunity to learn, whether
you succeed or fail.
2
Get a Mentor !!!
Someone who could explain how things operate and
help find ways to contribute to the decision-making
process.
Offer to help them in return to even the relationship a
bit!
3
Build your Network
Always follow up to build relationships.
Send an email after meeting someone new and
remember details about people you meet.
Make Yourself Memorable. Build your personal brand.
4
Have A Path But Be Flexible
“Most likely you will not have the same plan in a few
years that you have today.
Life and priorities change—and so will your choices”
Amy Hood, EVP and CFO, Microsoft
5
Work Life Balance – It’s Complicated 
Be present and focus, whenever you are.
Don't feel guilty about enjoying your work or your time
with your family, you are doing the best you can.
At the end, your personal life is more important than
your job!
6
Be Patient and Listening
Be the ‘go-to’ person. Embrace best communication
skills.
Don’t be the smartest one in the room.
Relationships with people matter more than
performance!!!
7
Don’t Let Failure Hold you Back
“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and
that is why I succeed..” Michael Jordan
You have to take the shot to succeed.
But if you’re afraid of that failure it’s going to hold you
back.
8
You are NOT Your Job
Don’t tie your sense of self-worth to your job.
Regardless of how good/bad your job is going at any
time, you're a valued individual regardless.
Life is only temporary, but jobs are even more
temporary.
9
Focus on Making an Impact
And not on working hard.
The quicker you make an impact, the more attention
and support you will get.
Be a business, strategic and financial acumen. That's the
only way to be successful in your career.
10
Last Lesson – Be Happy!
Make things with your hands whenever you can.
Write, paint, plant, play the piano, anything…
11
Thank you

Lessons to my younger self

  • 1.
    Lessons to MyYounger Self
  • 2.
    Who Am I? AnatEldar, mom to 2+2+1 B.A Computer Science 21 years, engineer -> product lead Mobile, telco, CRM, social media analytics, digital media and advertising Currently working @ Microsoft Education, focused on analytics products for educators
  • 3.
    Find Your Passion BUT…Understandthat finding that may take years to figure out. Each one of my positions throughout the years have allowed me to further develop my real passion. 1
  • 4.
    Take a Chanceand Act with Confidence Speak up! Don’t be afraid to say what’s on your mind. Not taking risks is risky. Taking a risk is a great opportunity to learn, whether you succeed or fail. 2
  • 5.
    Get a Mentor!!! Someone who could explain how things operate and help find ways to contribute to the decision-making process. Offer to help them in return to even the relationship a bit! 3
  • 6.
    Build your Network Alwaysfollow up to build relationships. Send an email after meeting someone new and remember details about people you meet. Make Yourself Memorable. Build your personal brand. 4
  • 7.
    Have A PathBut Be Flexible “Most likely you will not have the same plan in a few years that you have today. Life and priorities change—and so will your choices” Amy Hood, EVP and CFO, Microsoft 5
  • 8.
    Work Life Balance– It’s Complicated  Be present and focus, whenever you are. Don't feel guilty about enjoying your work or your time with your family, you are doing the best you can. At the end, your personal life is more important than your job! 6
  • 9.
    Be Patient andListening Be the ‘go-to’ person. Embrace best communication skills. Don’t be the smartest one in the room. Relationships with people matter more than performance!!! 7
  • 10.
    Don’t Let FailureHold you Back “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed..” Michael Jordan You have to take the shot to succeed. But if you’re afraid of that failure it’s going to hold you back. 8
  • 11.
    You are NOTYour Job Don’t tie your sense of self-worth to your job. Regardless of how good/bad your job is going at any time, you're a valued individual regardless. Life is only temporary, but jobs are even more temporary. 9
  • 12.
    Focus on Makingan Impact And not on working hard. The quicker you make an impact, the more attention and support you will get. Be a business, strategic and financial acumen. That's the only way to be successful in your career. 10
  • 13.
    Last Lesson –Be Happy! Make things with your hands whenever you can. Write, paint, plant, play the piano, anything… 11
  • 14.