Significant Career Lesson From A Technology Sourcing Manager At Netflix
Nicole, a Technology Sourcing Manager at Netflix and career coach, learned that the fear of failure hinders success more than actual failure; the most impactful advice Nicole received was to "just show up," even if it means giving "25%," because consistent effort, despite imperfections, ultimately yields results, as evidenced by their successful side business.
Work-Life Balance, Overcoming Challenges, Resilience, Leadership, Women in Tech
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Nicole Panzovski
Technology Sourcing Manager
Netflix
UCLA 2016
UCLA Anderson MBA
Economics
Arts, Entertainment & Media, Technology
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. It's okay to fail; showing up is more important than perfection.
2. Juggling multiple priorities (family, career, education) is possible, even if it means not giving 100% to everything all the time.
3. Don't let the fear of failure prevent you from starting or trying new things; if a project or business fails, it's not the end of the world.
Transcript
What is one lesson you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
I'm an Asian American woman, married, and a mother expecting my second child. I completed my MBA while working full-time at Netflix as a strategic sourcing manager.
I also run my own business called NCP Resume Studio, where I offer career coaching, resume services, and professional development. I wear many hats in my personal, professional, and academic life.
The most significant lesson I've learned in my career is that failure happens. As a woman in tech, I often feel pressure to be perfect, but that's not always realistic given the many demands on my time.
My former director, who was 55 at the time, once told me he felt I was scared of failing. He believed this fear was causing anxiety that would ultimately lead to bigger failures.
This was impactful because, as someone seeking a well-balanced life—a family, a professional career, and a social life—it feels like juggling many things. My boss advised that it's okay to drop the ball sometimes, as long as you pick it back up.
There have been many times I've botched a deal or wasn't the best wife, mother, sister, or daughter. During my MBA, there were classes where I could only give about 25% effort.
The key takeaway from my boss was that you can't be afraid to fail; you just have to show up. Even when I only gave 25% to a strategy class and received a B or B-minus, the important thing was that I showed up and did my best under the circumstances.
It's okay not to be perfect or give 100% all the time. This mindset shift means I'm not afraid of failing; I just show up with what I have.
In your career, you won't always be at your best or do things perfectly. If you avoid trying due to fear of failure, you end up not trying at all, and nothing gets accomplished.
My side hustle took off because I finally decided to just do it, accepting the possibility of failure. We often strive for perfection and end up not trying at all.
As women in business and tech, it is possible to have a family and a successful career. We need to move past the mindset that we must always be at 100% or we will fail. You have to show up with what you have, and people will still find value in that.