What piece of advice helped your career the most?

Question

In search of the most transformative career advice, we've gathered insights from a diverse group of professionals, including career coaches and founders. From the importance of networking strategically to the wisdom of avoiding arrogance for continuous improvement, here are thirty-five invaluable pieces of advice that have profoundly influenced their careers.

Scott Foley · Answer

Network strategically, not just widely. Quality connections open more doors than a large, impersonal network. Seek mentors, attend industry events, and join professional groups. Meaningful relationships lead to opportunities and growth.

Sayem Ibn Kashem · Answer

The best advice that helped my career the most was: “Always stay curious and keep learning.” This simple idea taught me that success isn't just about knowing a lot, but about always wanting to know more. It pushed me to try new things, face challenges, and see every experience as a chance to grow. By keeping a curious mindset, I've been able to adapt, come up with new ideas, and stay up-to-date in a constantly changing world. This advice has played a key role in my career success and personal happiness.

TK Morgan · Answer

One piece of advice that significantly helped my career was understanding what I loved and what I disliked about my current role. Identifying what motivated me to get up and work each day made a big difference. I created two columns: one for what I loved and one for what I disliked. Then, I wrote down my vision for my next career move and applied the lessons learned from my previous role. 
It's crucial not to take a job just because it's available, but to choose one that is a good fit and aligns with what you want to do. When you follow your passion, you will never work a day in your life. Love what you do each day!

Volen Vulkov · Answer

“Always understand the 'why' behind what you're doing” was one of the most transformative pieces of advice I ever received from a former supervisor. This guidance encouraged me to think strategically about the bigger organizational picture and to do more than merely carry out tasks.
For example, we used this guidance on a project to reduce our customer care response times. Rather than merely expediting replies, I dug deeper to find out why delays were happening and how quick replies would affect client retention and satisfaction. This greatly enhanced our customer engagement KPIs by training our customer support staff in problem-solving and effective communication.
Accepting the “why” has helped me come to better conclusions and offer solutions that support the company's strategic objectives. It encouraged an analytical attitude that has helped me progress in my job by proving that I understand company operations and goals more deeply.

Valentin Radu · Answer

The most impactful advice that shaped my career is: “Don't stop learning.” This principle has guided me through the evolution of Omniconvert, ensuring that innovation and personal growth remain at the core of our operations. By continuously seeking new knowledge, I've been able to stay ahead in the dynamic e-commerce landscape, making informed decisions that benefit our clients and keep our solutions relevant. This mindset has advanced my professional development and fostered a culture of curiosity and continuous improvement within our team.

Suzanne Ricci · Answer

When I was graduating from college, I had a college professor suggest I continue to build passion through continuous learning. Embracing a mindset of perpetual growth and curiosity not only kept me engaged and motivated but also enabled me to adapt to changing industry trends and innovate within my field. This approach fostered resilience and a proactive attitude, opening doors to new opportunities and professional advancements that might have otherwise been overlooked.

Alari Aho · Answer

"Measure twice, cut once" is the piece of advice that has significantly influenced me. In the context of running a startup, this means thoroughly researching and validating ideas before fully committing resources to them. This advice taught me the importance of diligence and precision in planning—whether it's developing new software or deciding on a strategic pivot—which has saved Toggl countless resources and guided us through multiple successful product launches. 
It emphasizes the value of meticulous preparation and risk assessment to ensure that when we do take action, it's based on solid data and realistic projections. This approach not only minimizes potential errors and financial losses but also maximizes the impact and effectiveness of our strategic decisions. By applying this principle, we've been able to enhance our product offerings and refine our market strategies, leading to sustained growth and stability.

Amit Doshi · Answer

One invaluable piece of advice that significantly shaped my career was to always stay adaptable and open to change. I've seen firsthand how the job market can shift rapidly due to technological advances, economic fluctuations, and evolving industry needs.
Embracing adaptability means continuously learning new skills, staying informed about market trends, and being willing to pivot strategies when necessary. This mindset helps in navigating uncertainties and in seizing new opportunities that arise, ultimately contributing to sustained growth and success in the ever-changing landscape of recruitment.

Serhii Antoniuk · Answer

Network, because you will never know how important your network is until you need it. Early in my career, I prioritized growing my technical skills over building relationships. I would pass up opportunities to attend conferences and instead take a coding or development course. This advice helped me realize the tech industry is full of talented people, and sometimes, the difference between you and everyone else narrows down to your network. 
Networking has been a bridge between my expertise and resources, knowledge, and opportunities, which I doubt would have been available otherwise. One of my connections helped me onboard one of our biggest clients by introducing them to me at an event. I have a few people I can consult when faced with challenges, others with whom I partner for joint development projects, and some who give me access to new technologies before they launch. Your network can be the key to your next big opportunity.

CJ Looi · Answer

Understand yourself first. Many people don't think about their personality when choosing a career, and then they end up with a job they hate. Do you enjoy talking to lots of people, or do you prefer being alone? Do you like sitting at a computer all day or being outdoors? Everyone has different traits and preferences, and that's why it's really important to pick a career that matches your personality. Otherwise, you will suffer every day you go to work.

Joshua Bartlett · Answer

The most impactful piece of advice that has propelled my career forward is the importance of maintaining ongoing relationships with mentors. In the fast-paced world of digital marketing and SEO, it's crucial to have experienced individuals whom you can turn to for guidance. These mentors serve as invaluable assets, offering their expertise and providing a sounding board for new ideas and strategies.
Having a mentor has been like having a compass in the wilderness of entrepreneurship. They've been there to celebrate my successes and to provide candid feedback when I'm veering off course. This relationship is a two-way street; it requires consistent communication and a willingness to be receptive to constructive criticism. By actively engaging with mentors, I've been able to navigate challenges more effectively and make informed decisions that align with my long-term business goals.

Christopher Falvey · Answer

Focus on profit from day one. I lived through the dot-com boom and bust and many bubbles since then. That's gambling. You're lucky if you can gamble with other people's money, but that's not how it works for most businesses. Even if it's just enough profit to cover (or supplement) your expected income, always be profitable. It doesn't matter how much to begin with; keep this mindset as you grow, and profit should grow if you have a going-concern type of business.

Fred Winchar · Answer

Overcome self-doubt. Self-doubt can hold you back from performing and realizing your full potential. At the core of self-doubt is a lack of confidence in your abilities. Every obstacle in your path to success becomes motivation when you overcome self-doubt. You open your eyes to opportunities and take risks that may pay off handsomely. 
When I learned how to overcome self-doubt, I started to accept that challenges and doubts are not roadblocks but catalysts for growth and self-improvement. Whenever self-doubt creeps in, I use it as a signal to reassess my approach, gather information, and improve my skills. Instead of running away from it, I embrace it and turn it into an opportunity for progress and innovation. This is how I convert setbacks into stepping stones toward success.

Dan Ben-Nun · Answer

Embrace continuous learning and adaptability. Surviving in a highly changing work environment is not easy. You must be willing to continuously learn new skills, adapt to new technologies, and remain flexible in the face of change. When I developed my first website at 13, GeoCities was a massive content management system. However, it wasn't long before other players, such as WordPress, Squarespace, and Joomla, emerged. I had to learn how to design and code websites to remain relevant. I used the knowledge acquired to set up my first online business.
Before I joined college, I learned search engine optimization and affiliate marketing, which helped me to market my products. I later learned digital marketing and started to help other businesses grow their traffic and revenue. I have always embraced continuous learning and adaptability to spot opportunities and stay ahead of the competition.

James McNally · Answer

The best advice that really changed my approach to being an entrepreneur was this simple truth: “Even if you think big, work hard, and want it badly enough, you can still fail.” It was a real eye-opener because it goes against the usual message that hard work will always pay off. This advice taught me that failure doesn't always mean you did something wrong. Sometimes, things outside your control can stop you from succeeding.
Understanding this has helped me not to take failures personally. Instead, I see them as chances to learn and grow. It's taught me to keep my drive alive without burning out and to face challenges with a clear head, knowing that not every effort will lead to success, and that's perfectly okay. This has been crucial in keeping me motivated and focused through the ups and downs of running my own business.

Christopher Golston · Answer

A few pieces of advice that I have been given during my career are: “Don't take the negatives of the job personally or take them home with you.” “Find fun and amusement where there may be none.” “Challenge yourself; do not wait for the job to challenge you.”

Abid Salahi · Answer

The most rewarding advice that shaped my journey was, “Your vision is your compass.” This wisdom reminds me that as a tech CEO, my role is not only to keep the operation running smoothly but also to chart the course towards our future. By remaining true to our vision, even when obstacles arise, we've been able to steer the company toward success while inspiring our team to pursue a unified goal. This advice keeps me grounded, reflects my leadership style, and acts as my personal and professional North Star.

Daniel Bunn · Answer

The best piece of advice that shaped my career at Innovate came from a mentor who told me, “Always listen more than you speak.” This simple yet profound guidance transformed how I approach client interactions and project management.
By focusing on actively listening to our clients' needs, concerns, and goals, I've been able to develop more tailored, effective solutions that truly meet their expectations. This approach helped in building stronger relationships and fostered a collaborative environment where ideas could flourish and adapt based on real feedback.
The result has been consistently positive outcomes for projects and a reputation for our agency as truly client-focused. This principle of prioritizing listening has become a cornerstone of our business ethos and a key driver of our sustained success.

David Hill, MD · Answer

One piece of advice that significantly influenced my career was: “Stay curious and continually seek knowledge.” In the rapidly evolving field of plastic surgery, staying updated with the latest techniques and advancements has been essential. This mindset of ongoing learning has refined my skills and allowed me to offer the most current and effective solutions to my patients, ensuring they receive the best possible outcomes.

Jimmy Clare · Answer

The best advice that someone gave me was just to get started. People are always waiting for the right time, right circumstances, waiting on help from others, and on and on. I admit it would be nice if everything just fell into place magically. But if you want to be an entrepreneur, you need to be okay with trying things out. You have to be okay with saying, “Okay, this didn't work; what can I do differently?”
If you are a podcaster, how can you cut back on the “ums,” or what can you do to keep the conversation flowing instead of doing a Q&A with the guest?
Stop worrying about the perfect timing, etc. There is no such thing. Mistakes happen; continue to learn and move forward. Stop waiting; start doing without all the perfection. I have made a lot of mistakes in my business, but I've had some really amazing achievements as well. As long as the good outweighs the bad, then you are on the right path!

Kartik Ahuja · Answer

Letting go of the urge to be perfect was one of the most influential pieces of advice that genuinely benefited my job as a digital marketing expert. By accepting this advice, I was able to shift my attention from perfection to progress, which allowed me to take more chances, learn from my mistakes, and continue developing my abilities and tactics. 
I was able to approach my work with more inventiveness, adaptability, and resilience after realizing that growth comes from accepting mistakes and perfection is not always achievable. This change in perspective gave me more self-assurance and created new avenues for creativity and success in my work in digital marketing.

Michael Gargiulo · Answer

One of the most impactful pieces of advice that has significantly influenced my career trajectory is the principle of “walk before you run.” This counsel has taught me the importance of laying a strong foundation and mastering the basics before striving for more complex achievements. It has encouraged me to approach tasks with patience, to learn and grow steadily, and to appreciate the value of incremental progress.
This guiding principle has enhanced my skill set in a more comprehensive manner and allowed me to build resilience and adaptability in my career. Embracing this approach has helped to achieve sustainable success and make more informed decisions, ensuring a steady ascent in my professional journey.

Muffetta Krueger · Answer

The best advice that's really shaped my career is all about the power of relationships. In the world of household staffing, it's not just about filling positions; it's about connecting with people on a deeper level. By focusing on building genuine connections, I've been able to create a network of clients and candidates who trust me. This trust leads to more than one-off placements; it opens up doors for long-term partnerships and referrals.
Taking the time to understand the unique needs and preferences of both clients and candidates has been key. It's not just about making a match; it's about making the right match. And by keeping those lines of communication open and showing that I genuinely care about their satisfaction, I've been able to establish myself as someone people can rely on.
At the end of the day, it's all about the people. Prioritizing relationships over transactions has helped me succeed in the household staffing industry and made my career incredibly fulfilling.

Umeadi Grace chisom · Answer

I received the most valuable single piece of advice that has helped my career the most from my granddad. Frankly, I am sure I would have probably forgotten this piece of advice had he not reiterated it on several occasions and also made sure to back it up with lessons from his own personal experience. He would always say, “You never know who is watching, so you better make sure never to stop until you have put in your best.”
The truth is, all the success I have achieved in my career is thanks to this advice always sounding like a warning and a guide at the forefront of my mind. It reminds me to do more than the bare minimum, and this has been key in distinguishing myself, my skills, and my ability to my employers and supervisors, especially during the early stages of my career development. 
Also, in the way that actually counts, this advice has helped make the right impression during the course of my professional journey, as well as build a persevering momentum to sustain my desire to always be the best at what I do as I advance professionally as a marketer.

Will Baker · Answer

The best advice I’ve received is to stay confident in my own ideas. Especially when starting off, it's very easy—and very common—to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. Basically, trying to validate the value of an idea by looking around to see if it has been implemented by the competition and being discouraged if it hasn't. 
The famous question arises: Why did no one else do it by now? What am I missing? It's a very counterproductive thought process, as it's exactly those out-of-the-box ideas that can push a business to the front of the pack. Once I understood this, I realized that it was an ability I possessed, that of challenging the status quo—a superpower in a market stifled with competition.

Luther Yeates · Answer

Put your clients at the forefront, no matter what. This is a piece of advice I've kept with me while co-founding our mortgage brokerage. Everything we do puts our clients at the forefront, from investing in customer service to new technology, to our individual processes and operations. If it's not putting the client first, we don't do it.
It's a very easy way to make sure we're staying true to our values and ambitions while making key business decisions. It's a rule to fall back on when we're unsure of the best decision to make: we simply ask what's best for our customers. And it pays dividends in the long run—in client retention, referrals, reputation—which ultimately leads to the success of the business.

Ben Lamarche · Answer

I was lucky enough to find a mentor early in my recruiting career who advised me to advocate for myself. Actively speaking up for my skills, achievements, and career goals has helped me negotiate promotions, salary increases, and new opportunities at my current and past workplaces.
Advocating for myself has helped me secure key projects and assignments that have furthered my career development. By highlighting my interest in specific areas of recruiting, such as executive search or diversity hiring, I have been able to take on new challenges and expand my skill set. This proactive approach has not only benefited my professional growth but has also added value to the company by allowing me to tackle strategic initiatives that align with our business goals.
Using this advice, I've also successfully lobbied for promotions instead of waiting to get noticed, presenting detailed cases to upper management at times, outlining my contributions to the company, including my successful track record of exceeding recruitment targets and my ability to lead and motivate my team. By confidently articulating my strengths, accomplishments, and aspirations, I have been able to carve out a successful career path and take on leadership roles that I may not have otherwise secured.

Carlos da Silva · Answer

Growing up, my mother wore many hats. Not only was she a hardworking homemaker, she also worked part-time, and when I was a teenager, she launched her own small business. She always told me not to put limitations on myself, and that is the piece of advice that has brought me the most success.
It's not, “You can do anything,” but, “You can do EVERYTHING.”
There is no need to curtail your passions. In my case, I'm both a working physician assistant and the CEO of a career hub dedicated to the PA and nursing job markets. I may take on another role in the future because I know that the sky's the limit, and there is always a way to squeeze an extra hour out of my day.

Asel Williams · Answer

When I was 17, my mother gave me a piece of advice that would shape my future. She told me I would never work for an employer but would always run my own business. After graduating from Columbia Law School, I immediately began building my own law practice. The advice my mother gave me 20 years ago was more than just career guidance; it was a lifestyle philosophy that has brought happiness and balance to my life.

Brian Staver · Answer

In the early stages of my career, fear of failure hindered my progress. However, a mentor's advice reshaped my mindset: “Embrace failure as a stepping-stone to success.” This pivotal shift liberated me from fear, enabling me to take bold risks and learn from setbacks. Embracing failure as a motivation for growth propelled my career forward, fostering resilience and innovation. 
The lesson is clear: failure is not a roadblock but a vital part of the journey to success. By reframing setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, individuals can overcome fear, embrace challenges, and unlock their potential in their careers and beyond.

Riley Beam · Answer

As a managing attorney specializing in personal injury law, the most valuable piece of advice I ever received came from a seasoned attorney I worked with early on. He told me to develop two opposing skills at the same time: thick skin and empathy.
The thing is, the legal system isn't always kind. Insurance companies can be aggressive, opposing counsel can play hardball, and court battles can be grueling. That's where the thick skin comes in. You need to be able to navigate these challenges, advocate fiercely for your clients, and not let the tactics of others get you down. 
At the same time, our clients are going through some of the toughest times of their lives. They're often dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burdens due to someone else's negligence. You have to be able to understand their struggles and connect with them on a human level—that's the empathy part.

Clooney Wang · Answer

When I first joined the university to pursue my computer science degree, one of my mentors shared priceless career advice that I still use. The advice was to pursue what most people perceive as difficult and put in the time needed to get good at it. According to my mentor, this differentiated between ordinary people and mavericks in their industries.
That advice served me well when I was undertaking tough units at the university and started my career in tech. Initially, I took up a job as a coding teacher, something that my peers at the time considered a challenging job that was not rewarding or exciting to them. It benefited me because I learned valuable leadership skills and how to pass knowledge to a group of people.
These two skills would become handy as I started TrackingMore. At the time, I needed to help most of my employees upskill so that they were capable of executing their roles. Like with all other endeavors, I did not turn away from it because it was hard; that was the motivation for me. Fast forward, TrackingMore is now 10 years old, and I’ve successfully led a team of coders, marketers, and other professionals to build a top company.

Danilo Miranda · Answer

One piece of advice that really shaped my career came from an unexpected mentor: my boss, who wasn't exactly known for his work ethic but knew how to navigate the corporate world like no other. He once told me, “Don't give anyone any ammunition to take you down.” This advice hit home and taught me the importance of being diligent and thorough in everything I do. It's all about making sure you leave no room for others to point out flaws that could hurt your career.
This piece of wisdom went hand in hand with something I realized on my own: no one's going to look out for what's best for you more than yourself. Armed with these insights, I took charge of my career. I pushed myself to learn more, broaden my skills, and take on new challenges without worrying about the naysayers. 
This proactive approach didn't just help me navigate through complex situations; it also sparked the entrepreneurial spirit that led me to start my own business. These lessons have been the backbone of my journey, guiding me through ups and downs with a clear focus on what truly matters.

Jon Brown · Answer

“You're just a number at work, so don't let it dictate your life” is perhaps the best career advice I've ever gotten. Climbing the corporate ladder can easily cause us to lose sight of the things that actually count. Your company can replace you without hesitation. So, don't let your work and career take over your life! 
Always remember, your loved ones need and cherish your time and attention. To them, you are irreplaceable. Prioritize the things that really matter in life and strike a balance between your personal and career aspirations. Give your best at work, but also be there for your family and loved ones. Don't let your job consume you.

Ahmed Yousuf · Answer

Never let arrogance cloud your judgment. Complacency is a recipe for stagnation, even if you're at the top of your game. The industry is constantly evolving as new technologies and strategies emerge. Arrogance can close your eyes to these advancements, obstructing your growth. There's always someone better. The world is full of talented individuals. Assuming you're the best guarantees you'll miss opportunities to learn from others.
But quite the opposite, if you embrace a lifelong learning mindset and stay humble, you open yourself to continuous improvement, as you will always look for new skills and knowledge to stay ahead of the curve. You will also have more collaboration opportunities, as humility fosters openness to learn from others, leading to valuable collaborations and fresh perspectives.

What Piece of Advice Helped Your Career the Most?