Whether you are in a professional recession or are ready to finally get that surge, we all find it helpful to hear or read about inspiring advice for career success. From CEOs to billionaires, they have valuable tips, so we compiled the most inspiring tips from 2019. Let their inspiring words motivate us.
Ann Shoket: Networking.
Ann Shoket is the former editor of Seventeen magazine. She is an acclaimed author labeled a millennial woman guru. In a podcast with Career Contessa, Shoket explained the importance of networking:
“Surround yourself with people who understand you. Those who see the world like you and those who are dedicated to helping you achieve and succeed.”
Being able to count on people with the same interests, especially when you doubt where you are or are concerned about taking a new big step, is invaluable.
Bill Gates: Read. And get some sleep.
On a recent trip to his old high school, billionaire Bill Gates explained the power of curiosity and sleep. Gates told students:
“For the curious student, these are the best times because their ability to constantly update their knowledge with podcasts or [online] lectures is better than ever.”
The philanthropist is also a fan of traditional reading and carries a bag of books with him wherever he goes. His love of reading led him to Matthew Walker’s book “Why We Sleep,” which inspired his understanding of the importance of sleep. Gates says he didn’t take the time to rest while building Microsoft. However, he realizes that sleep is essential to success, both in a career and in life.
Jeff Bezos: Feel comfortable with failure (entrepreneurs).
In a speech at the Mars Conference, Jeff Bezos spoke about what entrepreneurs need to succeed in our current business climate. The founder of Amazon said that anyone starting a business must take big risks and experience big failures.
“Take risks. You have to be willing to take risks. If you have a risk-free business idea, it’s probably already being done,” says Bezos.
Fred Swaniker: Learn best by doing.
Fred Swaniker is a leader focused on inspiring change in the youngest continent of the world, Africa. In a recent interview, Swaniker explained the problem with education systems. This interview also serves as a reminder for those seeking to gain professional experience:
“To acquire a new skill, only 10% can be learned effectively in the classroom. You learn best by doing.”
So, to add new skills to your resume, remember that you need practice. This could mean applying for an unpaid internship, attending a workshop, or asking a mentor to help you with a project. Swaniker also mentions: “We do a lot more peer-to-peer learning and hands-on practice through projects, internships, and work experience.”
Moreangels Mbizah: It’s okay to look different.
Moreangels Mbizah is a lion conservationist and her message is simple: no matter how you look, you are as valuable as everyone else. When she goes to a meeting where she is the only native African in the room, Mbizah says:
“I always remind myself that the reason I am in the meeting is that I have an important role to play, and I will do my best to contribute.”
