Professionals are always on the lookout for the best career advice they can get. A good job is one where growth and compensation go hand in hand. Great companies are run by great leaders and who better to give advice than those who have made it to the top.
Our jobs are filled with uncertainty and one way to chart your path to greatness is to listen to CEOs share career advice. Whether you are an entrepreneur trying to be successful or an up-and-coming worker, it is always good to learn from the accomplished. Effective leaders are also known to clearly communicate their vision and rally others into working on making them successful.
Here are five of the best career advice CEOs have received over the years.
Although career advice can often induce eye rolls as experiences and environments differ, we can stand by those who have managed to follow through and come out successful on the other end. These CEOs share the wisdom they relied on as they navigated the curveballs of their careers.
1. Kaylin Marcotte – CEO Of Jiggy
Marcotte launched Jiggy, a jigsaw puzzle-based company, in November 2019. Today, it is a multi-million-dollar business. With no investor support, she poured $25,000 of her own money to start the company. She suggests getting comfortable with change and learning to adapt quickly to become successful. The best career advice she received was, “I was once told to always present an issue along with my take on it and a couple of possible plans of action.” Translation – never present a problem without some options for a solution.
2. Walter Robb – Co-CEO of Whole Foods Market
Robb is an ardent advocate of organic produce and previously worked as a farmer and a consultant. According to him, the best piece of advice he received was from his mother — Have the courage to go and do what you believe.’ He states that no matter what career advice we take, unless we pluck up the courage to pursue what we want, it is useless. Robb advises us to be honest in their pursuit of success.
3. Penny Pennington – CEO of Edward Jones
One of the only women to lead a major US brokerage firm, Pennington advises employees to get comfortable with new challenges. As someone who made a mark for herself in a male-dominated field, she says the career advice that has stayed with her is, “Every day, do something that terrifies you.” In her 22-year career, this motto has held her in good stead and helped her become an effective leader.
4. Lo Bosworth – CEO of Love Wellness
For the Love Wellness boss, the best career advice came from her father – Loose lips sink ships. She states that this advice is especially relevant to entrepreneurs. As a founder, sometimes you are excited to share your progress with everyone. However, telling everyone everything can be more harmful than helpful. Bosworth urges entrepreneurs to keep things close to their chest and only share as much as needed, at the right time.
5. Keith E Wandell – Former CEO of Harley-Davidson
“Just stay true to your values and principles.” Wandell is credited with making the popular American motorcycle manufacturer more efficient and driving it towards profitability. Simple and eternal, Wandell’s advice will hold you in good stead, whether you are looking for some in your personal or professional life.
While patience is key, most CEOs share that it is important not to sell yourself short. As CEOs share career advice by the dozen, most can be distilled into the saying, “Be curious.” Mandy Ginsberg,Former CEO of Match Group Inc., parent company of dating apps Tinder, OkCupid, and Hinge is a firm believer in the power of asking questions. She says she learnt it from her mother who told her to open her mouth and ask for what she wants. Even if you do not get it, expressing your desire will have a positive effect on you.
