Over the years, some lessons are learned through observation, and others are learned the hard way.
Here are seven hard-earned lessons that have shaped my career and can help shape yours too.
The Right Rooms
The best rooms change your trajectory.
It’s a simple fact that one dinner conversation can be worth more than a year of networking.
Soft Skills First
Soft skills are more important than hard skills.
AI will eat tasks, but it won’t replace connection, trust, and storytelling.
Play Long Games
Focus on the long term.
Most careers get derailed from chasing short wins. It’s better to play long games with long-term people.
Compounding Reputation
Your reputation is compounding.
Every introduction you make, or break, compounds either positively or negatively over time.
Manufactured Scarcity
Scarcity is manufactured.
Opportunities multiply when you stop waiting to be chosen and start building your own path.
Obsession Wins
Obsession beats talent.
The people who win aren’t always the smartest. They are the ones who simply refuse to quit.
The Biggest Risk
Replaceability is the biggest risk you face in your career.
If anyone can do your job, eventually someone, or something, will.
Conclusion
These principles aren’t just observations; they are lessons learned through real-world experience and application. They represent a shift in mindset from chasing short-term gains to building a sustainable, impactful career.
By focusing on genuine connection, long-term vision, and irreplaceability, you can navigate the complexities of the modern workplace and build a reputation that truly works for you.