4 Successful Leaders on the Lessons They Wish They Learned Earlier

In reflecting on their careers, four successful executives shared key lessons they wish they had learned earlier.

One major takeaway is the importance of embracing discomfort to spur growth. Staying too comfortable can hinder your progress, and it’s crucial to pivot or seek new challenges when the learning curve flattens.

Another lesson is the value of self-advocacy. It’s not enough to just work hard; you need to document your achievements and communicate them clearly to leaders. This proactive approach helps guide career advancement and ensures you’re on the right path.

Networking is also essential, but it’s important to step outside familiar circles. Connecting with people who are different from you—whether in background, industry, or experience—can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Finally, mistakes should be seen as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. Learning from failure is a key part of the journey to success.

Growth often comes disguised as discomfort, and sometimes we don’t realize the value of an experience until we’ve moved beyond the pain of going through it.