Organizational leaders work hard to guide their companies with purpose and determination. They exert effort and show strength to reach goals and create a positive impact. Along the way, they learn important lessons, solve big problems and build strong teams. These experiences allow them to offer advice that helps others grow, stay focused and succeed, no matter their stage in life or career. Below are some tips and advice from business leaders that may help you in your career.

Hadi Partovi, Founder and CEO of Code.org

In an episode of the “Too Embarrassed to Ask” podcast, Hadi Partovi emphasized the importance of digital literacy: 

“I would say no matter what field you’re going into, it’s important to understand how computers work and how software works. … Whether you want to become an accountant, a doctor, a lawyer, a politician, you wouldn’t not study biology because you’re going to become a lawyer. You still learn the basics about everything and learning computer science and coding is about as foundational a skill you can learn in the 21st century.”

Richard Ditizio, CEO, Milken Institute

While speaking with Brunswick Review, Richard Ditizio stated: 

“You have to use your voice and platform to push the issues that are important to you as an organization and to you as the CEO. Sometimes, I think we forget the power of one voice to make a difference, but that seems to be how all significant change starts.”

Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF)

At the Lane College 2025 Spring Convocation, Dr. Lomax addressed students: 

“As you move forward in your academic journey, remember that your life has purpose. You are here because of the sacrifices made by those who came before you, and you have the power to shape the future for those who will follow.”

He also propelled students to: 

“…Take full advantage of the opportunities before you … Stay focused. Never forget that the fight for your future is a fight worth being engaged. Stick to it, be determined, persist, don’t let anybody stop you.” 

Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners

Robert F. Smith has been a vocal mentor to early career professionals, particularly those within the financial, technology and computing sectors. During his commencement speech to the 2019 Class of Morehouse College, Smith underscored the importance of pushing boundaries and going above and beyond to become an accomplished professional:

“You great Morehouse men are bound only by the limits of your conviction and creativity. You have the power within you to be great, be you. Be unstoppable, be undeniable and accomplish the things no one ever thought you could,” Smith told the graduating scholars.

Smith has also offered advice to young college students during the 2024 Aspen Ideas Festival:

“I want you to focus on building a set of skills. I want you to think about what are the skills of the future that are going to be helpful, contributory to the communities that you care about.” He later continues, “Start developing the habits and the habits that are helping you to become an efficient and effective member of that community.” And, “Encouraging a dynamic of that constant curiosity and engagement and then building skills and habits that actually can accelerate their career.” 

Stay up to date with the latest from Smith by following him on LinkedIn.