12 Pieces of Career Advice that Could Change Your Life
The best career advice can come in many forms—from seizing unexpected opportunities to mastering a skill for long-term success. But what truly sets professionals apart is how they apply that wisdom in their own journeys. We asked 12 thought leaders to share the most impactful advice they've received and how it has shaped their careers. Whether you're looking to stand out, build meaningful relationships, or stay ahead in your industry, these insights will inspire you to take action and level up your career. Here is what the thought leaders have to say.
- Say Yes to New Opportunities
- Stand Out with a Killer Portfolio
- Find a Company That Aligns with Values
- Master a Skill for Long-Term Success
- Follow Your Curiosity
- Build Relationships, Not Just Your Resume
- Charge for Skill, Not Time
- Success Is Rented, Rent Is Due Daily
- Surround Yourself with Challenging People
- Focus on Impact, Not Just Steps
- Visualize Your Dream Career
- Build Relationships Before Transactions
Say Yes to New Opportunities
Say yes, even if you aren't 100% sure you're ready for a role or task. Often others can see the potential in you before you're ready to take a step into a new role or take on a new project. When someone asks for your input, for you to attend a meeting or to take on something new the answer should always be yes! They see something in your previous work that lets them know you'll be great or be able to rise to the challenge. Saying yes is a bet on yourself and shows that you want to make an impact wherever you can, and this goes a long way when it comes to your professional development and career. In a previous role I was leading a successful growing team. While completing my MBA I used my personal experience and organization as a case study for my final project. After that I took it to my supervisor and outlined some of the ideas that could be implemented and how it would improve the organization. I wasn't looking for more responsibility at the time but rather looking to help those around me and our clients. After reviewing the details, I was asked to step into a new role created in part based on my presentation. I was building my own job description, creating something completely new and essentially taking on a new director role with no one to learn from. It was scary but was a launchpad for my career growth and set me up for future success and a seat at the table with leadership allowing me exposure to the C-suite within a national organization that was never offered before. Say Yes, take the risk and believe in yourself!
Stand Out with a Killer Portfolio
As someone who's been around the block a few times in the branding world, I can tell you that standing out is key. First off, you've got to have a killer portfolio. I'm talking about projects that make people go "Wow!" not just "Meh." But here's the kicker - it's not just about pretty pictures. You need to show the thinking behind your work.
Next up, network like crazy. I remember when I was at different, I met so many interesting people just by putting myself out there. Join industry groups, attend events, and don't be shy about reaching out to folks you admire.
Now, here's something that's often overlooked - develop a unique perspective. At spectup, we love working with people who bring fresh ideas to the table. Maybe you've got a knack for blending sustainability with branding, or you're all about using AI in design. Whatever it is, own it and make it your thing.
Also, don't underestimate the power of a strong personal brand. Your LinkedIn, portfolio site, even your email signature - they all tell a story about you. Make sure it's a good one!
Lastly, keep learning. The branding world moves fast, and you've got to keep up. Take courses, read books, experiment with new tools. Trust me, it'll pay off in the long run. And who knows? Maybe one day you'll find yourself giving advice to the next generation of branding pros!
Find a Company That Aligns with Values
In my journey, I've learned that finding the right company or role for your first job is as much about understanding yourself as it is about understanding the job market. My key piece of advice would be: prioritize finding a company culture that aligns with your values and offers room for growth. When I first started in the B2B SaaS industry, I looked for companies that not only had a compelling product but also a culture that encouraged learning and innovation. This environment enabled me to develop not just technical skills, but also soft skills like communication and leadership, which are invaluable in any career. Additionally, don't underestimate the power of networking. Connect with professionals in your desired field, attend industry events, and engage in relevant online communities. These connections can provide insights into various companies and roles that you can't find in job descriptions. Remember, your first job is a stepping stone, not just a paycheck. It's an opportunity to build a foundation for your career, so choose a role that challenges you, aligns with your career aspirations, and offers opportunities to learn and grow.
Master a Skill for Long-Term Success
The best career advice I ever received was to focus on mastering a skill rather than chasing job titles or short-term gains. Early in my career, I was told that true expertise opens doors and creates long-term opportunities, while titles and salaries naturally follow. This shifted my mindset from trying to climb the corporate ladder quickly to investing in developing deep marketing expertise, specifically in paid advertising and digital strategy.
I applied this advice by constantly refining my skills, testing new ad platforms, and staying ahead of industry trends. Instead of chasing promotions, I focused on delivering measurable results, which ultimately led to better roles, higher-paying opportunities, and the ability to start my own agency. By prioritizing expertise and impact over job titles, I built a reputation that brought in high-value clients and long-term success. It proved that real growth comes from being the best at what you do, not just trying to move up the ranks.
Follow Your Curiosity
The best career advice I've ever received was to follow my curiosity. Whenever there has been an opportunity that gets my brain engaged, I find a path to new learnings. The career moves that lead to the most fulfillment were never the easiest or highest paying, but the ones where I'd have to learn new skills and apply my old ways of thinking to a new problem set.
Build Relationships, Not Just Your Resume
The best career advice someone has ever given me was to "focus on building relationships, not just your resume." Early in my career, I was focused solely on climbing the corporate ladder and checking off achievements, but I realized that forming genuine connections with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals is what truly opens doors.
I've applied this advice by investing time in networking, both within and outside of my immediate team. I've made an effort to engage in meaningful conversations, offer help when needed, and follow up with people I meet, whether at conferences or through mutual connections. This has led to unexpected opportunities, collaborations, and even job offers that I wouldn't have encountered otherwise.
Building relationships has become just as important to me as skill development, and it has helped me foster a more supportive and fulfilling career. It's about growing your professional network with authenticity and trust, and I've seen firsthand how it can create long-lasting opportunities.
Charge for Skill, Not Time
Charge for the skill, not the time. That was the best advice I got when I started creating UGC content. A mentor once told me, "Brands don't pay for hours—they pay for results." That changed everything. Instead of pricing per video, I focused on what my content delivered—sales, engagement, and brand trust. That mindset shift made negotiations easier and rates higher.
Applying that advice meant walking away from low offers and proving my work's value. When a brand wanted five videos for cheap, I pitched three videos with data-backed results instead. Fewer deliverables, higher impact. They said yes. Now, every project starts with value first, price second.
Success Is Rented, Rent Is Due Daily
The best career advice I ever received? "Success is rented, and rent is due every day." It stuck with me because it dispels the myth that past wins guarantee future success.
I've applied this by treating every day like Day 1 — staying hungry, questioning assumptions, and never getting too comfortable. When I started Constellation Marketing, I saw too many agencies coasting on outdated tactics. Instead of settling, we constantly test new strategies, refine our approach, and hold ourselves accountable for delivering results. That's why we have a 98% client retention rate.
In short: The moment you think you've 'made it,' you're already falling behind. I remind myself of that daily.
Surround Yourself with Challenging People
Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking. Being the smartest in the room limits growth. Seek mentors, critics, and visionaries who push boundaries. Comfort kills progress, so lean into discomfort. The right environment shapes long-term success.
I intentionally surrounded myself with brilliant, forward-thinking people. My network shaped my ideas and business decisions. Challenging conversations helped me see beyond my own perspective. I sought out advice from those ahead of me. Being uncomfortable led to my biggest career breakthroughs.
Focus on Impact, Not Just Steps
The best career advice I've ever received is "Focus on the impact you want to make, not just the steps you need to take." This piece of advice shifted my mindset from simply achieving goals and milestones to thinking about the deeper purpose behind my work.
In my career as a psychotherapist and business owner, this advice has been invaluable. Instead of solely focusing on expanding my practice or increasing client numbers, I've centered my energy on creating meaningful, high-quality care that truly benefits my clients. By doing this, I've been able to foster a practice that values the holistic well-being of clients, providing a space where people feel seen, heard, and supported in their mental health journey.
Applying this advice also influenced how I approach my leadership role. Instead of simply overseeing operations, I prioritize creating a work environment that aligns with the core values we share with our clients, such as compassion, respect, and holistic care. It's important to me that our culture not only serves our clients but also deeply supports my team's professional and personal growth.
To develop my team in a way that promotes this culture, I focus on empowering each clinician to feel valued, heard, and aligned with our mission. I regularly create opportunities for open communication-whether it's through team meetings, monthly lunch-and-learns, or one-on-one sessions-so that each clinician feels supported and can voice their thoughts, ideas, and challenges. These conversations also allow me to better understand what each individual needs to thrive and how they can contribute to our shared vision of holistic care.
As part of this ongoing development, I also actively monitor and adjust to the evolving needs of both our team and our clients. I stay attuned to the feedback I receive from the team and clients alike, regularly checking in to see how we can improve both the work environment and the care we provide. This allows me to make adjustments to our processes, support structures, and professional development opportunities to ensure we are always aligned with our mission and values.
In essence, this advice taught me to always keep the bigger picture in mind-focusing on impact, not just outcomes. As a result, I've been able to create a practice that is not only successful in helping our clients but also one that provides a fulfilling, positive work environment for the entire team.
Visualize Your Dream Career
My advice is to first visualize your dream career clearly and even use a vision board! Understand what it takes and set achievable goals leading to it. Don't shy away from attending workshops and seeking mentorship - they can provide invaluable insights and guidance. Always strive to enhance your skills, as continuous learning is key in any profession. Remember, achieving big goals starts with taking small, consistent steps.
Build Relationships Before Transactions
The key career advice to "Build relationships before transactions" highlights the importance of trust and rapport with clients and partners before business dealings. In business development, fostering genuine connections leads to better collaborations and loyalty, focusing on long-term partnerships rather than short-term gains. For example, in a new market entry, engaging in discussions about shared challenges rather than pitching services first can help establish valuable relationships.
Conclusion
The most successful careers are built on a foundation of continuous growth, adaptability, and meaningful connections. Saying yes to new opportunities can open doors you never expected, while building strong relationships—not just resumes—creates lasting career momentum. Mastering a valuable skill over chasing job titles ensures long-term success, and aligning your work with your values leads to greater fulfillment.
To stand out, focus on developing a unique perspective, prioritizing impact over effort, and charging for the value you bring, not just your time. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and never stop learning—because success isn’t a one-time achievement, it’s something you work toward every day.
