4 successful leaders on the lessons they wish they learned earlier

Reflecting on my career journey, one crucial lesson stands out: Embracing discomfort is essential for growth. For over five years, I thrived in one of my roles as an executive focused on innovating processes through technology within banking, relishing the projects and colleagues that enriched my professional life.

Yet, as time passed, I found myself settling into a comfort zone. It dawned on me that when the challenges plateau and the learning curve flattens, it’s a signal to pivot or explore new avenues.

As the team and I began to automate more tasks utilizing technology we would use our time for more strategic projects. However, over time we digitally transformed a significant amount of the organization saving several hours of reporting time per week pushing me to look for greater challenges.

Career journeys rarely follow a linear path from internships to executive roles and zigzagging or even taking a step down the ladder can be a path to success. At each step, there’s potential to gain valuable insights to navigate your career. I spoke to three other executives to uncover the key lessons they wish they had learned earlier in their careers.

Become your own best advocate

One crucial lesson I learned throughout my career is defining your value proposition is essential. Stepping beyond my comfort zone and advocating for myself has been paramount. Looking back on my journey, I regret not recognizing sooner the importance of self-advocacy. I used to believe that hard work alone would attract recognition and opportunities. It took me years to understand that I needed to not only document my achievements and impact but also regularly discuss them with leaders, articulating my career aspirations.

This proactive approach not only fosters more fruitful performance discussions but also serves as a roadmap for career advancement. Until you explicitly express your goals for the future, you lack the feedback necessary to identify blind spots and areas for improvement to reach those goals.

Karen Fraser, director of Products & Technology, PwC

Network with people who aren’t like you

Learning to network smartly was one of my biggest career lessons. I thought I was networking effectively by being involved in my company’s employee resource groups, professional development groups in my industry, and my alma mater’s local alumnae chapter. However, I learned that these networks were too small to sustain the vision I had for myself.

I needed to network with people who didn’t look like me, worked in fields that I didn’t know much about, and were from different socioeconomic backgrounds than me. The “network effect” of this approach not only allowed me to be in rooms I couldn’t previously access, but also created the potential to buy the entire building that those rooms were in, if necessary, to advance my goals.

Christian McKenzie, venture capitalist and director Lofty Ventures

See mistakes as stepping stones to success

Reflecting on my journey as a corporate strategy leader navigating the realms of business, technology, and policy, I’ve come to realize a profound truth: Mistakes aren’t detours; they’re stepping stones. Allow me to share a personal anecdote: Early in my career, I spearheaded a project that didn’t yield the anticipated results. Initially disheartened, I soon realized that failure was not the end but a pivot point. It led me to reassess, innovate, and ultimately devise a more robust strategy, earning recognition and paving the way for further opportunities. If there’s one thing I wish I had known earlier, it’s this: Embrace failure as a friend, not a foe. It’s through our mistakes that we learn, grow, and ultimately excel.

All in all, navigating your career comes with its own set of lessons. Whether you are embracing discomfort for growth, defining your value proposition, networking smartly, and learning from mistakes. Career paths are rarely straightforward. Whether you take a step back, move sideways, or progress forward, it’s essential to be present, embrace your current situation, and enjoy the journey.

Michael Serwadda, chief of staff and strategy director Global Government Affairs HP