Скачать или смотреть Lessons I’d Share with My 35-Year-Old Self

If I could go back and sit across from my 35-year-old self, I wouldn't give vague advice like "work hard" or "be patient." I'd get a little more specific. I'd talk about the actual decisions that moved my career forward because those early years matter more than you think.

These are four lessons I learned and still frequently share with younger professionals who are serious about building a real, lasting career in this business. I hope you find these fun and encouraging. Feel free to share with any young, up-and-coming people in your life!

1. Find a Mentor to Teach You How to Grow
Looking back, one of the most valuable things I could’ve done earlier is find a true sales mentor. Not someone who teaches you how to memorize a script or run a sales cycle, but someone who’s been through real-world situations and can help you learn from them.

Being in business doesn’t necessarily teach you how to market yourself, and learning that late is expensive. You need someone you can go to after a tough meeting and ask:
→ “What should I have said there?”
→ “How could I have handled that differently?”
→ “How do I avoid that next time?”

If you're working in a larger organization, you may have access to those people. You just have to look for them. If not, you may have to find that outside your immediate team, but it’s worth the effort. A strong mentor can change your trajectory.

2. Hire a Coach, Even Before You Think You Can Afford It
One of the best decisions I made (and one I wish I had made earlier) was hiring a business coach. I didn’t wait to hire them once I had everything figured out. I’m glad I didn’t wait any longer. A great coach helps you think differently. They push you outside your comfort zone. They ask better questions than you’re asking yourself.

Yes, you might have to invest in a coach before you feel financially “ready,” but when you stop viewing it as an expense and start seeing it as an investment in your growth, your mindset shifts. You grow faster. You lead better.

The truth is, getting uncomfortable is where the growth happens.

3. Take Your Expertise Seriously And Charge for It
Here’s something I wish I’d internalized sooner: Planning is our most valuable expertise. Not the products, the pitch, or even the investment strategy. A good measure of your true value is what you can charge for what you give. There were key moments in my life when I decided to charge more because I believed in the value I could provide. They were nerve-racking, but critical.

Early on, many professionals hesitate to charge meaningful fees, but the reality is that is how you elevate your role. Break the cycle of being the budget option and increase your value. The income will follow.

4. Don’t Just Learn From Conferences—Learn From People
Some of the most valuable insights I’ve ever gained didn’t come from presentations as much as they came from conversations. Make it a point to talk to your peers. Stay curious. Be open.

You’ll learn more from those sidebar moments where someone shares how they handled a tough client situation or navigated a career pivot than from a 45-minute panel at that conference.

Learning isn’t just academic. It’s relational. Make time for it.

In Closing
If you’re early in your career, I hope this gives you a head start.

Find the people who challenge you. Invest in yourself before it feels comfortable. Charge for your value. Surround yourself with those who’ve walked the road before you.

You don’t have to learn everything the hard way, but if you’re willing to listen, ask questions, and stretch yourself, you’ll grow faster than you think.



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