"You can do anything you set your mind to..." - Jeff Weiner

A must read Article for every young person:

With August's arrival, I’m reminded that life is about change and that time is a limited resource. In a few weeks, many of us will transition out of our internships. We’ll leave with treasured relationships, meaningful project contributions, and a clearer visualization for what we desire in our future. As we go back to campus, we must remember that our career is a journey – one that is unique for each one of us.

Carrying over that thought, it's important to celebrate our individuality and lean into what we each find fulfilling. Along the way, try to understand what truly motivates you. Where did you come from? What experiences have shaped you – for better or for worse? While I haven’t spent enough time reflecting on these questions, I was reminded of their importance in a discussion between our MBA intern class and our CEO, Jeff Weiner. 

As we asked Jeff about his career, it became apparent that success in business is not individualistic – it is a shared experience. Shared learnings, shared failures, and shared financial gains and losses. We also learned more about leadership. There are leaders and then there are effective leaders – and the difference between the two is critical.

At their core, leaders possess remarkable functional experience and domain knowledge. They are problem solvers, who develop a strong set of skills that help them amass greater organizational responsibility. Eventually, they lead a team, a line of business, and someday even the company. At these stages, their responsibility shifts more and more towards others. This is where effectiveness matters. The most successful leaders will naturally inspire and coach those around them. They thirst to develop people of all levels.   

Simultaneously, these leaders continue to learn from and listen to others. Knowledge - whether read or experienced - is invaluable. They consider possibilities and suggestions, especially those that align with the company’s strategic vision. And, they understand that competitive advantages are short-lived, especially in dynamic environments. They encourage intelligent risk-taking with the understanding that some choices may lead to suboptimal results. The key is to learn, iterate, and improve. 

By the end of our time together, Jeff had shared numerous pearls of wisdom and in the process demonstrated why he is an effective leader. While I could write volumes about each of the below learnings, I’ve tried to succinctly summarize them: 

1. A support system is critical to your success
2. If it’s beyond your control – it doesn’t define you
3. You can do anything you set your mind to
4. Operate at the intersection of your passion and skills  
5. Disciplined routine drives productivity
6. You must truly care about people to be a strong manager
7. Always have the best interest of the company at heart
8. Learning is a two-way street - those whom you manage will teach you the most
9. Practice mindfulness and develop awareness  
10. Don’t undervalue the importance of proper rest, nutrition, and exercise
11. Create buffers – blocks of time for thought – in your day
12. Allow others to see you in a natural light, organically
13. Demonstrate to yourself that you have the ability to succeed
14. Fear can be a powerful impetus for self-evolution
15. Dream big, work hard and have fun

My time at LinkedIn has strengthened my belief that each of us is equipped with unique skills and ability to deliver impact. We can unlock opportunities for ourselves, provide for our families, and improve the communities we belong to. Our individual contributions count and there are many problems that remain to be solved.

So, identify your passion, seek out people you admire, and make thoughtful choices – they greatly matter. 

Above all, remember that “you can do anything you set your mind to.”