Best career advice from some of the most powerful women in the world

| 19 Dec 2017

Career advice from some of the most powerful women in the world. While they are meant for women who want to follow in their footsteps to achieve career success, we feel they are sound advice for all. Here's our pick from the World Economic Forum article on career advice from Fortune's Most Powerful Women list.

Be your authentic self

“When I was being considered for a senior role, I was told on an evaluation to avoid wearing pink because it made me look too ‘girlish’… Indirectly, I was told my femininity was a barrier. Because of my outward appearance, they couldn’t see my internal strength. Regardless, I fought back and got the job. Ever since then, I’ve made it a point to wear pink.”

- Karen Lynch, President, Aetna

 

Confidence is key

“Raise your hand, take risks, and don’t fear failure—it’s one of the biggest impediments to success.”

- Cathy Engelbert, CEO, Deloitte

 

Be open to opportunities

“Be prepared to spot growth opportunities when they present themselves—because they are the key learning opportunities. You’ll know because they make you uncomfortable, and your initial impulse may be that you’re not ready. But remember: Growth and comfort never co-exist.”

- Ginni Rometty, Chairman, President, and CEO, IBM

 

Surround yourself with good people

“You are only ever as good as the team you build, so be a talent magnet and surround yourself with the best and the brightest.”

- Marianne Lake, CFO, J.P. Morgan Chase

 

Find the right balance for you

“You won’t likely have the same plan in a few years that you have today. Life and priorities change—and so will your choices.”

- Amy Hood, EVP and CFO, Microsoft

 

Click here for Fortune’s Most Powerful Women list.

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