At the start of our careers, even the best of us can use a little guidance. The path to the top often seems scary from the bottom. Advice from seasoned professionals can help set you down that path with reassurance, ideas, knowledge that inspires.
We asked 15 Marquis Who’s Who listees what advice they would give to emerging leaders at the beginning of their careers. Marquis Who’s Who listees are some of Americas most esteemed professionals, chosen for their accomplishments and dedication to their fields. Their advice inspires; their insights illuminate.
Read on to hear the advice our members want you to take with you on your career journey.
Invest in your potential
Nothing happens by accident. Growing into a career is a determined choice and success requires measured effort. These Marquis Who’s Who listees know that true progress begins with an investment in yourself.
“Don’t forget to invest in your own growth. And remember, success doesn’t come overnight.” – Brett Rhodes, Attorney at Rhodes Law
“Don’t hesitate to take on challenges that push you out of your comfort zone – these experiences often lead to the greatest growth.” – Parul Saraf, Principal Architect at Google LLC
Stay Curious
You enter the workplace wide-eyed, full of curiosity. As you progress, you may find that sense of curiosity and wonder will fade. Fight to keep it alive. It is a life-long driver of innovation and discovery. These listees know just how important it is.
“I encourage emerging professionals to maintain a relentless curiosity and an interdisciplinary mindset. Delve deeply into your area of interest—whether that’s sensor design, molecular biology, or nanotechnology—and embrace opportunities to cross traditional boundaries.” – Tathagata Pal, Postdoctoral Researcher University of California
“Stay curious, stay persistent, and embrace collaboration. The path of research and academia isn’t always linear, and setbacks are part of the journey.” – Shankargouda Patil, Professor at Roseman University of Health Sciences
There’s No Shortcut
On the road to success, the only way is the hard way. Buckle up and remember to stay disciplined. If it was easy, everyone would do it.
“There is no easy way or shortcut. If they want a real impact, they have to be resilient, hardworking, and focused.” – Onder Erin, Senior Roboticist and Researcher at Intuitive Surgical
Keep Learning
Entry-level or seasoned professional; no matter how hard you’ve come, there is always more to learn. When you stop learning, you start stagnating.
” There is always something more to learn. You’ll never have every answer people are looking for. Be honest about it and get the answer for them. Watch out for people who always have the answer.” – Jonathan Hancock, Neurosurgery Nurse Practitioner at Atlantic Brain and Spine
“Become a lifelong learner venture outside of your comfort zone and think outside of the box learn from mistakes as they are a blessing be humble and ethical and stand up for yourself and what is right. never compromise your principles.” – Mangesh Joglekar, Chief of Clinical Services Division of the Maryland Department of Health
“My advice is to embrace continuous learning and development. The technology landscape is constantly evolving, so staying curious and adaptable is crucial. Seek out mentors who can guide you, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Focus on developing both technical expertise and strong leadership skills, including communication and collaboration. Finally, remember that success is not just about personal achievement; it’s about making a positive impact on the world around you.” – Sonia Ahluwalia, Director of Professional Services at InOutsource
“Embrace a multidisciplinary mindset, stay adaptable, and seek opportunities to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.” – Vanadeep Kaluvagunta, Director International Institute of Sustainability
Stay Inspired
Inspiration is the fuel for drive and direction in your career. It anchors you to your goals and keeps you going when the road gets rocky.
“Find and hold onto what inspires you. Look ahead to where you want to be in 10 years and figure out what you would need to be there. The more steps you can take to build in that direction, the faster you will be able to get there.” – Beverly Kimball, Financial Advisor at LPL Financial
“If you are doing what you love, it will never feel like work. Find what truly brings you joy and then figure out how to make that your career path. The financial rewards will follow, but more importantly, you’ll be spending the majority of your time doing something that fulfills you.” – Lorell Marin, Founder of LEEP Forward
Embrace a Non-liner Path
While everyone wants to stick to the plan, it should come as no surprise that career journeys don’t always follow a straight line. You may take a turn and find that it leads to the richest of rewards. Stay flexible and embrace all of your opportunities!
“I would encourage young professionals to be adaptable and open to opportunities that may not fit a linear career path. Many of my most valuable experiences came from stepping into roles that challenged me and pushed me beyond my comfort zone.” – Ariel Lybarger, Associate Managing Director at Ambipar Response
“Don’t be afraid to try different things—explore, experiment, and pay attention to what motivates you. Growth comes from experience. If you wake up excited to learn, connect, and make an impact, you’re on the right path. And if you don’t feel that yet—keep exploring until you do.” – Lorell Marin, Founder of LEEP Forward
Turn Your Setbacks into Opportunities
Failure is never the end; it’s just an opportunity to learn and grow. Often, it’s the beginning of something even better. Let your setbacks become your steppingstones.
“Embrace your personal experiences and turn challenges into opportunities. Start by identifying real-world problems that resonate with you, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Build a growth mindset and surround yourself with a talented, supportive team. Also, flexibility is key—life and career paths can take unexpected turns and embracing them allows you to grow in ways you might not have planned. Most importantly, focus on creating solutions that make a meaningful impact.” – Brad Pauer, CEO and Founder of Kruiz
“Don’t be afraid to fail—failure is often the best teacher, and it’s through those setbacks that you’ll find your true strength and growth.” – Julissa Soto, CEO Julissa Soto Latino Health Equity Consulting
Closing Thoughts
The paths to success, fulfillment, and impact are as varied as the professionals who walk them. Whether you’re just starting out or navigating your next chapter, these insights from our listees serve as a powerful reminder: growth comes from within, setbacks can be your greatest teachers, and there’s always more to discover. Stay curious, stay grounded, and keep moving forward.
