Great advice for 2021 graduates

Along my career journey, I’ve learned many lessons about life, business, success and failure.

In addition to lessons learned, I was fortunate to receive great advice from some extraordinary business people and leaders.

As my graduation “gift” to the 2021 graduates, I reached out to a cross section of Northeast Ohio leaders this year and the past few years, and asked them to share their advice to graduates.

I think you will find their thoughts insightful, genuine and inspirational.

• “Be passionate and persevere, don’t minimize any personal connections, be flexible and adaptable, maximize your active learning opportunities, and enjoy the

journey.” — Kevin Knaack, practice leader, Alliance Search Solutions.

• “The quality of your life is made up of the accumulated decisions you make every day, so your daily habits are super important. Start each day no matter how briefly, getting grounded in what’s important to you. Remember that the cost of your good habits are in the present, but the cost of your bad habits are in the future!” — Jeanne Coughlin, president, The Coughlin Group

• “Never underestimate the importance of your voice, thoughts and opinions as they are invaluable to the organization who hired you.” — Ashley Basile Oeken, president, Engage Cleveland

• “Take the time to think about the type of person you want to be. This does not have to be what you want for the rest of your life, but just the focus for right now. Once you establish that focus, invest your time and energy towards living as that person.” — George Sample, assistant vice president of diversity, equity, inclusion, and opportunity for the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

• “I believe that it is very important to give back to the community with volunteer service and do so with an attitude of gratitude for the people that have supported you.” — Nancy Brown, president, Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa/Brown Aveda Institute

• “Build your life around your passions and you’ll never need a job.” — Judie Crockett, owner, The Crockett Team of Howard Hanna

• “Follow your passion. If you are only worried about money or pleasing someone else, you will always be unhappy, but if you follow your heart, you will receive great rewards!” — Judy Burr, executive director, Project Hope for the Homeless

• “Embrace the freedom of your journey to succeed AND fail.” — Mitch Kroll, CEO, Findaway

• “You will receive much advice about what job or career path you should take; remember, there are many paths to career success and life fulfillment, but only you can live your life. Be sure to follow your heart, passions and stay true to who you are.” — Tom Tomasula, chief human resources officer, Bettcher Industries, Inc.

• “How you measure success is a personal journey that changes course many times in your adult life, and the most successful people that I know focus on furthering their personal relationships and how they positively impact others.” — John Bernatovicz, president and founder, Willory

• “Work hard, be truthful, accept criticism with grace, treat others with respect, and take responsibility for your own actions (good or bad). College degrees and/or careers are not entitlements, they are opportunities. The way to achieve success in life is to be confident and always strive to exceed expectations.” — Alyson Scott, president, Fredon Corporation

• “Think of your failures as condiments for the great taste of your success.”— Bill Wills, morning host, WTAM 1100 Radio

• “You are going to make mistakes, expect them and learn from them; they will improve upon your life’s journey.” — Bonnie J Matthew, president/owner, Food for Thought

• “Choose a career and direction in life that you are passionate about. You never want to wake up and not like where you are going to work!” — Timothy A. Dimoff, CEO/president, SACS Consulting and Investigative Services, Inc.

• “If you can figure out what you really love to do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. So use those first few jobs after graduation to figure that out.” — Bruce Hennes, CEO, Hennes Communications

• “Networking is the key to building strong relationships which leads to career growth.” —Christine Weber-Bresky, president and CEO, Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce

• “Learn to manage your time rather than time managing you. Make your health and well-being priority number one - without it, you cannot accomplish all your other priorities in life.” Dr. Roy Buchinsky, director of wellness and corporate health, University Hospitals

• “Be responsive, responsible, and reliable. Never underestimate the importance and significance of getting back to people who rely on you. You would want the same.” — Kevin D. Malecek, director of economic development and international trade, City of Mentor

• “Keep your values high and continuously take on challenges — you will grow in ways that you never thought were possible!” — Kelly Keefe, president, ERC

• “I would encourage you to work hard and remain curious; the momentum, knowledge and relationships you create early in your life and career will set the stage for your future.” — John Gallagher, human resources manager, Component Repair Technologies

• “At every stage of life take the time to celebrate your accomplishments, reflect on your past and build on your experiences, for to truly make a difference and leave your mark on this world you must develop your own plan, based on your faith, morals and a strong work ethic.” — John Forbes, principal, HW & Co.

Incidentally, my advice to any graduate has always been to know, believe and love what you’re doing. When that alignment occurs, you know you are in the right job, at the right place with the right boss.

Best of luck, success and health in the future and congratulations on your graduation!