I attached myself to a rocket ship 20 years ago, playing a smaller, but important role. Could have done it on my own, but why? Fast forward to today, and my role is bigger than anything I could have imagined.
Surround yourself with driven people early and it will take care of itself. Great advice.
🚀 The only career advice you need:
The actor Glen Powell auditioned to play Rooster in Top Gun: Maverick.
When the role was given to Miles Teller, Powell was devastated. He was offered a smaller role, but declined.
Tom Cruise summoned Powell to his house and asked him:
“What kind of career do you want?”
Powell responded:
“I want to be like you—an iconic movie star. You always choose great roles.”
Cruise shook his head.
“You’re wrong. I choose great movies, then I make the role great.”
Powell got the message. He accepted the role of Hangman—and nailed it.
Now Powell says:
“It changed the trajectory of my career.”
When young people ask me for career advice, I tell them something similar:
🚀 Attach yourself to a rocketship.
Join companies that are growing quickly. Work with people who are going places. Be part of something great.
Play your role—no matter how minor—exceptionally well.
The rest will take care of itself.
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