Eric Schmidt on the Power of Your Network and Living Life Fully

Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, has had an illustrious career, but he attributes much of his success to the people around him. According to Schmidt, your achievements are heavily influenced by the company you keep, and he emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with interesting and successful individuals.

Eric Schmidt, former CEO, Google

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Success Through Collaboration

Schmidt believes that almost everything that happens to you—good or bad—can be traced back to the people you interact with. His career has been shaped by the brilliant minds he’s worked with, from PhDs in technical fields to innovative thinkers across various industries. He credits these collaborations for his success and encourages others to seek out and engage with people who can inspire and challenge them.

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

But Schmidt’s advice goes beyond professional relationships. He urges everyone to live life to the fullest, taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. This means pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, trying new things, and never settling for just “getting by.”

For Schmidt, this also means not wasting time on activities that don’t add value to your life.

Instead of passively watching television, he suggests turning to platforms like YouTube, where you can learn, grow, and find inspiration. The key is to stay engaged and proactive, constantly seeking out ways to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Work Hard, Play Hard

One of Schmidt’s core beliefs is that the most successful people know how to balance work and play. They work hard to achieve their goals but also make time to enjoy life and recharge. This balance is crucial for long-term success and happiness.

In Schmidt’s view, the real change happens when you take control of your life and your environment. Your ability to adapt, learn, and grow in response to the world around you is what will ultimately define your success.

Conclusion: You Are the Change

Eric Schmidt’s message is clear: surround yourself with the right people, live your life to the fullest, and never stop learning and adapting. The change you want to see in your life starts with you—your choices, your actions, and your mindset. Whether it’s in your career or your personal life, the path to success is paved with hard work, meaningful connections, and a commitment to making the most of every opportunity.

Listen to Eric Schmidt:

Source: Stanford Graduate School of Business "Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman, Alphabet Inc.: Just Say "Yes""