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Advice Quote by Ruth Simmons

“If you are the kind of person who listens to conservative advice, you may do okay in life, but you probably won't ever be a fantastic leader. You have to take risks, and you also have to go against conventional wisdom, because conventional wisdom doesn't make for startling advances in society.” quote by Ruth Simmons
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“If you are the kind of person who listens to conservative advice, you may do okay in life, but you probably won't ever be a fantastic leader. You have to take risks, and you also have to go against conventional wisdom, because conventional wisdom doesn't make for startling advances in society.”

Ruth Simmons

About This Quote

Source Speech: Commencement Address, 2018

Conservative advice may yield stability, but transformative leadership requires risk‑taking and challenging norms.

In simple terms: Risk and unconventional thinking drive great leadership.

Key Takeaway

Embrace risk and question tradition.

Themes

leadership innovation risk

Mood

motivational challenging

Type

leadership strategic

When to use this quote

  • business startups
  • political reform
  • creative ventures

Key Concepts

social change entrepreneurship courage

Questions to Reflect On

  • What risks have you avoided that could foster growth?
  • How do you balance caution with boldness?
A Different Perspective

Risk can lead to failure; not all risks are beneficial.

2.8 out of 5 (9 ratings)

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