9 powerful quotes from successful leaders to kickstart 2025

“I learned the idea from my colleagues at Marvel Studios, including its president Kevin Feige, that it doesn’t matter who you are in the room, whether you’re a junior executive or the director. Everybody listens to the best idea no matter who suggested it.”—Corinna Vistan, content producer

Don’t miss: Filmmaker Corinna Vistan on ‘the secret ingredient’ to creating great stories

“From my experience, when you have a group that is diverse in terms of whether it’s functional experience, expertise, ethnicity, age, and so on, that’s when you get the best outcomes. It brings to life the idea of being greater than the sum of its parts.”—Jenifer Thien, independent non-executive director

Now read: Corporate executive Jenifer Thien says the road to the top is paved with intention

“I feel that if you’re too set in your ways, you may find yourself in a space where you may no longer be relevant and that’s the cold, hard truth that I’ve learned. The sweet spot is understanding the trend but also tailoring it to you, like… your sense of self.”—Maggy Wang, content creator and host of Head of Heels

Now read: Influencing, unfiltered: Jin Lim and Maggy Wang on what it really means to be an influencer today

“My biggest successes have been relied on the collective efforts and successes of the team. In complex solutions and services, there’s no such thing as a hero seller who just signs the deal. It requires deep coordination [between the teams].”—Fan Ho, general manager, Asia Pacific Solutions and Services Group, Lenovo

Now read: 5 insights on fostering teamwork and achieving collective success from Lenovo’s Fan Ho

“There should be some consolation [after you’ve lost], but these things shouldn’t take ages… You have to find a way to bounce, regroup, recalibrate and think about what you should be doing better.”—Kevin Goh, chess grandmaster

Don’t miss: Chess grandmaster Kevin Goh is driven by a relentless competitive spirit

“[T]he main thing I’ve learnt is that I have to just try to keep creating—find time to create and dedicate my resources to that because that’s what fuels me. When that’s not there, I don’t have the drive to keep going. I’ve been learning to live and do this with more intention rather than just letting it happen.”—Shazza, singer-songwriter

Now read: Singer-songwriter Shazza on 6 lessons she has learnt from life in the music industry

“It’s hard to be multiple different people. Sometimes you please people, sometimes you’re this, sometimes you’re that. [In reality], no, you’re just you. Stand your ground.”—EJ Obiena, Olympic pole vaulter

Don’t miss: What Olympic-level athletics can teach us about life: Lessons from pole vaulter EJ Obiena

“I try to create clear routines in my week so that I know when I am ‘on’ and ‘off’ work mode. I am also clear with communicating when I am ‘on’, because I hate being the person that sits on their phone at the dinner table reading e-mails, but saying ‘no, no I am listening to you’.” —Ben Hallam, brand chief, Four Seasons

Now read: 6 insights on achieving excellence in work and in life from Ben Hallam of Four Seasons

Every Thursday, Science of Success takes a deep dive into the principles and practices that drive accomplishment across industries. Through compelling interviews, expert insights, and actionable advice, the series offers a window into the journeys of high achievers. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical strategies to advance your own goals, Science of Success is your guide to unlocking potential and reaching new heights.

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