Say no more: These are the best—and worst—advice to give to young leaders

The best can encourage and provide new perspectives, while the worst can discourage and belittle. Here is a list of what to say—and what not—if you are ever asked to share your tips

Whether you are an entrepreneur or not, you likely have to make several decisions every day. Some may be tougher than others, but all require a level of consideration. Determining the best choice often comes from experience or based on insights and tips from mentors or peers who have been in a similar position.

A good piece of advice from someone else—be it a stranger or a confidant—can serve as a compass that guides you through life’s storms. Whether it’s to see the light at the end of the tunnel or to invest your energy in what matters most, well-intentioned words can give you new perspectives and motivation.

The wisest words can remind us that we have the power to take control of our lives and to show up fully for ourselves and others. But advice could also be taken the wrong way, especially if they are unsolicited or irrelevant to the receiver’s situation or experiences.

So what are some of the best—and worst—advice that can be given? Young leaders from the Gen.T community weigh in.

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Manisha Wijesinghe

Above Manisha Wijesinghe leads Help for Domestic Workers, a non-profit organisation with a mission to empower migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong (Photo: Affa Chan)

Executive director, Help For Domestic Workers

“The saying ‘pay it forward’ has been advice that I’ve received from many people in my life, starting with my mom,” says Manisha Wijesinghe.

“Growing up in a single-parent household of humble means, I benefited from the generosity and kindness of so many people, often strangers. Every time someone supported me, my mom reminded me that in the future, I should do the same to someone else who was struggling. As an adult, I realised the importance of this lesson, which has become my life’s guiding principle. We are all where we are because someone somewhere has supported, advised or mentored us. Therefore, it is our responsibility to support others in their journeys.”

Anushka Purohit

Above Anushka Purohit started Hong Kong-based Breer, which collects unsold, uneaten and surplus bread, and uses it to brew local craft beer (Photo: Affa Chan)

Co-founder and CEO, Breer

For Anushka Purohit, the worst advice she ever received was to accept the status quo.

“When I told my high school mathematics teacher that I wanted to study engineering and move to the advanced mathematics class, she said those exact words to me while telling me that there aren’t many other girls who have succeeded in this field and that I should prepare to leave it halfway. As a naive 17-year-old, I first accepted her advice and went back home to tell my parents I probably wouldn’t study engineering anymore. It was then that my parents made me realise that I was the one who would need to put in the hard work so nobody but myself could decide whether or not I could do it.

“That’s also when they told me to never settle for the status quo. That's a piece of advice I still hold very close to my heart. If I set my mind to it, have passion and work hard, I can and will shatter any glass ceiling.”

Andhika Sudarman

Above Andhika Sudarman’s education copmany SejutaCita runs an app for students that provides information about youth events (Photo: M Iqbal Arwin)

Founder and CEO, SejutaCita Indonesia and Dealls

In the case of Andhika Sudarman, the worst advice he has ever received was the age-old saying, “follow your passion”.

“Don’t follow your passion. Passion is fickle and fragile,” he says. “It can change and fluctuate with time and experience. It’s great to feel passionate about something, but it’s not a reliable guide for choosing a career or path in life.

“Focus instead on developing skills that are in demand and that you enjoy. When you’re good at something and can see the value you’re providing, you’re more likely to find fulfilment and satisfaction. Feel free to explore different opportunities and try new things. You might discover your true calling in the process. Keep an open mind, work hard and never stop learning. Success will follow.”

Wendy Wijaya

Above Wendy Wijaya helms Proglix, a marketplace for small and medium manufacturers to buy metal and steel raw materials in Indonesia (Photo: M Iqbal Arwin)

Co-founder and COO, Proglix

Wendy Wijaya refers to this quote by the late Apple founder Steve Jobs to help him navigate life: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So, you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something—your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.”

“This quote has been a guiding principle in my life, especially when building my business and encountering people with different personalities. Despite facing disappointment and hitting rock bottom a few times, I realised that every experience and encounter is connected for a greater purpose.”

Melvin Chee

Above Melvin Chee started RPG Commerce, a Malaysian direct-to-consumer e-commerce company that creates, launches and scales brands (Photo: Daniel Adams)

Founder and CEO, RPG Commerce

“Nothing is impossible; the only limit is the one you set yourself.” This advice, says Melvin Chee, has served as words of encouragement for him to take risks and push himself to be better.

Conversely, the worst advice he’s gotten appeared to have come as an attempt to curb his potential. “The worst I’ve heard is that I am too young, inexperienced or poor to start something,” he says, to which he counters by saying that “age, experience and financial circumstances should not be barriers to pursuing one’s dreams and ambitions.”

“Anyone can succeed with the right mindset, skills and support. Starting small and taking calculated risks can lead to big rewards, so believe in yourself and don’t give up.”

Raya Chantaramungkorn

Above Raya Chantaramungkorn leads HD, a healthcare and surgery marketplace that connects patients to hospitals and clinics

Co-founder and CMO, HD

“I learned from [author and business consultant] John Demaritini that people will not live outside their value systems,” says Raya Chantaramungkorn.

“For example, if you expect someone who does not value health to take good care of their health, they will almost definitely disappoint you—until they find enough reasons to change. This understanding helps me respect everyone’s unique desires and preferences, not imposing what I think is good for me onto them. This saves a lot of frustrations on both sides.”

Renita Sophia Crasta

Above Renita Sophia Crasta helps lead the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association, which represents the interest of in-house lawyers in Singapore (Photo: Darren Gabriel Leow)

Co-president, Singapore Corporate Counsel Association

“The best piece of advice l've received is to not be too caught up in what others may think about us,” shares Renita Sophia Crasta.

In turn, the advice that the lawyer often finds herself giving to others is that "while it’s important to build towards consensus, never be discouraged from chasing our dreams if that inspires or motivates us, regardless of what others say."

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