Leadership Advice We're Keeping (And What We're Leaving Behind)

We’ve all been there. In the middle of a company meeting, during a 1:1 performance review, or scrolling through LinkedIn when the advice rolled in. Maybe it profoundly shifted your perspective, and came from someone you deeply admired – or maybe it had the complete opposite effect, not landing or making you cringe. Leadership advice is everywhere, though not all of it deserves a spot in your professional playbook. Curious about wise words (or anti-wisdom) that were impactful, I asked the BAM team to share the best and worst career or leadership advice they’d received. 

The advice we’re keeping. Some advice sticks with you for all the right reasons. It shows up exactly when you need it, challenges your thinking, and gives you permission to show up authentically. 

• Jane Giuffrida, Marketing Director, highlighted a perspective shift that many of us miss. “Identify someone you respect TWO levels above you and watch what they do. Don’t focus on just one level above. What is someone much more senior than you doing, and how can you emulate it?” This advice encourages us to think bigger-picture and see beyond the immediate next step of our career trajectory.
  
  
• For Julian Paolino, Account Manager, authenticity is key. “Bring your whole self to work” has totally changed my ability to form relationships with clients, reporters, and team members. In addition to giving us permission to show up as our true-selves at work, it’s a strategic advantage that deepens connections and builds trust.
  
  
• Beck Bamberger, CEO, has advice that cuts through the imposter syndrome most battle at some point. “No one knows what they’re doing, so learn and just do it.” Because what’s more liberating than recognizing that everyone is figuring it out as they go – even those that seem to have it all figured out.
  
  
• Courtney Crockett, Partnerships Manager, reminds us of the power of our environment. “Mindset and who you surround yourself with will be a reflection of your work. Ask those who are doing well for guidance, and ask yourself what resonates with YOUR goals.” This approach balances the power of community and your own path.
  
  
• Regina Bernal, Partner at BIG Ventures, stresses the importance of knowing when to pivot. “Better to admit that you walked through the wrong door than spend your time in the wrong room.” The courage to course-correct is more valuable than fighting your way down the wrong path.
  
  
• For Ramel Wallace, Senior Community Manager, there’s a lesson in every failure. “Are you willing to allow loss to give you something?” This powerful reframe forces us to see setbacks as the best teachers. 

The advice we’re leaving behind. Because not all advice is created equal. (Really, sometimes the worst advice comes wrapped in a pretty bow, and sometimes from people with good intentions).  

• Jane called out the problematic and all-too-common advice, “Grind early in your career for a later payoff.” She adds, “If you don’t learn boundaries early on, you’ll have no practice with knowing what your boundaries are or how to set them.” Beck echoed this as some of the worst advice she’s also received, “You have to put in your dues? That’s old school B.S. that some haven’t let go of.”
  
  
• Julian warned about the dangers of inauthenticity. “Fake it ‘til you make it.” This approach from a former mentor made client calls feel like something to get through rather than valuable strategy sessions.
  
  
• Jenny Bourne, Account Director, highlights how misaligned values can lead to bad advice. When she informed a former colleague that they’d published false information, the response was, “But look how much traffic we’re getting!” Your end goal should never outweigh integrity.
  
  
• Courtney’s worst advice? “Fight to the top, sacrifice, and don’t tell your coworkers anything about your personal life.” Toxic competition and being cut throat in the workplace sounds like a classic playbook from the past – and that’s exactly where it should be left. Meaningful connections in the workplace and being a true team-player make winning more obtainable and purposeful. 
  
  
• Jill Veglahn, Head of People, was once told, “Don’t talk about those things (i.e. identity, humanity, individual lived experience, race, gender, disability, social justice) at work. Let work be work.” The separation of work and being human creates environments where people feel they have to wear a mask – directly contradicting Julian’s best advice.
  
  
• Ramel’s worst advice attempted to dim his light. “Play it safe.” Such limiting advice can kill aspirations and confidence in the workplace. Instead, encourage the risks and learnings that lead to growth.
  
  
• And fighting for a top spot in the worst advice ever received? Regina was once advised to “stay quiet and just make the big boss look good.” This outdated advice overlooks individual contributions and reinforces harmful stereotypes that have no place in the modern workplace. 

True leadership isn’t about blindly following those before you. True leadership knows what to embrace and what to leave behind. The best guidance encourages us to lead with integrity, authenticity, and a willingness to learn and evolve. As we continue in our careers, holding on to wisdom that challenges and inspires us is essential – anything that asks us to shrink or compromise our values should be let go.