Scott Galloway is a professor at NYU Stern School of Business and a seasoned entrepreneur. For years I’ve worked with my college student clients and their parents on mental health, organization, and optimization and continue to appreciate Professor Galloway’s candid and pragmatic advice to recent graduates and young professionals navigating today’s challenging landscape. Here are some of his key insights I’ve compiled from interviews, podcast episodes, and books.
🛡️ Be Warriors, Not Wokesters
Galloway urges college students and grads to cultivate resilience and strength—both mentally and physically. He advises: “Lift heavy weights and run long distances, in the gym and in your mind.” Early career tasks may be tedious, but treating them as a personal boot camp can set you apart. He emphasizes outperforming expectations: “Don’t do what you are asked to do, but what you are capable of doing.”
My take on this? Hell yeah. We are too comfortable, too safe, and rarely put ourselves into kick-ass mode. Take on big challenges.
💼 Focus on Skills, Not Passion
This is another one I’m a huge fan of. Passion is a fool’s distraction. Contrary to popular advice, Galloway challenges the notion of “follow your passion.” He argues that this guidance often comes from those already financially secure. Instead, he recommends identifying what you’re good at and dedicating yourself to mastering it. This approach is more likely to lead to financial stability and, eventually, passion for your work.
💰 Build Financial Discipline Early
Galloway emphasizes the importance of developing strong financial habits. It’s nothing crazy at all. He suggests that saving just $100 a month can place you in the top 10% of financially responsible Americans. Over time, this habit can lead to significant financial security, with potential savings of nearly half a million dollars by retirement .
🧠 The Algebra of Wealth: Four Pillars
In his book The Algebra of Wealth, Galloway outlines four key principles for achieving financial success:
- Stoicism: Control your spending and maintain discipline.
- Focus: Develop deep expertise in a valuable skill.
- Time: Leverage the power of compound growth by starting early.
- Diversification: Spread your investments to manage risk .
🏙️ Choose the Right Environment
Galloway advises young professionals to immerse themselves in environments that foster growth. He likens this to playing tennis with better opponents to improve your game. Being in a competitive, resource-rich setting can accelerate your development and open up more opportunities.
My take on this? The right environment is being surrounded by the best people in the best zip code. We level up and become the average of those we’re around most.
Final Thoughts
Professor Galloway is having a moment with his podcasts (The Prof G Show, Pivot, Lost Boys, and Raging Moderates), his books (The Algebra of Wealth, The Algebra of Happiness, The Four, Adrift, and Post Corona). I don’t agree with everything he says but I really like his seemingly honest perception on what young adults can do to build a good life.