Former AT&T CEO on what it takes to succeed

Industry leader Anne Chow believes that the lessons we learn in childhood can stay with us for a lifetime, often shaping our paths in ways we only fully understand years later.

For AT&T’s first black female CEO, the values ​​instilled by her Taiwanese American parents became the cornerstone of a remarkable career. Growing up in the Midwest, Chow learned early on that a strong work ethic and commitment to service would be critical to success.

These principles paved the way for him to lead AT&T Business – a $35 billion global operation with 35,000 employees. They also form the foundation of her book, Lead Bigger: The Transformative Power of Inclusiona project he set as a bucket list goal nearly a decade ago.

Chow’s inclusive leadership earned her a place among Fortune’s Most Powerful Women and brought her numerous awards for her impact on business and culture. He is currently a principal director of FranklinCovey, serves on the boards of directors of 3M and CSX, and is a senior fellow and adjunct professor of executive education at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Reflecting on her journey—from Girl Scouts and Juilliard to bowls of Chef Boyardee and buckets of KFC—Chow sat down with Quartz to share five key tips that are essential to succeeding in today’s fast-paced world.

1. Embrace lifelong learning

“Education is everything,” Chow said.

For her, that means committing to continuous growth and staying open to new perspectives beyond traditional academic paths. The skills and knowledge you gain are “priceless and lasting”.

“The things in your life that will never be taken away are your education, your skills, your experience,” she said. “You are uniquely you.”

2. Strive to be your best

Inspired by her parents’ high expectations, Chow advises aspiring leaders to focus on personal excellence rather than competing to be the best. “It’s about realizing your potential,” she said. This mindset encourages personal growth and self-improvement. It pushes individuals to follow their the highest capabilities, regardless of the competition.

One way Chow keeps this advice in check is to ask himself every once in a while: Did you work the hardest?

3. Give back and serve others

Chow’s parents, who arrived in the U.S. with little but a strong desire to help, instilled in him the importance of service.

“To do good, you have to do good for others,” Chow said. This principle involves creating a sustainable and lasting impact on your community.

4. Prepare for the worst while hoping for the best

Chow’s pragmatic approach to risk management is linked to the concept of “immigrant paranoia,” which involves preparing for potential challenges while maintaining optimism.

“Plan for the best, but prepare for the worst,” she said. This approach ensures preparation for different outcomes and encourages resilience.

5. Take advantage of your unique identity

There is power in authenticity.

“You are your own greatest superpower,” Chow said. By embracing your unique qualities and experiences, rather than trying to be someone else, you can tap into your true potential and make a meaningful impact.