As Warren Buffett steps back after nearly 60 years of leading Berkshire Hathaway, much of the conversation has focused on his legendary investing record. But for students and young professionals, some of his most meaningful lessons have nothing to do with stocks or money. One of them is a piece of advice that feels especially relevant today—simple, honest, and easy to overlook.According to a Fortune report, Buffett shared this thought during Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholders’ meeting in 2004, after a 14-year-old shareholder asked him how to be successful in life. Buffett did not talk about ambition, competition, or chasing the highest-paying job. Instead, he said it is better to spend time with people who are better than you.
Why this advice feels so real
Buffett was not suggesting that young people surround themselves with powerful or famous individuals. What he meant was far more personal. The people we spend time with influence how we think, work, and behave—often without us even realising it.If your friends or colleagues are curious, disciplined, and take pride in what they do, those qualities slowly rub off on you. On the other hand, if the people around you cut corners or lack motivation, it becomes harder to push yourself. Over time, these small influences can shape the direction of an entire career.
The uncomfortable side of growing
For many young professionals, this advice can be challenging. Early careers often come with a strong desire to fit in and be accepted. Choosing to move towards people who challenge you—or stepping away from familiar circles—can feel awkward.Buffett’s longtime business partner, the late Charlie Munger, understood this well. As noted in the Fortune report, Munger once said that making better choices about who you spend time with might cost you some popularity. His view was clear: short-term discomfort is a small price to pay for long-term growth.
A lesson echoed by other leaders
Buffett’s belief is shared by many well-known business leaders. Virgin Group founder Richard Branson has encouraged people to surround themselves with those who are smarter than them, saying growth happens faster in such environments. Apple cofounder Steve Jobs also believed deeply in learning from capable people, famously saying that smart hires should be allowed to guide decisions, not just follow them.Across industries, successful leaders seem to agree on one thing: being around strong thinkers makes everyone better.
Even science agrees
Research supports this idea as well. A study from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, cited by Fortune, found that employees who worked near high performers improved their own productivity by up to 15%. Interestingly, the high performers themselves did not lose out—teams simply became stronger overall.The takeaway is simple: people learn by watching how others solve problems, manage pressure, and approach their work.
A small choice with a big impact
As Warren Buffett quietly steps away from leadership, this advice remains especially meaningful for today’s students and early-career professionals. Career success is not built overnight, and it is rarely shaped by one big decision. More often, it grows from everyday choices—including who you choose to learn from and spend time with.Buffett’s message is a gentle reminder: your circle matters. Choose people who inspire you to be better, and over time, you may find yourself becoming exactly that.