I was in a meeting last Saturday where a guest speaker inspired the attendees. It was a powerful session and well-spent 45 minutes.

The speaker, a top executive in a consulting firm, espoused some profound insights and time-tested tips for a successful life.

And as she shared these lessons from her storied career, all I could think of was sharing them with you—as I apply them too, of course.

Three major secrets she shared and all three I shall regale you with. Let’s get into it.

This nugget will remove all limitations (real and imagined)

In her words, the first success secret is this: you’re not too young to lead.

I know most members of my community are below 40. And it’s not uncommon for those of us in my age group to think we’re not old enough to be a leader. There’s nothing further from the truth.

The guest speaker became a director in a multinational company at 37. At the time, she led effectively tens of people, some of which were older than her. If anything, this shows that you don’t have to grow grey hairs to become a leader and lead people right.

Sure, having a lot of years behind you make for more perspective. But thankfully, you can learn from the experience of others.

Coaching, mentoring and distilled wisdom in the form of books are some ways you could leverage to lead better, regardless of your age.

So, dear friend, you’re old enough to lead and lead right your team, department, division or even the entire firm. Ditto your own startup or organisation.

You don’t have to be 50 to fill a director role or 60 to be a CEO.

Don’t run away from leadership just because you’re young. Once you’re competent and qualified, go for it. Welcome the challenge with the conviction and desire to succeed in that role.

Do this to keep growing all through your lifetime

Here is the second success secret in the speaker’s words: you’re not too old to learn.

In her case, she changed careers at 40, switching from marketing to consulting. Today, she’s almost 60 and has risen to the top in that new career too. Impressive, huh?

She credits her success largely to her teachability as well as a willingness and readiness to learn. She had to humble herself to learn from those ahead of her in the new career, some of whom were younger and had less cumulative work experience than her.

The lesson: keep learning, regardless of your age. You stop growing when you stop learning, whether you’re 20 or 80.

Learn from books, peers, seniors and even subordinates. Galileo Galilei once said he never met a man he couldn’t learn a thing or two from. Such wisdom!

In an age where information becomes outdated by the hour, you can’t afford to shut the door on your learning endeavours.

A failure to learn is the highway to oblivion.

What’s more? With learning comes the joy of discovery and the priceless benefits of education.

The one factor that makes you invincible

Have a strong support system—this is the third and last success secret. You can’t possibly achieve success alone. All success happens in the context of relationships.

You need the support of other people to attain your goals and reach those lofty heights you have set for yourself. And you’re only as strong as your support system.

With a good support setup, you’re invincible. Without it, you’re as good as invisible.

And no better way to build a robust support system than by cultivating valuable relationships.

Offer real value to members of your network, especially your inner circle. Show up for them when they need you. Respect them and your relationship with them.

Don’t break their trust in you and your promise to them. Always hold up your side of the bargain. Pay them what they are owed.

Appreciate their commitment to you. Be a constant to them in a world of variables. Honour them too.

Your support system could comprise of your friends, siblings, colleagues, parents, and certainly, spouse (if any).

These people will enable, empower, uplift, celebrate, encourage, inspire, comfort, protect, serve, care for and love you. Value them and they’ll support you.

In short…

You position yourself favourably for success when you realise you’re neither too young to lead nor too old to learn.

And always remember that with a good support system, you can achieve your wildest dreams and lead a truly fulfilled life.

You can do it. It’s in you.

Let me know your thoughts in the comment section or let’s talk here. You can also join my inner circle to receive insights like this and other useful updates directly in your email.