Life is too short to shy away from taking calculated risks. Each challenge should be met with innovative thinking and bold strategies. When investing, it’s crucial to do so wisely in great assets, but the most valuable asset will always be people. Building strong relationships, nurturing talent, and fostering collaboration yield the highest returns both in personal satisfaction and professional success. True success lies not only in growing material wealth but also in creating a lasting impact by investing in those around you.

I’ve been fortunate to have a career focused on capacity building and training graduates. Often, we overlook the fact that academic work is a form of impact investing. Through teaching, research, and community service, educators shape future generations who, in turn, contribute to building society and the world at large. The ripples of their influence reach far beyond the classroom, cultivating innovation, leadership, and positive societal change.

In both business and academia, it’s clear: investing in people leaves a legacy that outlasts any financial return.