If I Knew Then Advice on careers, finance, and life from Harvard Business School's Class of 1963

Marriage is an 80–20 partnership, on both sides. If you each understand that, you always go out of your way to please your spouse. When both partners do that, you have a happy marriage.

The greatest gift you can give your children is to love one another.

Success can be fleeting. Don’t let it define you. 

Friends and family become increasingly important as you grow older. Make sure you cultivate them when you are young.

Happiness is the best measure of success.

Money is important to provide the lifestyle you seek, but being driven by money makes for a shallow life. Family and friends are far more important.

To be a good leader:

• Set the example
  
• Work to obtain total buy-in to the vision
  
• Communicate often — both the good and bad news
  
• Celebrate success
  
• Treat others as you wish to be treated
  
• Hire the best people you can find and let them run

• Not all decisions turn out well. Be prepared to deal with problems over which you have no control.
  
• Almost everything will require more money and more time than you think.
  
• Never settle for “good enough.” Always strive for excellence.
  
• Set high expectations for yourself and those with whom you work.
  
• Move quickly to deal with people issues.
  
• Hiring smart, driven people is a ticket to your own success.
  

Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Have lots of love in your heart.
Keep a positive attitude.

Hard work is not only necessary for success, it is also the only source of a feeling of accomplishment.

A strong marriage is one of life’s great gifts.