The CEO of Microsoft AI Has Some ‘Sort of Obvious’ Advice for Young People Looking to Succeed

The CEO of Microsoft AI Has Some ‘Sort of Obvious’ Advice for Young People Looking to Succeed

In a world where technology is evolving at a rapid pace and industries are constantly being reshaped by innovation, it can be overwhelming for young people to figure out how to succeed. Between conflicting career advice, shifting job markets, and the pressure to stand out, finding a clear path can seem nearly impossible. But according to Mustafa Suleyman, the newly appointed CEO of Microsoft AI, the key to success is not as mysterious as it may seem.

Suleyman, who co-founded DeepMind, led Inflection AI, and now leads Microsoft's ambitious AI initiatives, offered young people what he described as "sort of obvious" advice: be insatiably curious, put in a lot of effort, and take responsibility. Simple? Yes. However, it is also extremely efficient when used consistently. 1. Your superpower is your curiosity. According to Suleyman, one of the most undervalued qualities in the tech industry—and, to be honest, in any industry—is curiosity. In a recent interview, he stated, "People who are naturally curious tend to ask the best questions." "They don’t just accept things as they are; they dig deeper, explore, and constantly look for better ways to do things."

Innovation is fueled by curiosity. It’s what led Suleyman to explore artificial intelligence long before it became mainstream. This means cultivating a mindset in which learning never ends for young professionals. Keeping your curiosity alive can help you stay ahead of the curve, whether you do so through books, online courses, or simply by asking thoughtful questions at work. In addition, curiosity helps you discover your interests. Instead of feeling lost or pressured to follow a traditional career path, you begin to understand what excites you and where you can make the most impact.

2. Hard Work Still Matters

In an age where hustle culture has been both glamorized and criticized, it’s easy to get mixed messages about how much effort is really needed. “There’s no substitute for putting in the work,” says Suleyman in a straightforward manner. Whether you’re building a startup, climbing the corporate ladder, or entering a creative field, hard work is still the foundation of success. This doesn’t necessarily mean working 80-hour weeks or burning out. Instead, it’s about being consistent, reliable, and persistent—even when things get tough or progress seems slow.

Suleyman’s own journey proves this. DeepMind wasn’t built overnight. It took years of research, countless failures, and relentless effort to reach a point where the company could be acquired by Google and shape the future of AI.

For young people, the lesson here is simple: there are no shortcuts. Success doesn’t come from talent alone—it comes from discipline, focus, and putting in the hours to build something meaningful.

3. Take Charge Right Away Another major point Suleyman makes is the importance of taking ownership—of your work, your time, and your goals. Too often, young professionals wait for permission to lead or contribute in significant ways. Suleyman advises flipping that mindset. “Act like an owner, not just an employee,” he suggests.

Being proactive is part of ownership. If you see a problem, work on solving it—even if it’s outside your job description. If you have a new idea, don’t wait for someone else to bring it up. Leadership doesn’t require a title; it requires initiative.

In the world of AI and startups, ownership is everything. The people who thrive are the ones who act like they’re building the company themselves—because, in many ways, they are.

4. Stay Grounded Despite the Hype

There is a lot of hype in the tech industry, especially AI. Every day, new breakthroughs are announced, and companies race to stay ahead. While it’s exciting, it can also be distracting. Suleyman encourages young people to stay grounded and focus on real value.

“What problems are you solving? Who are you helping? What do you intend to construct that will last?” These are the questions that matter more than flashy announcements or trending buzzwords.

Suleyman has always focused on developing AI tools that are not only impressive but also practical, ethical, and useful. He advocates for responsibility and long-term thinking—traits that are crucial for sustainable success.

5. Surround Yourself with Great People

Finally, Suleyman’s success story is also a story of collaboration. He co-founded DeepMind with Demis Hassabis and Shane Legg—both brilliant minds with complementary strengths. He continues to collaborate with top talent at Microsoft, Inflection AI, and Inflection AI. For young people, the takeaway is clear: surround yourself with smart, driven, and ethical people. Whether it’s mentors, coworkers, or collaborators, the people you work with can elevate your thinking, challenge you to grow, and help you build things bigger than yourself.

In Conclusion

Mustafa Suleyman’s advice may sound simple—be curious, work hard, take ownership—but its impact is profound. These traits aren’t tied to technical skills or degrees; they’re mindset-driven. And that means anyone, regardless of background, can cultivate them.

In a rapidly changing world, these “sort of obvious” values might just be the secret sauce to long-term success. Remember that curiosity, effort, and ownership are timeless tools that never go out of style, whether you're starting a startup, starting your first job, or still figuring out your path.