Stay in the Room

Why do you think you're in the room in the first place?

This obsession with always leaving once you're the smartest—it sounds clever. Noble, even. But sometimes, it's just an excuse to run from responsibility. Growth isn't only about learning. It's also about serving.

If you're the smartest in the room, maybe it's because the room needs you. Perhaps you're there not to learn, but to teach. Not to be challenged, but to challenge others. That's not ego—it's leadership.

Leaving is easy

Leaving too soon is easy. It's the humble-sounding exit that avoids the hard work of making others better. Impact comes when you stay. When you take the hits that come from pushing people further. When you hold the mirror up, ask the hard questions, and offer support without needing validation.

Of course, you should keep learning. But if you only chase rooms where you're the dumbest, you'll never get good at being the one others rely on. And that's the muscle that matters most—the one that helps others lift.

Own it

Don't chase being the smartest. But don't run from it either. If you're in the room, own it. Help it grow. That's also your job.