In this episode, we’re joined by workplace culture expert and Forbes HR Council contributor Tia Smith, author of the powerful new book, 10 Brutal Career Truths Every College Student Should Know.

Drawing from 25+ years in HR and leadership, Tia breaks down the unspoken realities of the professional world that most young adults aren’t taught in school. Her book is a no-fluff, practical roadmap for navigating early career decisions with confidence, clarity, and resilience.

From the myth of work-life balance to why emotional intelligence will take you further than GPA, Tia shares hard-earned wisdom on what it really takes to succeed—not just land a job. Whether you're a student, a recent grad, or a parent trying to prepare your teen, this conversation is full of actionable advice you won't find in a college syllabus.

Here’s a sneak peek at the 10 brutal truths Tia unpacks in the book—each one rooted in real-world experience and designed to help young professionals avoid common missteps and gain a competitive edge:

1. Relationship Building is Often More Influential Than Performance
2. → Talent matters, but who you know—and how you show up in those relationships—can open more doors than skills alone.
3. Feedback is More Valuable Than Praise
4. → Compliments feel good, but it's honest feedback that drives real growth and career development.
5. Balance is Harder as You Climb Higher
6. → The more responsibility you take on, the more intentional you’ll need to be about protecting your time and energy.
7. Visibility is as Important as Ability
8. → Quiet excellence isn’t always enough; being seen and heard matters just as much as being capable.
9. Your Soft Skills Often Outweigh Your Hard Skills
10. → Communication, empathy, and collaboration are long-term differentiators in a world full of smart people.
11. Culture Fit Can Trump Competence
12. → Even top performers can struggle if their values don’t align with their organization’s culture.
13. The Risk of Burnout is Real and Ever-Present
14. → Success shouldn’t come at the expense of your well-being. Burnout is common—but preventable.
15. Adaptability is More Critical Than Expertise
16. → Being coachable and open to learning will outpace deep-but-rigid knowledge every time.
17. Promotions Don’t Always Lead to Happiness
18. → Bigger roles and titles don’t guarantee fulfillment. Know what success really means to you.
19. Mentorship is a Two-Way Street
20. → The best career relationships are reciprocal, and both sides grow when mentorship is approached with intention.

Interested in purchasing a copy of the book? Click here for Tia's Stan Store!

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