Lighten Up

Andrew Cosslett is CEO of InterContinental Hotels Group, based near London. His career advice to someone who has just graduated from college:

Leave home. Go as far away as possible from what you know. I think you've got to be tested, and you've got to test yourself. Forcing yourself out of your comfort zone is a great learning in life.

The second would be: keep asking questions. There's a lot of perceived wisdom in most industries that hasn't been challenged for years. I've always had a slightly maverick side that actually stood me in great stead.

The third one is have a sense of humor. It's a lot easier to get through most things if you've got a smile on your face. It doesn't have to be a chore. So just lighten up.