paying it forward

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in life is the power of paying it forward. This philosophy has been a guiding force throughout my career and personal growth. From a young age, I was fortunate to be mentored by some extraordinary people who shared their knowledge and experiences with me, and that’s something I’ve strived to do ever since.

My father, a schoolteacher and real estate investor who retired at 58, was one of my earliest mentors. He taught me the value of hard work, financial independence, and most importantly, the importance of passing on the knowledge that helps others succeed. His example instilled in me a deep belief that success is not just about achieving personal goals, but also about sharing the opportunities that lead to success with others.

At USC, my accounting professors provided me with a solid foundation in business and finance. After college, I worked at Arthur Andersen alongside incredible partners and clients, learning the true value of mentorship. Working with clients like Muhammad Ali and Glen Bell, the founder of Taco Bell, allowed me to gain insights that went beyond the technical aspects of business. They taught me about vision, leadership, and the importance of integrity in business. These lessons were invaluable and shaped the way I approached both business and life.

A pivotal moment in my career came when Glen Bell hired me to run his family office at just 26 years old. It was an incredible opportunity, and the trust he placed in me allowed me to apply the principles I had learned from my mentors. At that moment, I truly understood the importance of the guidance I had received and how it had prepared me for the challenges that lay ahead.

As I progressed in my career, young people started to reach out to me for advice. Friends and colleagues would ask me to review resumes, help their children plan their careers, and even write recommendation letters for college admissions. I found it incredibly fulfilling to be able to offer guidance and opportunities to the next generation. Over the years, I’ve provided internships and job opportunities at my family office, and I’ve watched many of these young people go on to achieve great things. Seeing their success has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life.

Mentorship has also taught me that giving back is a two-way street. While I’ve shared my knowledge and advice, I’ve also learned from the people I’ve mentored. Their fresh perspectives and insights have kept me sharp and open to new ideas. The cycle of mentorship is powerful – it benefits both the mentor and the mentee.

I highly encourage everyone to pay it forward. Whether you’re offering career advice, sharing life lessons, or providing opportunities, the impact you can have on others is immeasurable. Not only does it help those you mentor, but it also enriches your own life in ways you can’t fully anticipate. The more we share, the more we grow, and the stronger our communities become.

About Elliott Broidy

Elliott Broidy is an entrepreneur who has used his extensive experience and talent to found, invest in, and in some cases, manage as CEO, more than 160 companies over his four-decade career. Since 2014, he has focused on technology businesses (including, more recently, AI) in the defense intelligence, homeland security, public safety, and law enforcement sectors.