2025’s Top Commencement Speakers Share Unmissable Career Wisdom

The Best Career Advice From 2025’s Commencement Speakers

This year’s commencement speakers, from the Eagles’ A.J. Brown to Kermit the Frog, focused on the personal skills needed to thrive in today’s challenging times. Their advice is not just for Gen Z but for anyone looking to navigate the evolving job market.

A.J. Brown: Success Isn’t Owned, It’s Rented

University of Mississippi, May 10

Super Bowl champion A.J. Brown reminded graduates that success is rented, not owned. It requires constant effort, self-awareness, and learning from mistakes. "Your discipline is your product, your name is your brand, your habits are your investments," he said.

Sal Khan: Curate Your Stress

Carnegie Mellon University, May 11; John Hopkins University, May 22

Khan Academy founder Sal Khan advised graduates to curate their stress. "It’s a privilege to have the kind of problems that come with growth," he said. Taking breaks and balancing work with personal passions can lead to greater creativity and success.

Daniel Lubetzky: Youth Is a Mindset

University of California - Berkeley, May 20

KIND Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky encouraged graduates to embrace their youth as a mindset. "Every one of us can train our mind to stay young and deploy the superpowers of youth," he said, emphasizing grit, fearlessness, and creativity.

Elizabeth Banks: There Is More Than Just One Pie

University of Pennsylvania, May 19

Actress and entrepreneur Elizabeth Banks urged graduates to avoid a zero-sum mindset. "Take yourself out of that mindset," she said. Instead, create your own opportunities and inspire others to do the same.

Jessica Livingston: How to Get Ambitious Plans

Bucknell University, May 18

Y Combinator cofounder Jessica Livingston advised graduates to reinvent themselves. "You can go in any direction now," she said, highlighting the importance of curiosity and networking.

Al Roker: Never Forget Your Day Job

Siena College, May 18

The Today Show’s Al Roker reminded graduates to stay grounded. "Resist the temptation to chase viral overnight," he said, stressing the value of truth and hard work.

Martina Cheung: Collect Experiences Over Promotions

George Mason University, May 15

S&P Global CEO Martina Cheung encouraged graduates to collect experiences, not promotions. "If something is interesting, go for it," she said, emphasizing the long-term benefits of diverse roles.

Elliot Grainge: Inexperience Is a Superpower

Northeastern University, May 11

Atlantic Music Group CEO Elliot Grainge told graduates that inexperience is a superpower. "People are going to underestimate you," he said. "That’s not your liability, it’s your advantage."

Grant Hill: Close the Gap Between What Is Said and What Is Done

Duke University, May 11

Basketball Hall of Famer Grant Hill urged graduates to live their values. "The world doesn’t need more promises, it needs people who keep them," he said.