Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, a source of pride for Malaysia, delivered an inspiring keynote address at Harvard Law School’s 2023 Class Day on May 24th. During her speech, the Oscar-winning actress shared valuable tips for achieving success that resonated with the graduating class, and we believe that all of her inspiring tips could be applied in entrepreneurship as well.
Known for her starring role in the surreal sci-fi comedy Everything Everywhere All at Once, this year’s Best Picture at the Academy Awards, Yeoh shared the lessons she calls: “How to Survive the Fall in Three Easy Steps, by Michelle Yeoh.”
1. Stay Loose
“When falling, the tendency is to tighten up, to brace for impact. But in truth, the safest thing one can do is remain calm, even curious, about the shifting world around you.”
Yeoh’s first advice was to “stay loose.” When falling, she said, “The safest thing one can do is remain calm, even curious about the shifting world around you.”
Reflecting on her personal experience, she recalled a time when her dreams of pursuing a career in dance were shattered due to a spinal injury. However, she credited her school principal for encouraging her to embrace the uncertainty of her future.
“Just like that, I lost everything and vanished into thin air. My school principal encouraged me to “stay loose” and be open to what life might bring. With this awareness came the freedom to make choices I might not have otherwise been able to,” the 60-year-old said.
An unexpected door opened and she took an acting opportunity in a commercial which then led to a career in films in Hong Kong and paved the way for her successful acting career in film.
2. Know your limits
The second piece of advice offered by Michelle Yeoh was to know one’s limits. She emphasized the importance of understanding both internal and external boundaries.
“Internally, knowing your limits keeps you humble, motivated, and focused on a goal to point your finger toward. Externally, knowing the limits that are set to you by others gives you a place to point a different finger,” she said.
Yeoh shared how, in her early acting career, she was initially offered stereotypical roles for demure females. Leveraging her dance training, she advocated for action roles typically reserved for men, which ultimately propelled her to success.
3. Find Your People
“Compassion is the ultimate superpower within us.”
Lastly, Yeoh underscored the significance of finding one’s community. “For every winner, there doesn’t have to be a loser,” she reminded the soon-to-be graduates.
Yeoh pointed out that she and everyone else in the audience stand on the shoulders of those who came before them and should be energized and inspired by those who come after them. For her, this sense of community requires representation, particularly in entertainment: “When we shine a light on the rich and varied world around us, we empower the whole of our humanity. I can see no better reason to wake up in the morning and get to work.”
In her speech, the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon star made it clear that she could not have achieved the success she has today without the unwavering support of her family, friends and colleagues.
Michelle Yeoh’s keynote address at Harvard Law School’s Class Day 2023 provided powerful inspiration to the graduating class. Her advice on resilience, understanding limits, and building a supportive community deeply resonated, offering valuable insights applicable to entrepreneurship as well.
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